Local man finishing up book on Coshocton bands
COSHOCTON – Glenn Kinkade was born into a musical family. His father Harold sang with the DelMac Band in the late 1930s and his mother Marjory directed choirs at the First Baptist Church and St. John’s United Church, both in Coshocton. They taught him to appreciate music, especially big band music which is featured in a new book he is writing about orchestras and bands in Coshocton County.
“So many musicians have come out of Coshocton County,” Glenn said.
At one time Coshocton was well known for its Boy Scout Band.
“There were 125 in it and it was the largest band of its kind in the state, but (the late) Tom Leech who played in it said it had nothing to do with the actually Boy Scouts.”
Coshocton also had an orchestra and many local and famous groups came to town to play at Lake Park Pavilion. In his book’s introduction, Glenn mentions that Duke Ellington, Les Brown, Woodie Herman, Glen Miller, Stan Kenton, Sammy Kaye, Kay Kyser and Cab Calloway all came to Lake Park.
Glenn’s book is 120 pages and mentions music groups that date back to the late 1900s and all the way up to the Rube Band and the Coshocton Community Band.
“I started in November (2015) by taking a picture of the pavilion,” he said. “It’s something I’ve thought about and realized it wasn’t going to get done unless I get with it.”
The book will be spiral bound and available for $20. In-state residents can have copies mailed to them for an additional $3 and out-of-state residents can receive them for an extra $5. Glenn also plans to give a copy of the book to the Coshocton Public Library.
“I hope younger people will be interested in the history part of it and learn about groups like the Roscoe Brass Band, Coshocton Community Band, Coshocton Lake Park Band and Jerry Weaver and his Good Time Band,” Glenn said. “I want younger people to know what we’ve had and have in this community.”
While doing research for the book, he really enjoyed talking to people who remember some of these groups or are related to the musicians.
“I enjoyed the personal contact with the people I talked to,” Glenn said. “There is something nostalgic (about this time frame of music too). It’s slower and you can understand what people are saying.”
He believes that his father would be pleased with the book.
“I have a recording from 1936 of him singing with his band,” Glenn said. “It’s a nice keepsake for me and this book will be something lasting for the community (on all these musicians).”
To find out more about getting a copy of the book, call Glenn at 740-400-0045 or e-mail gkinkade420@gmail.com.
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: People & Places
