THE NOMADS
The Nomads were originally formed in 1958 by Bob Weldon Clarke and can be considered as one of Edmonton’s first big rock bands. As quoted by Bob Clarke: I got started in 1958, after I got out of the Air Force. Wes Dakus had his band and I had The Nomads. They were big bands. I had a nine piece. We could play almost anything. We only had one singer, so we did maybe four or five instrumentals and then one vocal.
Lennie Richards was the bands original lead singer. Although the Nomads and the Rebels were in competition, band members switched back and forth frequently, so it is hard to keep a chronological order. In 1964 they underwent several band member changes and are referred to as the Nomads second edition. Suffice to say that the Nomads were important members of the Edmonton rock and roll scene in the 60s. In 1966 they recorded their first album in Toronto and Edmonton. They had radio success with such tunes as Cry Baby, Bittersweet, and Walking Mary Home.
The original Nomads disbanded in the late 60s as members pursued other careers.
Update - October 10, 2010:
McDONALL, Garry Lamar After a heroic battle with cancer, it is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Garry on October 5, 2010 at the age of 72. Garry will be remembered fondly by the entire Alberta music community, and by the artists that recorded at Damon Studios over the past 40 years. As a founding member of the Nomads, Garry lived to play his trumpet and devoted his life to music. Garry will be missed for his passion for music and his mentorship to many recording artists. Garry made dreams come true. Garry is survived by his mother Barbara and sister Carol (Bruce); his sons Glen (Carmen), Darren (Vivian), and Cory, daughter Kelly (Peter), and three amazing grandchildren Conner, Sydney and Quinn. Garry was predeceased by his father Earl in 1998. A tribute to Garry will be held on November 14th from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Sawmill Banquet & Catering Center, 3849 - 76 Avenue, Edmonton T6B 3B9. Please RSVP to garrytribute_yahoo.com. Memorial donations in memory of Garry may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation 11560 University Avenue Edmonton T6G 1Z2.
Published in the Edmonton Journal on 10/10/2010
