John C. "Johnny" Knorr (May 24, 1921 in Crissey, Ohio – August 29, 2011) was a musician and bandleader.
Career edit
After World War II, Knorr played with several traveling bands.[1] In 1960, he formed his own band. He has shared the stage with Bobby Vinton, Helen O'Connell, Johnny Desmond and played for Bob Hope.[2]
Knorr has been acknowledged for his work to repopularize big band music. For his efforts, he was recognized by Big Bands Magazine in 1984, received an award from the United States Postal Service in 1996, and, later that year, the mayor of Toledo honored him. He also received the People's Choice Award for Performing Arts in 1997 and was inducted into the Lake Erie West Hall of Fame in 1999.[3]
Personal life edit
Knorr grew up in Toledo, where he learned the violin in school. He was married to Jane Hammer and had two children, Janice and Jerry Knorr. He died age 90 after a battle with leukemia.[1] His son Jerry took the lead of the orchestra after his death.[4]
References edit
- ^ a b "Johnny Knorr, 1921-2011: Saxophonist founded dance band in 1960". The Toledo Blade. 2011-08-30. Retrieved 2015-10-25.
- ^ Weber, Ann (2005-07-28). "Johnny Knorr band celebrates 45 years". The Toledo Blade. Retrieved 2015-10-25.
- ^ "Classic Big Band Sound of Johnny Knorr and Orchestra in Bryan July 28". The Bryan Times. 2001-07-05. Retrieved 2015-10-25.
- ^ Hendel, Barbara (2015-09-06). "And the band played on". The Toledo Blade. Retrieved 2015-10-25.