Fonds 85 - Vic Centro fonds

Identity area

Reference code

OTUFM 85

Title

Vic Centro fonds

Date(s)

  • 1957-2004 (Creation)

Level of description

Fonds

Extent and medium

13 cm of textual records and other materials

Context area

Name of creator

(1924-2007)

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.

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.

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      Finding aids

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