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