Blanche McInnes
A Tribute to a Great Lady and Esteemed Musician
by Bill Wilkie
With the passing of Blanche McInnes, those of us who knew her, have experienced profound and inexpressible sadness. The many musicians who were privileged to work with her will never forget the subtle harmonies, the exhilaration and the warmth of her music. Her admirers in their multitude will remember her always, their enjoyment in her inspired piano playing. Most of all will be remembered her sparkling personality, her cheery wave and friendly smile.
Blanche was a professional to her fingertips. Talented and experienced, she was accomplished in every field of piano playing. She accompanied some of the greatest international artistes, as well as our own national celebrities, but still she would happily play the humble dance job.
Irrespective of whether the function was in the tiniest dance hall or Gleneagles Hotel, Blanche would turn up in good time, beautifully dressed as if out of the proverbial band box, ready to give of her very best. She was a great trouper and no matter what conditions prevailed, rain, hail or snow, Blanche would be there.
Following a thorough grounding in pianoforte, under the renowned and demanding teacher, Flora McGlynn, Blanche entered the dance business at the age od 15, when she became a pianist with the Les Hart Band in the Pavilion, Perth. Les and his Band were all established professionals from Glasgow and this no doubt gave Blanche the experience she required for her next job which was with the Big Cavendish Dance Orchestra in the City Hall, Perth. There she worked alongside all the big name bands of the day, Ted Heath, Ken McIntosh, Syril Stapleton etc.
She also accompanied such star performers as Matt Munro. All this while still in her teens or early twenties.
In years to come she played with many top Scottish Bands and appeared with many Scottish shows. She was a popular figure in Perth Theatre, where she joined John Scrimger to accompany the Christmas Pantomimes.
It was as accompanist with the Breath of Scotland and the White Heather Club Shows that she gained international fame.
With both companies she undertook demanding coast to coast tours of Canada and the United States.
She also made more than 60 appearances with the Royal Clansmen on Grampian T.V.
Accordionists will remember Blanche for her brilliant work as accompanist in the Bill Wilkie City Hall shows. She also played piano in Bill Wilkie’s Dance Band for many years.
Blanche, whose home was in Crammond Place, Perth, is survived by her husband, Bill, and daughter Jacqueline, to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
Box and Fiddle
Dec 1988 (Year 12 No 3)
A Tribute to a Great Lady and Esteemed Musician
by Bill Wilkie
With the passing of Blanche McInnes, those of us who knew her, have experienced profound and inexpressible sadness. The many musicians who were privileged to work with her will never forget the subtle harmonies, the exhilaration and the warmth of her music. Her admirers in their multitude will remember her always, their enjoyment in her inspired piano playing. Most of all will be remembered her sparkling personality, her cheery wave and friendly smile.
Blanche was a professional to her fingertips. Talented and experienced, she was accomplished in every field of piano playing. She accompanied some of the greatest international artistes, as well as our own national celebrities, but still she would happily play the humble dance job.
Irrespective of whether the function was in the tiniest dance hall or Gleneagles Hotel, Blanche would turn up in good time, beautifully dressed as if out of the proverbial band box, ready to give of her very best. She was a great trouper and no matter what conditions prevailed, rain, hail or snow, Blanche would be there.
Following a thorough grounding in pianoforte, under the renowned and demanding teacher, Flora McGlynn, Blanche entered the dance business at the age od 15, when she became a pianist with the Les Hart Band in the Pavilion, Perth. Les and his Band were all established professionals from Glasgow and this no doubt gave Blanche the experience she required for her next job which was with the Big Cavendish Dance Orchestra in the City Hall, Perth. There she worked alongside all the big name bands of the day, Ted Heath, Ken McIntosh, Syril Stapleton etc.
She also accompanied such star performers as Matt Munro. All this while still in her teens or early twenties.
In years to come she played with many top Scottish Bands and appeared with many Scottish shows. She was a popular figure in Perth Theatre, where she joined John Scrimger to accompany the Christmas Pantomimes.
It was as accompanist with the Breath of Scotland and the White Heather Club Shows that she gained international fame.
With both companies she undertook demanding coast to coast tours of Canada and the United States.
She also made more than 60 appearances with the Royal Clansmen on Grampian T.V.
Accordionists will remember Blanche for her brilliant work as accompanist in the Bill Wilkie City Hall shows. She also played piano in Bill Wilkie’s Dance Band for many years.
Blanche, whose home was in Crammond Place, Perth, is survived by her husband, Bill, and daughter Jacqueline, to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
Box and Fiddle
Dec 1988 (Year 12 No 3)