On New Year’s Eve, at 11:41 pm, Vancouver lost a musical icon, and the Big Band era lost one of its last remaining original band leaders. Dal Richards, founder and leader of the Dal Richards Orchestra, passed away at his home in Vancouver, BC at the age of 97.
Dal Richards was a saxophone and clarinet player, who likely wouldn’t have started playing an instrument at all, had it not been for an unfortunate accident when he was a young boy. That old adage: it’s a lot of fun until you lose an eye, really was turned on its head, because losing an eye is exactly what caused Dal to pick up the clarinet at age nine.
When an accident with a slingshot cost Dal Richards his eye, he was told to stay in a dark room for a while. To keep away the boredom, it was suggested that he learn to play an instrument. The rest is as they say… history…
Richards went on to form a number of bands throughout his nearly eight decade-long career. The bands ranged in style from Big Bands, to German polka bands.
In a career full of milestones, he is one of only a handful of musicians (are there any others?) who can say that he played 79 consecutive New Year’s Eve shows. As a matter of fact, he was booked to play his 80th on the evening he died. But in November, when Dal Richards became ill, he decided rather than take a chance and not do a show well, he would rather cancel it.
That’s just the kind of musician he was: A consummate performer to the end. He even checked himself out of the hospital this past Christmas to play a gig at the Vancouver Club.
The following interview aired yesterday on a provincial TV channel and features one of the Dal Richard Orchestra family members. Diane Lines is a piano player and vocalist for the band. She provides some insight into the band, and the musical life and times of Dal Richards.
There are a number of videos on YouTube of the Dal Richards Orchestra. While looking through them this morning, I found one which features another famous Vancouver Big Band leader. The third song in this video features a very young Michael Bublé, performing Mack The Knife with Dal’s band.
The first two songs are worth a watch as well, since they show not only how good the band always was, but also some very talented tenor sax solo work as well. Enjoy…
Dal Richards will surely be missed by not only his family, but by the musical and community at large. His musical contributions have been many; and his legacy will continue live on.
Thanks for the history and share Helen. Such a mentor and talented musician. He will be missed.
Yes, Dal’s passing leaves a huge hole in Vancouver’s musical community. But we also need to celebrate a life well-lived, and an inspiration to not only musicians, but to people in general. Life does not stop at 65. Life continues on, and with a positive outlook, you can continue to do the things you love almost indefinitely.