*
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    


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Sterling instruments

Sterling return at British Open Championship

September 6 • A well respected instrument brand will make a welcome return at the British Open this year.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd