Tommy Banks facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Tommy Banks OC AOE
Senator for Alberta, Canada
In office April 7, 2000 – December 17, 2011
Appointed by	Adrienne Clarkson
Preceded by	Ron Ghitter
Personal details
Born	Thomas Benjamin Banks (1936-12-17)December 17, 1936 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Died	January 25, 2018(2018-01-25) (aged 81) Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Political party	Liberal
Residences	Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Profession	Pianist, conductor, arranger, composer, television personality and former senator

Thomas Benjamin Banks (December 17, 1936 – January 25, 2018) was a talented Canadian musician and politician. He was known as a pianist, conductor, arranger, and composer. He was also a popular television personality and later served as a senator.

Tommy Banks: A Musical Journey

Tommy Banks had a long and successful career in music. He hosted many TV shows that were popular across Canada and even in other countries. These included "The Tommy Banks Show" and "Somewhere There’s Music."

He was also in charge of the music for big events. These included the 1978 Commonwealth Games, Expo 86, and the 1988 Winter Olympics. He even performed for important people like the Queen and President Ronald Reagan.

Jazz Music and Tours

Tommy Banks started playing jazz music in 1950. He traveled all over North America, Europe, Japan, and Southeast Asia to perform.

In 1983, his jazz band was the first one to tour in mainland China since 1949. This was a very special and important trip for jazz music.

Supporting the Arts

Before becoming a senator, Tommy Banks helped many arts organizations. He was the first chairman of the Alberta Foundation for the Performing Arts. He also chaired the music program at Grant MacEwan Community College. He worked hard to support music and theater in Alberta.

Tommy Banks' Recordings

Tommy Banks released many recordings during his career. Here are some of his popular albums:

Some of his recordings won or were nominated for Juno Awards. The Juno Awards are like the Grammy Awards for Canadian music.

Orchestras Tommy Banks Conducted

Tommy Banks was a guest conductor for many famous orchestras. He led performances for groups like:

• Budapest Symphony Orchestra
• Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
• Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
• National Arts Centre Orchestra
• The Toronto Symphony
• Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
• Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

Tommy Banks: A Career in Government

In 2000, Tommy Banks was chosen to be a Senator for Alberta. He was appointed by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. He was a member of the Liberal party.

As a senator, he worked on important issues. He was often the chairman of the committee that looked at energy, the environment, and natural resources. He also helped create Canada's Urban Strategy, which was a plan for cities.

Laws Tommy Banks Helped With

Tommy Banks helped create or support several important laws. These laws covered topics like:

• Protecting national parks and marine areas.
• Protecting endangered species.
• Rules about the environment and border services.

Tommy Banks' Legacy and Awards

Tommy Banks passed away on January 25, 2018, in Edmonton, Alberta, after battling leukemia. He left behind a legacy of music and public service.

Honours and Recognition

Tommy Banks received many important honours for his work. These included:

• The Order of Canada, which is one of Canada's highest civilian honours.
• The Alberta Order of Excellence, the highest honour in Alberta.
• Medals from Queen Elizabeth II for her Golden and Diamond Jubilees.
• The 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal.
• The Alberta Centennial Medal.

Awards for His Achievements

He also won several awards for his musical and television work:

• The Sir Frederick Haultain Prize.
• The 1979 Juno Award for Best Jazz Album.
• A Gemini Award in 1992 for his performance with k.d. lang.
• An ACTRA Lifetime Achievement Award.
• The SOCAN Special Achievement Award in 2010.