*
banner

Death of Ken Johnson

The death has been reported of the highly respected former player and conductor Ken Johnson.

Grimethorpe
 

4BR has been informed of the death of the highly respected player, teacher and conductor Ken Johnson, who died on Tuesday 3rd June, aged 86.

He leaves a wife Alice, sons Alan and Malcolm and daughter Diane.

Playing career

Ken Johnson’s playing career started in the Salvation Army in Hemsworth before progressing through Hemsworth Colliery and Upton Colliery Bands.

He was a member of the Ransome & Marles Band that won the British Open Championship in 1951 directed by Eric Ball, before he joined Grimethorpe Colliery Band on soprano cornet under the direction of George Thompson.

Success

His conducting career started on a similar route, through Hemsworth and Upton Colliery Bands, before taking over Grimethorpe Colliery Junior Band, who he led to the Spring Festival Junior Shield in 1964.

He later moved to Brodsworth Colliery and Askern Colliery Bands, where he also enjoyed a great deal of success, leading Askern to the National Third Section and Senior Trophy titles in 1980 as well as CISWO Mineworkers titles and Area titles with both bands.

Five decades

In total, his conducting career, which also included spells with the likes of Cresswell Colliery, Hatfield Main and Rossington, spanned five decades — starting in 1959 and ending in 1997.

Respected teacher

Ken was also a highly respected brass teacher. Many fine players benefitted from his experience and tuition, not least Richard Marshall, who later became principal cornet of both Grimethorpe Colliery and Black Dyke.

His own son Alan played cornet in the British Army with the 13th/18th Royal Hussars for 22 years, whilst his daughter Diane, also played cornet in the bands he conducted and supported him greatly over the years, none more so than during her father’s long period of illness.

his conducting career, which also included spells with the likes of Cresswell Colliery, Hatfield Main and Rossington, spanned five decades — starting in 1959 and ending in 19974BR

Funeral details

Funeral details will follow and anyone wishing to play for a memorial band during the service is requested to contact Stan Lippeatt (Ken’s nephew) on stan.lippeatt@btinternet.com

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Cheltenham

Cheltenham judges confirmed

July 25 • The judges tasked with picking the winners at the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals have been announced.


Sold Out

National Youth Band sells out in London

July 25 • Its returns only if you wish to enjoy the NYBBGB in London next month with tickets going fast for the Childrens' Band too.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues to reach out to new audiences

July 25 • The Italian Band was joined by trombone soloist Andrea Conti for a festival performances in heart of Tuscany.


NYBBS

Perth ready for trio of NYBBS music makers

July 25 • Perth Concert Hall will host the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland later today — so if you are around why not pop along and enjoy them showcasing their talents.


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd