Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1957-2004 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
13 cm of textual records and other materials
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Jazz accordionist Vic Centro was born in Vancouver, British Columbia and began his career there performing in clubs, on the radio, and on television programs. He was the leader of the Western Serenaders, Vancouver night club and radio entertainers (with Gordon Brand, electric guitar; Mike Ferby, bass guitar, novelty vocalist; George Tait, violin, keyboard; Johnny Lane and Beverley Thorburn, vocalists). While on the West coast, he also toured the Philippines and Okinawa, travelled with the USO, and performed with the Ray Norris Quintet. Later, he performed in Korea with the comedy duo Wayne and Schuster (1953).
In the late 1940s, he moved to Toronto, where he performed with Nimmons 'N' Nine, the Bill Page Orchestra, and his own Vic Centro Sextette. He was also part of the house band for the Billy O'Connor Show, CBC Television Network (1954-1956) with Jackie Richardson, bass and Kenny Gill, guitar.
In 1968, Centro moved to Los Angeles, before moving to Carson City in 1975 and Iowa in 2003.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Donated to the Music Library from Victor Centro's Estate in 2007.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Fonds consists of arrangements by Vic Centro, and related ephemera, including photographs, correspondence, publicity materials, and recordings. Much of the material relates to Centro's time performing and recording in Toronto with Phil Nimmons and CBC radio.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Fonds is arranged in 5 series: (A) Arrangements; (B) Photographs; (C) Promotional materials; (D) Correspondence; and (E) Recordings.