Our Music of the 1940s and 1960s -- Who Are They?

Our Music of the 1940s and 1960s -- Who are They?

Our Black History Celebration continues with another revealing look at our distinguished past in Black music. The band Era of the Forties produces a jazz ensemble led by John Richard Adams (a neighbor and elder who lived up Creighton from where I was born) Mr. Adams died on July 15, 2004.

He was one of the best musician ever produced in Nova Scotia and I hope you enjoy seeing the photo of the John Richard Adams Jazz Ensemble.

In this group are wonderfully gifted musical talents, perhaps the best we’ll ever see. From left to right: John Adams, Wayne Brown, Benny Jones, the Hood’s intellectual, Les Bryant, my mentor, Roy Gough and the sweet voice of June White.

In vocal groups we cannot over look or say enough about the celebrated Raindrops, the group who influenced Motown’s musical dynasty and this group was led by the late Herman Peterson, who died January 1, 2006.

The Raindrops are from left to right: Eldon Thomas, Connie Gordon, Paddy Knight and Herman Peterson.

They are the legends in Black musical legacy of our city from the 1940s and the 1960s and those we admire and celebrate today.



“Lift every voice and sing
Till earth and heaven ring
Sing a song full of faith

That the dark past has taught us…
Facing the rising sun
Of our new day begun…”

James Weldon Johnson, 1900.

Well wishes,

F. Stanley Boyd