*
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    


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Smith and Grezzy

Smith & Grezzy: Big Chat podcast

July 5 • The latest episode is entitled 'Entertainment Post Bag and Talking with Dinosaurs'...


roal

Royal seal of approval for Scottish banding

July 5 • Scottish banding has been playing its part in welcoming the royals on their latest visit to the nation.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd