Ken at 4 years old & friend. First time on stage. Old Zeller's department store, 1949. Photo: Hollywood Studios, Saint John, NB, Charles & Edwin Murphy.
Ken and friends tap-dancing "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers". Photo: Joe Michaud.
The Four Emotions. L-R: Tony Tobias, the Campbell sisters (Jackie, Mary), Ken Tobias. Saint John Vocational School show. Ken sang the Paul Anka hit song "Diana". 1962.
Ken's graduation year book entry. Simonds Regional High School, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.
Ken started as a Junior Leader Water Safety Instructor. Here he is manning the Red Cross Water Safety booth with Edie Robinson (Instructor) at the Atlantic Exhibition in Saint John in 1962. Photo by: Pope.
It really started with The Ramblers making music in the Tobias house basement. Then on to CHSJ TV House Party for many appearances. Founding members: L-R: Ken Tobias, Norman Pierce, Bob Bonnell, Tony Tobias.
The Ramblers performed live on TV House Party. This was before videotape took hold. 1963.
On the set of TV House Party. In the beginning Ken played four-string banjo. L-R: Ken Tobias, Norman Pierce, Bob Bonnell, Tony Tobias. 1963.
November 2, 1963. Original rundown sheet from TV House Party. The Ramblers showing 5 spots.
When Norman Pierce left The Ramblers, Mike Waye joined bringing his great skills with five string banjo, guitar and vocal harmony. In the Tobias basement. T-B: Ken, Tony, Bob, Mike (Standing). 1964.
As time went on The Ramblers became more polished and professional. Started getting festival gigs all over the Maritimes. The Rambler's image emulated the popular folk groups of the time. Photo: McAdam Village Summer Fair. L-R: Tony, Ken, Bob, Mike. circa 1963.
The Ramblers playing Winter Carnival at Acadian community of Memramcook, New Brunswick. circa 1963.
An early champion of The Ramblers was Michele Finney, co-host of CBC TV's popular Children's show "Razzle Dazzle". We met on the set of of CHSJ's TV House Party.
The Ramblers playing on the roof of the Dairy Queen in Saint John. circa: 1963.
The Ramblers - looking more polished and professional like other folk-pop artists of the day e.g. Brothers Four, Kingston Trio, Journeymen. On the set of CHSJ's TV House Party.
The Ramblers performing in Halifax with Patricia McKinnon. 1964.
The Ramblers performing with Patricia McKinnon in Halifax. 1964.
Mike Waye and Ken performed for awhile as Tobias primarily in the Maritimes.
Ken Tobias playing the Gemini Coffee House, February 1966, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Tony Tobias and Mike Waye joined Ken at his gig at the Gemini Coffee House in Halifax.
The Badd Cedes. L-R: Brian Ahern (Guitar, Vocals), Ken Tobias (Drums, Vocals); Jamie Piers (Vocals); John Redmond (Bass); Michael Ahern (Guitar). Photo: CBC.
CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO VIEW VIDEO of Ken performing "This Is The Maritimes" in 1964 on Dominion Day.
CLICK PHOTO FOR VIDEO OF KEN & ANNE SINGING "Bethlehem": Cast members Anne Murray and Ken Tobias on the set of CBC's Singalong Jubilee TV show. 1968.
Some cast members of Singalong Jubilee. Davey Wells at the top. L-back John Allan Cameron, R-back Ken Tobias, 2nd row L: Fred McKenna, (?), Anne Murray, F-L: Gene MacLellan, F-R: Bill Langstroth.
Early press photo of Anne Murray.
Quebec based Acadian artist Edith Butler was also a cast member on Singalong Jubilee.
The cast of Singalong Jubilee with Ken at back with his guitar.
A few of the cast of Singalong Jubilee with Ken top right.
Early press photo of Gene MacLellan when he was Capitol Records artist.
Early press photo of John Allan Cameron.
Cover of book by Ernest J. Dick. Ken is in the back row of the photo.
Vintage poster from Cafe Andre, Montreal where Ken and his trio played for many weeks.
The Book of Tobias performing at Cafe Andre, Montreal circa 1969. L-R: Ken, Charlie Clark, Mike Waye.
CLICK PHOTO FOR LISA HARTT VIDEO IN MEMORY OF KEN: The Crystal Staircase, Montreal 1966. BR L-R: Don Stevens, Charlie Clark, Mike Waye. FR L-R: Ken, Lisa Hart, Skip Layton. Photo: James J. Kregsmann.
Ken's mentor and friend, hit songwriter Sharon Sheeley in the back during recording session with her boyfriend Eddie Cochran ("Summertime Blues"). This photo was gifted to Tony by Sharon.
Bill Medley & Bobby Hatfield, The Righteous Brothers. Medley produced Ken's first recording "You're Not Even Going To The Fair". Archive photo courtesy: Peter Richmond.
Bill Medley. Producer of Ken's first Canadian hit single "You're Not Even Going To The Fair". Archive photo courtesy: Peter Richmond.
Ken - Hollywood 1971. Credit: Mitchell Rose
Ken - Hollywood 1971. Credit: Mitchell Rose
Ken - Hollywood 1971. Credit: Mitchell Rose
The reception board at Air Studios in 1973 in London, UK, showing Ken in Studio 2 and Live & Let Die in Studio 1. George Martin and Sir Paul McCartney were recording the London Symphony Orchestra for the soundtrack. Paul would drop by Ken's sessions.
Air Studios, London, UK. Recording Magic's In The Music album. 1973. L-R: Rod Edwards, Jon Miller, Ken, Rodger Hand. Credit: Tony Tobias.
Ken laying down tracks for Magic's In The Music album in Air Studios in London, UK. 1973. Photo: Tony Tobias.
Drummer Mike Giles (King Crimson) laying down beats on Ken's "Magic's In The Music" album at Air Studios in London. 1973. Photo: Tony Tobias.
British multi-instrumentalist Graham Prescott playing violin on Ken's "Magic In The Music" album at Air Studios, London, England. Graham's credits include Paul McCartney, Hans Zimmer, Jon Bon Jovi, Cher, Tom Jones, Deep Purple and many more. Photo: Tony Tobias. 1973.
Ken - Michael Brandon's ranch. LA. 1973. Credit: Jennie Anderson.
Ken Tobias and Marvin Gaye share the cover of Billboard October 13, 1973. Ken's MGM AD was for his Magic's In The Music album.
Ken riding as celebrity guest in the Saint John Loyalist Parade circa 1971. Name those gals.
Ken recording. RCA Studio, Toronto. 1977. Credit: Tony Tobias
Theresa Patterson, 2nd from left, started the Ken Tobias Fan Club and kept it going for several years. L-R: Charlotte Patterson, Theresa Patterson, Ken, Sean Patterson. Photo courtesy of Theresa Patterson.
Ken recording From A Distance album at Fluid Studios, Saint John. 2007. Credit: Tony Tobias.
Live at the Blue Olive, Saint John 2008. Sold Out!
Ken performing with his band at Blue Olive 2008. Credit: Tony Tobias.
Ken performing at Stayner's Wharf Pub, Halifax. 2011. Credit: Tony Tobias
Ken at Paris Gallery, Saint John for exhibition of his art. 2021. Credit: Tony Tobias.
Ken performing at Lilly Lake 2015. Credit: Tony Tobias.
Ken with Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo.
Ken on cover of CashBox Canada Magazine.
2021 poster marking 50 years of Ken's song "Stay Awhile". The Bell's recording reached #7 on the Billboard Charts in 1971.
Poster of The Everly Brothers concert with Tobias opening. Waterloo. 1972.
Photo: Stan Carmichael.
Photo: Stan Carmichael
Photo credit: Dan Culberson
Ken with Gordie Tufts of Backstreet Records in Saint John, NB.
Backstreet Records, Saint John.
Ken performing on "Denny's Sho" on CBC TV. It was hosted by Denny Doherty formerly of the Mamas and the Papas and taped in Halifax. 1978. photo: Tony Tobias.
Ken receiving BMI Award 1973.
L-R: Haygood Hardy, Alexander Mair, Ken Tobias, Harold Moon (BMI Canada).
More PROCAN Awards for Ken's song "Dancer". L-R: Alexander Mair; Ken; Harold Moon; Tony Tobias.
Recipients of the PROCAN Crystal Awards. Ken is in foreground. 1988.
Ken receiving the first PROCAN CRYSTAL AWARD for "Every Bit of Love" June 12, 1978. Presented by the late Gordon Henderson and Les Weinstein.
Ken and Burton Cummings collecting their BMI Awards 1976.
Tony Tobias (publisher), Ken Tobias (writer) and Al Mair (publisher) (r) receiving their 1978 PROCAN (SOCAN) Awards.
Ken on cover of RPM Weekly Magazine 1977. photo: Stan Carmichael.
Ken (right) with engineer David Balan, recording at RCA Studios in Toronto. 1977. photo: Tony Tobias.
Ken directing Maureen Moulton-Pye and Jessica Rhaye for background vocals during production of From A Distance album. 2007. photo: Tony Tobias
Ken with Miss France 1978 Cannes, France during MIDEM. photo: Tony Tobias
CLICK PHOTO FOR VIDEO: Ken with renowned Newfoundland singer-songwriter Terry Kelly at the CNIB Toronto where they performed a duet of Ken's hit "Every Bit of Love". 2009. photo: Tony Tobias.
Jessica Rhaye and Ken singing Every Bit of Love at sold out show at Blue Olive in Saint John. 2008. photo: Tony Tobias
Ken and his band taping the CBC TV show "Sounds Good". Ken's good friend and TV Director Jim McKenna is in the foreground. 1976. L-R: D. Michael Mooney, Davey Murrell, Ken, Elaine Overholt, Jimmy Staid, Jim McKenna, Bill Scullion. photo: Tony Tobias
Ken signing autographs on the release of his album "Every Bit of Love" his first for Attic Records. 1974. photo: Tony Tobias.
Ken performing at Blue Olive, Saint John 2009. Photo: Tim Little.
Ken and his art exhibit. Saint John.
Sound check at the Blue Olive, Saint John.
Ken in his studio.
Ken performing at Stayner's Wharf in Halifax. Photo: Tony Tobias
The cover of As The Years Go By with Ken's photo.
Ken on photo shoot. Photo: Tony Tobias.
Poster created by Marvel Comic's artist John Allison who also designed and illustrated the cover of Ken's Siren Spell album. This poster also matched the press kit and postcards.
Ken deep into song.
Ken Tobias & John Capek in RCA Studios in Toronto. Recording Every Bit of Love album. 1975. Photo: Tony Tobias.
The Bells with Tommy Hunter receiving RPM Maple Music Award the forerunner of the Juno Award.
Japanese edition of sheet music for "Stay Awhile"
Sheet Music for "Stay Awhile".
Cover of sheet music for Ken's song Stay Awhile.
Jackie Ralph and Mike Waye both alumni of the The Bells who recorded Ken's song "Stay Awhile".
Ken in Montreal.
Ken with Patsy Gallant and TV Producer and Host of the show "Like Young" Jim McKenna in Montreal.
Ken and band in Montreal for taping of the Rene Simard TV show.
Ken in moody setting at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City during gig at the Bitter End. 1974. Photo: Tony Tobias.
In 1974 Ken performed in New York City at the renowned Bitter End club.
Ken recording at Reaction Studios in Toronto with Engineer James Stewart. 1993. Photo: Tony Tobias.
Ken performing on the Ian Tyson Show (CTV) in 1974 with Athan Katsos on bass and Danny Marks on Guitar.
Brothers and partners. Tony & Ken.
Canadian Jazz musician Joe Sealy, composer of the Africville Suite, performed the instrumental piano version of Ken's song Here You Are Today, Theme for Saint John.
Poster for Ken's show at Clinton's club in Toronto 1992.
Portrait of Ken 1993. Photo: Chris Chapman.
Ken always had great musicians in his bands. Here he is in 1992 playing Clinton's club in Toronto. L-R: Rohan Staton (guitar); Ken; Marty Cordrey (drums); Shakura S'Aida (vocals); Paul Kobayashi (bass); Donald Quan (keyboard).
Guitarist Rohan Staton a member of Ken's band playing the Toronto club Clinton's 1992. Rohan was a longtime friend of Ken's.
Jeff Healey sitting in with Ken's show at Clinton's, Toronto 1992. Photo: Moe Lieff
Moe Lief and Ken. Six decades of loyal friendship. Moe and Ken met when Ken moved to Halifax in the mid-sixties.
Ken being honoured by Music New Brunswick on his receiving the first Directors' Lifetime Achievement Award during the Prix MNB Awards Gala at the Imperial Theatre, Saint John. 2013.
Ken speaking on his receiving the Music New Brunswick First Directors Lifetime Achievement Award. 2013.
The essential Ken Tobias playlist.
Ken singing at Songwriter's Circle, Saint John Loyalist Festival. 2006. Photo: Brian Goodwin.
Poster for Ken's Siren's Spell album. Attic Records. Art by John Allison.
Ken circa 1968. Possibly in Montreal.
Ken visiting CHSJ radio in Saint John to promote a new single.
One of Ken's bands. Feb 1976. L-R: Davey Murrell, Paul Greco, Martin Brown, D. Michael Mooney, and Ken Tobias. Photo: Steven Chong (in mirror).
Ken deep into performance with the amazing guitarist Dave Murrell.
Ken performing "Patricia's Suite" at Riverside Lodge. circa 1977. Photo: Joanne Oldershaw.
Ken with Alan Frew (Glass Tiger) for Road Stories at Ken's studio, Toronto. Photo: Ken Hadall.
Rob Poizner, Ken, Paul Kobayashi - Book of Tobias Trio, at Free Times Cafe, Toronto 1998. Photo: Moe Lieff.
ECMA Nominee for Country Artist of the Year 2003: Rylee Madison and Lemonade's Andrea England, co-songwriters with Ken. Photo: Rylee Madison.
Ken at 20 years. 1965 photo by Ian MacEachern & Gordon Anderson used as the cover photo for Taddle Creek Magazine fall 2002.
Brothers Tony & Ken. Photo circa 1949 Saint John. Photo used on the cover of Taddle Creek Magazine fall 2000.
Ken's friend and biographer Cherise Letson, host of the Strange Grooves Podcast.
Ken's close friend and musician Danny Laba. Danny was always ready for a jam.
Ken cherished the sweet times he spent hanging out and jamming with his close musician friends in his home studio in Saint John. In this photo: L-R: Bob Marino, Ken, Bob Webber (Toronto), Danny Laba.
Ken's close friend and musician Jeff Wisted was always up for a jam.
Ken with his Grandfather Owen Wright in Beaver Harbour. circa 1971.
Ken in the cockpit of his Grandfather's fishing boat in Beaver Harbour, NB. 1971.
Ken in the Hollywood Hills.
Jessica Rhaye and Ken.
Ken and his mom Laura.
Ken on the cover of RPM Weekly Magazine.
The brothers cool! 1970. Hollywood Hills.
Ken was commissioned by Ballet Jorgen to write the score for the ballet. "Dreams of a Subtle World".
Ken and Bill Scullion. Both Saint John boys. Bill was a member of Ken's band.
Ken laying back in Toronto. circa: 1969.
Ken with his friend and actor Michael Brandon at Michael's ranch. 1973.
Photographer to the stars Michell Rose. Close friend and neighbour of Ken's and mentioned in the song "I Just Want To Make Music". photo: Tony Tobias
L-R: Tony Tobias, Ken Tobias, Mitchell Rose. Hollywood Hills. circa: 1971.
Tony Tobias, Al Mair, Ken Tobias. Signing of Ken To Attic Records, Toronto. 1974.
Cool photo of the two original founders of Attic Records. L-R: Tom Williams (Attic); Sandy Graham, publisher of CashBox Magazine Canada; Alexander Mair (Attic). Photo Credit: unknown.
Vintage poster of Fludd Tour with Ken and band as special guest. Both artists were on the Attic Label.
Tony and Ken. Sea Scouts.
Ken and Tony hanging with the Anvil boys.
Ken in the spotlight. Photo: Tony Tobias.
Ken sure loved his best pal Cha Cha Girl. photo: Jackie Ainsworth
Ken's portrait of his best pal Cha Cha Girl.
The last day in Toronto. The moving crew of friends and family who helped Ken pack the truck for his move to Saint John in 2003. Photo outside Reaction Studio and Ken's loft where he resided for 17 years.
Ken with comedian James Mullinger with portrait painted by Ken.
Ken and Jessica Rhaye doing a bit of singing at Backstreet Records in Saint John.
Ken was inducted into the Casino Nova Scotia Music Hall of Fame in 2016. L-R: Jessica Rhaye, Ken, Bruce Guthro, Natalie MacMaster (Inductee).