The Honourable Tommy Banks was known as a pianist, conductor, arranger, composer, TV personality, actor, producer and politician (1936-2018). Tommy had an unparalleled, multi-faceted career spanning more than 60 years in virtually every aspect of the entertainment industry in Canada. A professional jazz pianist at age 14, he went on to lead his own bands, conduct symphony orchestras around the world, direct musical ceremonies at international events, host his own long-running television show, and act in film and television. He also served nearly 12 years in the Canadian Senate. Tommy was chair (1978-86) of the Alberta Foundation for the Performing Arts and chair (1983-87) of the music program at Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton. He was a member (1989-95) and a policy consultant (1996- 98) of the Canada Council, and the chairman of the Edmonton Concert Hall Foundation (1989-91). In 1999, Edmonton named a street Tommy Banks Way in his honour. In 2010, he received SOCAN's special achievement award for his contributions to Canada's music industry and musical heritage.
