Blenis Pennell as part of The Acadians, a dance orchestra in Cape Breton, active in the 1950s and 1960s. Photo: goCapeBreton.com.
Blenis Pennell
1935 – 2004
Passed away on May 29, 2004, from a massive heart attack. He was in his 68th year.
His musical career started in 1955 with Glace Bay Acadians Orchestra. In 1961 he joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Band as a member of their reed section. At the time of his retirement from the force in 1986, he was their chief arranger and assistant conductor. He worked as a sideman in many local orchestras, including John Harrison’s Dynasty Orchestra, the Dick Maloney Quartet and the Gerry Helke Orchestra.
Blenis was very highly regarded as a player and arranger and will be fondly remembered by his many associates in the Ottawa music community.
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Source: The News Harp, September 2004
Blenis Pennell (second from left) as part of The Acadians, a dance orchestra in Cape Breton active in the 1950s and 1960s. Photo: The Acadians: SoundCloud.