Pam Wilkie (21st Oct 1927 – 11th Feb 2016)
Queen of the Ivories
by Dennis Morrison
B&F April 2016
The passing of Pam Wilkie has robbed the Scottish dance band scene of a truly unique talent. Pam was born in Glasgow, on 21st October 1927. She moved to Perth when she was 3 weeks old. Early on the young Pamela showed and aptitude for music and began piano lessons with Miss Pratt when she was c8 years old. Pam worked hard and continued with lessons up to grade 5 – and Pam’s musical ear was now attuned to many of the modern melodies of the time.
Pam therefore joined Bob MacKay’s Band, a local Perth outfit, playing quicksteps, foxtrots and popular melodies. Around 1947, a young Perthshire bandleader by the name of Ian Powrie became aware of Pam’s flair and enlisted her services. The band worked hard over the next couple of years, culminating in a broadcast in 1949. For a while in the early fifties she also deputized with the likes of Adam Rennie and Bert Shorthouse!
In 1955 Pam left the Powrie Band due to family commitments. But was in 1957 back with them and during 1958/59, Pam and the band entered the new medium of television with the White Heather Club show. By this time, Pam’s accompaniment skills were widely recognised and fondly appreciated by fellow musicians.
Those who knew Pam well know of her keen sense of humour. One story I recollect her telling me was when in 1964, Andy Stewart was to play His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen during the height of the typhoid outbreak. Nobody wanted to visit the city; however, Andy decided to go ahead with the show and the cast had to be vaccinated. The ‘bum’ was where the needle had to go – “jings it brought tears tae ma gless ee’ – help ma kilt!” This was Pam!
In 1966, Pam embarked on a tour of Australia and New Zealand with the Powrie Band with Andy Stewart and cast including Sally Logan. Pam enjoyed the trip immensely. Late 1966 brought the retiral and subsequent emigration of Ian Powrie to Australia. This left Pam and members of the band in limbo until Jimmy Blue reformed the band in early 1967. Pam, a pivotal part of the rhythm section, along with Arthur Easson and Dave Barclay, kept the roots of the Powrie outfit very much alive.
In 1968, Pam joined the Jim Johnstone Band. Jim was asked to do a tour of the south coast of England with The White Heather Club show. Many famous people performed on the show, including the late, great George Chisholm. During Pam’s time with Jim Johnstone’s band she was to record that iconic LP ‘Measure of Scotch’ – a benchmark recording. I know she was very proud to have been associated with this album.
The early 1970’s saw Pam make several recordings with the Jimmy Blue Band – one that immediately springs to mind is the ‘Scottish Sounds of Jimmy Blue’ – an album which was widely popular and has gone down in the annals of Scottish Country Dance music.
In 1975 Pam joined John Ellis and the Highland country Band. The rhythm section formed by Pam, husband Ally and Doug Cargill complimented the unique Ellis sound so eloquently. From 1975 to 1982 classic recordings and broadcasts ensued with the vintage Ellis trademark sound.
The 1970’s also saw Pam make a number of broadcasts with the likes of Robin Brock, David Cunningham, Jimmy Lindsay and Andrew Rankine etc. LPs from that period included John Huband, Walter Perrie and Arthur Spink.
As the 80’s approached, Pam was very much in demand, recording LPs with Gordon Pattullo, broadcasts with Neil Barron, and the odd recording with me, Dennis Morrison. When husband Ally died in 1994 many of us thought that Pam would retire from music, as Pam and Ally were extremely close. However, Pam was to continue performing for a further fourteen years. Trips, abroad included a visit in 1995 to Singapore with Neil Barron’s Band, and in 1996 Pam joined me for a St Andrew’s Ball in Bangalore. Pam also thoroughly enjoyed playing for Caledonian Societies in the Middle East with Frank Thomson and myself.
During the 90’s Pam’s services were still very much sought after. One such memorable recording was ‘Take the Floor’ with Robert Black and The All Star Scottish Dance Band in 1995. Pam was a regular at Crieff Hydro with a quartet and built up a strong fan base through her musical prowess.
Pam’s final broadcasts were in 2008, one with Neil Barron’s Band and the other a tribute to Ian Powrie and the Jimmy Blue Band. I was delighted to have Pam join us for this very special session. Her accompaniment to Judi Nicolson’s fiddle solo was indeed second to none, and is indeed the only recording of those two extremely talented musicians.
Over some five decades Pam had become well known for her imaginative playing with the rhythm sections of all that was best in Scottish Country Dance bands, but there was much more to Pam’s talents! In 2009, Frank Thomson finally persuaded Pam, at the age of 81, to record an album of her own, playing her favourite songs and tunes, while showing her very special accompaniment skills along with fiddle solos. This CD illustrates just how truly talented Pam was and this private recording is much treasured by all who have a copy. Dear to Pam’s heart was the music of Shetland, in particular the fiddle playing of Willie Hunter. Pam first met Willie in 1965 during a visit with the Powrie Band and was totally enthralled with his unique Shetland style. The ‘off-the-cuff’ sessions that took place over the years with Pam and Willy are indeed legendary. The private ‘reel-to-reel’ recordings of the pair of them are treasured by fiddlers and pianists alike. In 2005 Pam, her daughter and I made a musical pilgrimage to Shetland. Jackie Robertson organised the get-togethers, which Pam really appreciated – she certainly had a ball.
Pam’s musical enthusiasm never waned, one example of this being the Morino Gathering in Glasgow organised by Nicky McMichan in Glasgow’s Park Bar. She attended several times and thoroughly enjoyed these sessions. She had a huge circle of friends and fans, and she loved an impromptu tune with the likes of John Carmichael, Simon Howie, Duncan Black, Peter Bruce and Bobby Campbell.
Pam was one of my dearest friends, and I feel that my life has been enriched through knowing the lady. She was a true legend. I will miss Pam dearly as will so many others. Her contribution has been immense and we owe so much to Pam. So to finish – what will be Pam’s legacy? Quite simply she was a musical icon over some seven decades, and during that time she brought our music alive with colour, flair and creative innovation.
Memories of Pam Wilkie
by Dennis Morrison
B&F December 2016
During the weekend of the recent Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival a rather moving ceremony took place. It was the wish of the late Pam Wilkie to have her ashes scattered in Lerwick Harbour. Pam had a great affinity with Shetland dating back to the early to mid-sixties whilst playing with the Ian Powrie Band. The music of Willie hunter, Jim Halcrow, Ronnie Cooper, Eileen Hunter, Peerie Willie etc were to hold such lasting memories for her.
Pam’s daughter Bev and her two sons made the journey up to conduct proceedings. The weather was very kind to us on the day with the sun shining so beautifully over the harbour. A nice turnout of musicians and friends were in attendance including Jackie Robertson, Brian Gear, Margaret Robertson, Doreen and David Halcrow, Violet Tulloch, Frank Thomson, Gordon Young and David Little to name but a few.
It was a most fitting farewell to Pam, a musical legend in every sense of the word. Her unique musical creativity, kindness and warmth I will cherish always. RIP.
Bev, Pam’s daughter sent in some photos and also wrote:
Mum’s photo in now hung in the Lounge bar alongside other legendary musicians Peerie Willie Johnston and Willie Hunter who wrote the tune Mrs Pam Wilkie as a tribute to my mum. The inscription on her photo said that even though mum played for the Queen three times at Balmoral, played the Albert Hall and traveled to Australia with the White Heather Club and Andy Stewart, the pinnacle of mum’s musical career in her estimation was playing with the Shetlanders. After 36 hours on the island, we left exhausted but knowing our mission was accomplished and she’s the one who ‘Never left Lerwick Harbour’
Pam therefore joined Bob MacKay’s Band, a local Perth outfit, playing quicksteps, foxtrots and popular melodies. Around 1947, a young Perthshire bandleader by the name of Ian Powrie became aware of Pam’s flair and enlisted her services. The band worked hard over the next couple of years, culminating in a broadcast in 1949. For a while in the early fifties she also deputized with the likes of Adam Rennie and Bert Shorthouse!
In 1955 Pam left the Powrie Band due to family commitments. But was in 1957 back with them and during 1958/59, Pam and the band entered the new medium of television with the White Heather Club show. By this time, Pam’s accompaniment skills were widely recognised and fondly appreciated by fellow musicians.
Those who knew Pam well know of her keen sense of humour. One story I recollect her telling me was when in 1964, Andy Stewart was to play His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen during the height of the typhoid outbreak. Nobody wanted to visit the city; however, Andy decided to go ahead with the show and the cast had to be vaccinated. The ‘bum’ was where the needle had to go – “jings it brought tears tae ma gless ee’ – help ma kilt!” This was Pam!
In 1966, Pam embarked on a tour of Australia and New Zealand with the Powrie Band with Andy Stewart and cast including Sally Logan. Pam enjoyed the trip immensely. Late 1966 brought the retiral and subsequent emigration of Ian Powrie to Australia. This left Pam and members of the band in limbo until Jimmy Blue reformed the band in early 1967. Pam, a pivotal part of the rhythm section, along with Arthur Easson and Dave Barclay, kept the roots of the Powrie outfit very much alive.
In 1968, Pam joined the Jim Johnstone Band. Jim was asked to do a tour of the south coast of England with The White Heather Club show. Many famous people performed on the show, including the late, great George Chisholm. During Pam’s time with Jim Johnstone’s band she was to record that iconic LP ‘Measure of Scotch’ – a benchmark recording. I know she was very proud to have been associated with this album.
The early 1970’s saw Pam make several recordings with the Jimmy Blue Band – one that immediately springs to mind is the ‘Scottish Sounds of Jimmy Blue’ – an album which was widely popular and has gone down in the annals of Scottish Country Dance music.
In 1975 Pam joined John Ellis and the Highland country Band. The rhythm section formed by Pam, husband Ally and Doug Cargill complimented the unique Ellis sound so eloquently. From 1975 to 1982 classic recordings and broadcasts ensued with the vintage Ellis trademark sound.
The 1970’s also saw Pam make a number of broadcasts with the likes of Robin Brock, David Cunningham, Jimmy Lindsay and Andrew Rankine etc. LPs from that period included John Huband, Walter Perrie and Arthur Spink.
As the 80’s approached, Pam was very much in demand, recording LPs with Gordon Pattullo, broadcasts with Neil Barron, and the odd recording with me, Dennis Morrison. When husband Ally died in 1994 many of us thought that Pam would retire from music, as Pam and Ally were extremely close. However, Pam was to continue performing for a further fourteen years. Trips, abroad included a visit in 1995 to Singapore with Neil Barron’s Band, and in 1996 Pam joined me for a St Andrew’s Ball in Bangalore. Pam also thoroughly enjoyed playing for Caledonian Societies in the Middle East with Frank Thomson and myself.
During the 90’s Pam’s services were still very much sought after. One such memorable recording was ‘Take the Floor’ with Robert Black and The All Star Scottish Dance Band in 1995. Pam was a regular at Crieff Hydro with a quartet and built up a strong fan base through her musical prowess.
Pam’s final broadcasts were in 2008, one with Neil Barron’s Band and the other a tribute to Ian Powrie and the Jimmy Blue Band. I was delighted to have Pam join us for this very special session. Her accompaniment to Judi Nicolson’s fiddle solo was indeed second to none, and is indeed the only recording of those two extremely talented musicians.
Over some five decades Pam had become well known for her imaginative playing with the rhythm sections of all that was best in Scottish Country Dance bands, but there was much more to Pam’s talents! In 2009, Frank Thomson finally persuaded Pam, at the age of 81, to record an album of her own, playing her favourite songs and tunes, while showing her very special accompaniment skills along with fiddle solos. This CD illustrates just how truly talented Pam was and this private recording is much treasured by all who have a copy. Dear to Pam’s heart was the music of Shetland, in particular the fiddle playing of Willie Hunter. Pam first met Willie in 1965 during a visit with the Powrie Band and was totally enthralled with his unique Shetland style. The ‘off-the-cuff’ sessions that took place over the years with Pam and Willy are indeed legendary. The private ‘reel-to-reel’ recordings of the pair of them are treasured by fiddlers and pianists alike. In 2005 Pam, her daughter and I made a musical pilgrimage to Shetland. Jackie Robertson organised the get-togethers, which Pam really appreciated – she certainly had a ball.
Pam’s musical enthusiasm never waned, one example of this being the Morino Gathering in Glasgow organised by Nicky McMichan in Glasgow’s Park Bar. She attended several times and thoroughly enjoyed these sessions. She had a huge circle of friends and fans, and she loved an impromptu tune with the likes of John Carmichael, Simon Howie, Duncan Black, Peter Bruce and Bobby Campbell.
Pam was one of my dearest friends, and I feel that my life has been enriched through knowing the lady. She was a true legend. I will miss Pam dearly as will so many others. Her contribution has been immense and we owe so much to Pam. So to finish – what will be Pam’s legacy? Quite simply she was a musical icon over some seven decades, and during that time she brought our music alive with colour, flair and creative innovation.
Memories of Pam Wilkie
by Dennis Morrison
B&F December 2016
During the weekend of the recent Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival a rather moving ceremony took place. It was the wish of the late Pam Wilkie to have her ashes scattered in Lerwick Harbour. Pam had a great affinity with Shetland dating back to the early to mid-sixties whilst playing with the Ian Powrie Band. The music of Willie hunter, Jim Halcrow, Ronnie Cooper, Eileen Hunter, Peerie Willie etc were to hold such lasting memories for her.
Pam’s daughter Bev and her two sons made the journey up to conduct proceedings. The weather was very kind to us on the day with the sun shining so beautifully over the harbour. A nice turnout of musicians and friends were in attendance including Jackie Robertson, Brian Gear, Margaret Robertson, Doreen and David Halcrow, Violet Tulloch, Frank Thomson, Gordon Young and David Little to name but a few.
It was a most fitting farewell to Pam, a musical legend in every sense of the word. Her unique musical creativity, kindness and warmth I will cherish always. RIP.
Bev, Pam’s daughter sent in some photos and also wrote:
Mum’s photo in now hung in the Lounge bar alongside other legendary musicians Peerie Willie Johnston and Willie Hunter who wrote the tune Mrs Pam Wilkie as a tribute to my mum. The inscription on her photo said that even though mum played for the Queen three times at Balmoral, played the Albert Hall and traveled to Australia with the White Heather Club and Andy Stewart, the pinnacle of mum’s musical career in her estimation was playing with the Shetlanders. After 36 hours on the island, we left exhausted but knowing our mission was accomplished and she’s the one who ‘Never left Lerwick Harbour’