1983
Ian Powrie
(1923 - 2011)
Born at Whitehouse Farm, Strathardle, Bridge of Cally, Ian began playing violin at the age of 5. Classical studies gave Ian a complete command of his instrument and resulted in him making his first broadcast, playing solo violin on BBC Radio’s Children’s Hour at the age of 12. The pull of traditional music proved too much though and before long he was playing with his father’s band. After war service with the RAF training as a pilot Ian returned to his father’s farm at Bankhead. Presently, Ian took over the band, with his brother Bill on button box and sister Mary on piano, and made his first broadcast as a bandleader in April 1949. The Ian Powrie Band, with Jimmy Blue replacing Bill, became a popular attraction, travelling all over the UK. When the band turned professional in 1960 it became one of the mainstays on BBC Television’s iconic White Heather Club, appearing on eighty-six of its one hundred show run. Ian also became Musical Director for entertainer Andy Stewart.
Ian Powrie
(1923 - 2011)
Born at Whitehouse Farm, Strathardle, Bridge of Cally, Ian began playing violin at the age of 5. Classical studies gave Ian a complete command of his instrument and resulted in him making his first broadcast, playing solo violin on BBC Radio’s Children’s Hour at the age of 12. The pull of traditional music proved too much though and before long he was playing with his father’s band. After war service with the RAF training as a pilot Ian returned to his father’s farm at Bankhead. Presently, Ian took over the band, with his brother Bill on button box and sister Mary on piano, and made his first broadcast as a bandleader in April 1949. The Ian Powrie Band, with Jimmy Blue replacing Bill, became a popular attraction, travelling all over the UK. When the band turned professional in 1960 it became one of the mainstays on BBC Television’s iconic White Heather Club, appearing on eighty-six of its one hundred show run. Ian also became Musical Director for entertainer Andy Stewart.