Tommy Banks, born on December 17, 1936 in Calgary, Alberta, was a pianist, conductor, and composer. He started his musical career at age 14 as a pianist with the Don Thompson jazz band. In 1950, he made his jazz-playing debut and performed at Varsity Hall at just 15 years old. Banks hosted several television programs, including Celebrity Revue and The Tommy Banks Show (1968-1983), which featured performances from notable artists like Tom Jones and Tina Turner. In 1996, he released For Dancers Only. Throughout his career, Banks provided musical director for various high-profile events, including the XI Commonwealth Games and Expo ’86. He was also appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2000. Banks received numerous awards, including the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence. He passed away on January 25, 2018.
