Showing posts with label John Ellison. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Ellison. Show all posts

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Black History Month Videos ft John Ellison, Jackie Washington, Sharon Musgrave, Viola Desmond

Update of 2021 Post

Historical Bits

  • John Ellison is the writer of the world-famous song Some Kind of Wonderful which he first recorded as part of the Soul Brothers Six.
  • John moved from the States to Canada. He became a Canadian citizen in 2006.
  • He currently resides in Dundas.

Links: John EllisonMore John Ellison StoriesVideo above courtesy of John Ellison - Topic

Historical Bits:

  • Jackie spent most of his life in Hamilton, Ontario.
  • In 1948, Jackie became the first Canadian black disc jockey when he was hired by Hamilton's CHML
  • Jackie was a major force in the Canadian blues scene for decades.
  • He passed away in 2009.

Links: Jackie WashingtonMore Jackie Washington StoriesVideo above courtesy of Jackie Washington - Topic


Historical Bits:



Previous (Automobile Day Videos) - - - Next (Nominees for the 1st Canadian Blues Music Awards)

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

James Anthony Band Saturday Blues Matinee Now at Purple Heather (George Olliver, Donnie Meeker, Lisa Hutchinson)


The James Anthony Band has moved its popular Saturday Blues Matinee to its new home at the Purple Heather in Burlington.  Every Saturday from 2-6pm they'll be performing with a different amazing guest (or guests).



Links: James AnthonyMore James Anthony Stories, Video above courtesy of Caper245

Here's a preview of who'll be teaming up with them in the next little while..

February 4, 2017: George Olliver



Links: George Olliver, Video above courtesy of Word and Sound Music

February 11, 2017: Donnie Meeker



Links: Donnie Meeker, More John Ellison Cover/Stories, Video above courtesy of bigbassbadman

February 18, 2017: Terry Chisholm

No video available

February 25, 2017: Lisa Hutchinson



Links: Lisa Hutchinson, Video above courtesy of neek49

Blast from the Past: James Anthony and Others on Ensemble TV show

Previous (Burlington Post Readers' Choice Award Nominations) - - - Next (Dana Swarbrick & Geoff Hudson Videos)

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Wonderful New Hamilton Video Series: Marz Garage (John Ellison, Laura Cole, Crystal Journey, Alfie Smith)


Hamilton company Marz Homes is a big supporter of the local music scene and now they've decided to ramp things up with a YouTube web series called Marz Garage.  Each wonderful episode will focus on a local Hammertown performer.

Here are the first few shows! Enjoy!



Links: John EllisonMore John Ellison StoriesVideo above courtesy of Marz Homes



Links: Laura ColeMore Laura Cole StoriesVideo above courtesy of Marz Homes



Links: Crystal JourneyVideo above courtesy of Marz Homes



Links: Alfie SmithMore Alfie Smith StoriesVideo above courtesy of Marz Homes

Previous (Videos: The Laws, Jonathan Byrd, Corin Raymond, Lennie Gallant) - - - Next (News Roundup: Radio Free Universe, AIFEC Jam, Jennifer Budd, Johnny Max)

Sunday, September 29, 2013

John Ellison to Receive West Virgina Award

In 2009, Dundas resident and Soul legend John Ellison received the lifetime achievement award from the Hamilton Music Awards.  Now on October 3, 2013, his native city of West Virginia will bring him even more accolades.

The Some Kind of Wonderful songwriter will receive a Because of  You (Spirit of the Coal Fields) award during the 2013 Miners' Celebration.  It's given to honour the heritage of the West Virginia coal fields (Ellison was born in the mining town of Landgraff).

Congratulations

Click here for the Spectator article.



Video above courtesy of NYC Dig Deeper

Blast from the Past: John Ellison Receives Rev. John C. Holland Award 

Links: John Ellison, More John Ellison Stories

Previous (Dawn & Marra Nominated for Canadian Folk Award) - - - Next (New Pearly Jenkins CD)

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

New John Ellison Autobiography

Soul legend (and Dundas resident) John Ellison recently published Some Kind of Wonderful, his entertaining autobiography (co-written with the Spectator's Jon Wells).

His life is an intriguing, incredible story filled with pain, happiness, love, music and cherished memories.

In the book, Ellison remembers his rough early life in West Virginia, where he confronted racism, poverty and violence.

Later on, he also struggled with a blossoming music career.  That path led him to write and record (with the Soul Brothers Six) one of the most covered songs in history: Some Kind of Wonderful. 

This interesting look at the life of a local (and international) superstar is definitely worth reading.



The bio is mainly available for purchase at his website.

Below is a video interview (with a live song at the end) with the performer. Video courtesy of Cable14 Replay.




Blast from the Past: John Ellison (and others) Performing@Stewart Memorial Church

Links: John Ellison, More John Ellison Stories

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Previous (View Magazine Readers' Choice Awards) - - - Next (Hamilton Folk Club, Part 1)

Monday, February 6, 2012

John Ellison Receives Rev. John C Holland Award


Congratulations to local soul legend John Ellison for receiving a Rev. John C Holland Award.  Every year, the honor is bestowed upon significant contributors to the community to celebrate Black History Month.  It was the 16th anniversary of the gala.

Ellison is best known as the writer of the 1967 international hit Some Kind of Wonderful.

Click here for the Spectator story

NEW FEATURE! Blasts from the Past: John Ellison and others performing at Stewart Memorial Church, When Ellison was our Performer of the Week

Links: John Ellison, More John Ellison Stories

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Douglas Watson@Lancaster Smokehouse) - - - Next (Mo' Kauffey@Lancaster Smokehouse)

Monday, March 29, 2010

Our 50th Performer of the Week!: John Ellison

For our 50th Performer of the Week, we've decided to go with a legend: John Ellison.

He is the songwriting genius behind one of the biggest and most recorded soul songs of all time: Some Kind of Wonderful. The classic hit was first performed with his band Soul Brothers Six, where it reached the Billboard Top 100.

Born in Montgomery, West Virginia, Ellison currently resides in the Hamilton area where he still records and performs. He's also been recognized in his new hometown with a Hamilton Music Award nomination.

In addition to his amazing music, the singer spends time as a businessman running the Some Kind of Wonderful Food and Restaurant Companies.