Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Ken Reynolds

// by Larry Delaney //

(#79 in the Ontario Country Music Pioneers Series)

KEN REYNOLDS

The late KEN REYNOLDS was largely a “behind-the-scenes” personality in the Canadian Country Music world… but he certainly played a role that deserved top billing. Ken Reynolds was instrumental in the success of music legends Wilf Carter, Don Messer, The Happy Wanderers… and much more.

Ken Reynolds was born August 9, 1929, in Brownsburg, Quebec. As a youngster, his family relocated to Leitrim, Ontario, in the Ottawa Valley; and while in his teens, he became a talented square dance caller. In the early 1950s, Ken acquired an entertainment booking license and became the exclusive booking agent and tour manager for the legendary Wilf Carter (Montana Slim), acquiring over 300 show dates for Canada’s premier artist of the day, including a tour of Australia, where Carter was idolized for his C&W style music.

Back home in Ottawa, in the mid-1950s, Reynolds teamed up with Joe Brown, Ward Allen, Bob King, Vince Lebeau and Lynn Strauff to form The Happy Wanderers group. Under Ken’s leadership, they acquired a radio show spot on CFRA (Ottawa) and quickly established the group as the most popular and sought-after entertainment package in Eastern Canada.

Ken’s success with The Happy Wanderers secured his position as Entertainment Manager for CFRA Radio, which allowed him the opportunity to attract and promote CFRA-sponsored shows in Ottawa venues, featuring the top stars of the day, including Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, George Jones, Sonny James, Kitty Wells, Loretta Lynn and others – with many of the show dates opened and backed by The Happy Wanderers.

During the 1960s and into the early ‘70s, Ken Reynolds became the exclusive tour manager for yet another Canadian music legend – Don Messer and The Don Messer Jubilee show – taking the entourage across Canada on more than a dozen national tours, reaching hundreds of major cities and small-town venues..

When Don Messer passed away suddenly in 1974, Reynolds kept the “Jubilee” package active by managing the tour dates for group member and Canadian Hall of Famer, Marg Osburne. In the 1980s, Ken also booked and managed the group, the New Happy Wanderers – now under the leadership of Ward Allen’s nephew, Jimmy Allen. He also oversaw a late ‘80s Canadian Maritimes Farewell Tour for WWVA stars Doc & Chickie Williams.

Ken Reynolds’ massive career, largely played out in his role behind the “stars”, was thoroughly documented in his book, “Ken Reynolds Presents 60 Years In Canadian Country Music”, published in 2009.

Thanks to his long-time involvement in the career of New Brunswick-bred legend Don Messer, Reynolds is an Honorary Inductee of the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame. Ken was inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame in 1986.

Ken Reynolds passed away on November 29, 2011, in Ottawa, at age 75. His legacy is awaiting recognition with induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame as an industry builder.