Dal Richards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dal Richards
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Richards in March 2009
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Dallas Murray Richards |
| Born | January 5, 1918 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Origin | Vancouver |
| Died | 31 December 2015 (aged 97) Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | conductor, clarinetist, saxophonist, baus |
| Years active | 1940–2015 |
Dallas Murray "Dal" Richards was a famous Canadian musician. He was known as a "big band" leader. Dal Richards was born on January 5, 1918, and he passed away on December 31, 2015. He was also honored with the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia. These awards are very important for Canadians who have made a big difference.
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Who Was Dal Richards?
Dal Richards was a talented musician who led his own "big band." A big band is a large group of musicians who play jazz music. They often feature instruments like trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and a rhythm section. Dal was a conductor, meaning he directed the band. He also played the clarinet and saxophone.
A Long Career in Music
Dal Richards had a very long career in music. He started playing professionally in 1940. He continued to perform and lead his band for 75 years, until his passing in 2015. This makes him one of Canada's longest-serving bandleaders.
Dal Richards on the Radio
For many years, Dal Richards and his band were famous on CBC Radio. They had a weekly show that was heard all across Canada. This show was broadcast live from the Panorama Roof Ballroom at the Hotel Vancouver. Imagine listening to live music from a fancy hotel every week!
Even later in his life, Dal continued to share his love for music. In 2012, he hosted a weekly one-hour show on the radio station CISL. He truly loved sharing big band music with his fans.
The BC Lions Song
Dal Richards is also connected to the BC Lions football team. The BC Lions are a professional football club in British Columbia. Their team's fight song is called "Roar You Lions Roar." This song is played to cheer on the team during games. Many people believe that Dal Richards wrote the words for this famous song. The music for the song comes from an older tune called "I Love the Sunshine of Your Smile."
A Canadian Legend
Dal Richards was a true legend in Canadian music. He brought joy to many people through his live performances and radio shows. His dedication to music and his long career made him a beloved figure. He will always be remembered for his contributions to big band music in Canada.
