THE WHOLE STORY
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click song titles to listen
click song titles to listen
from left: John Naslen, Larry Smith, Don DiNovo, Louis Yachnin, Paul Hoffert, Bob McBride, Skip Prokop, Ralph Cole, Howard Shore, Dick Armin; circa 1972 from a photo by John Rowlands
One Fine Morning - Sunny Days - Pretty Lady - Hats Off To The Stranger
1849 - Take It Slow - You Girl
1849 - Take It Slow - You Girl
Chances are, as you're reading the titles of these classic Lighthouse hits, you’re singing them in your head and smiling. Each one is still heard daily on radio, television, and home sound systems after almost fifty years of continuous play. For a generation of Canadians, Lighthouse was the soundtrack of their lives.
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Recognized as one of the best performing acts of their time, Lighthouse toured 300 days a year including sold out performances at Carnegie Hall, the Fillmore East, Fillmore West, Expo ‘70 in Japan and the Isle of Wight Festival in England. Lighthouse caused such a stir at the Isle of Wight, that thy were the only act asked to perform twice among acts that included The Doors, Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, The Who and Chicago. Back home, their free concerts at Toronto’s Nathan Philips Square attracted one hundred thousand people. Indeed, it’s hard to find a person who lived in Canada through the 1970s who didn’t see the group live. They were Canada’s band.
1972 Lighthouse at City Hall: Mayor Crombie and Skip Prokop, Photo © Arthur (Art) Usherson
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Free-wheeling, high-spirited – the music of Lighthouse mirrored the times. Their story is interwoven with the history of late twentieth century Canada. Their rise to fame coincided with a new awareness of Canadian culture, encouraged by the government of Pierre Elliot Trudeau. |
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The emergence of Cancon (Canadian content regulations) influenced by Skip Prokop and Paul Hoffert’s historic appearances before Parliament, allowed the music of Canadians to be heard across the country. Riding the wave, Lighthouse originated the cross-Canada rock tour, playing every major and minor venue across the country. Devoted audiences from province to province took pride in seeing one of their own make it to the top.
But let’s start at the beginning…
 1st Paupers release - 1967 |
 Paupers Publicity Photo |
Skip Prokop circa 1967
In the early sixties, drummer Skip Prokop, was a fixture of the Toronto Yorkville Village scene, with his band The Paupers. Managed initially by Bernie Finkelstein, they soon attracted the attention of super-manager Albert Grossman (Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, The Band, Gordon Lightfoot) who landed them a lucrative recording deal that resulted in a top-10 hit in 1966. Skip left the band in ‘68 and became a renowned studio musician, recording with Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, Peter, Paul & Mary, Mike Bloomfield and Ian & Sylvia among many others.
He was performing his last gig with the Paupers when he ran into Paul Hoffert, a hot young Canadian musician who was in New York working on his off-Broadway musical 'Get Thee to Canterbury'.
He was performing his last gig with the Paupers when he ran into Paul Hoffert, a hot young Canadian musician who was in New York working on his off-Broadway musical 'Get Thee to Canterbury'.
 first album - released 1959 |
 Publicity Photo for 'Get Thee to Canterbury' with co-writer David Secter (left) |
Paul Hoffert was already an accomplished film composer, arranger and performer who had released his first jazz album at the age of sixteen. On the side, he helped develop one of the first synthesizers at the National Research Council while finishing his degree in Maths, Physics and Chemistry at the University of Toronto.
The next day, by remarkable coincidence, they were seated together on their flight back to Toronto. Skip told him about his idea of putting together a new rock band that combined a jazz quartet, string quartet and rock rhythm section. Intrigued, Paul replied, "If you're going to do it, and you're going to do it in Toronto, call me".
And the rest is history.
Skip immediately recruited another musician, guitarist Ralph Cole, whose playing chops he'd admired while passing through Detroit with The Paupers. He convinced Ralph to quit his band, Thyme, pack up all his belongings and leave Kalamazoo Michigan for Toronto.
The next day, by remarkable coincidence, they were seated together on their flight back to Toronto. Skip told him about his idea of putting together a new rock band that combined a jazz quartet, string quartet and rock rhythm section. Intrigued, Paul replied, "If you're going to do it, and you're going to do it in Toronto, call me".
And the rest is history.
Skip immediately recruited another musician, guitarist Ralph Cole, whose playing chops he'd admired while passing through Detroit with The Paupers. He convinced Ralph to quit his band, Thyme, pack up all his belongings and leave Kalamazoo Michigan for Toronto.
 Ralph Cole at the Grande Ballroom 1968 |
 Ralph Cole at 16 |
Ralph Cole with 'Thyme'; 3rd from left; his famous 'flying V' is behind him
Ralph arrived eager to play some dates. But Prokop hadn’t told him that the band was not yet assembled, that songs had not been written, and that there was no money available until the first gig. Ralph had to move in with Skip’s parents for several months before he could afford his own place.
As the weeks went by, the concept began to take shape. They assembled a group drawn from friends, studio musicians and Toronto Symphony Orchestra members - the long hairs met the longhairs - to record a six song demo. Lush strings, jazzy horn lines and four-part vocal harmonies added to wailing guitar, funky B3 organ and a liberal dose of psychedelia made up the early Lighthouse sound. The result was unlike anything anyone had ever heard before - a combination of driving rock rhythms, exciting jazz improvisational solos, and soaring orchestral arrangements. Hardly your average three-minute pop tune.
As the weeks went by, the concept began to take shape. They assembled a group drawn from friends, studio musicians and Toronto Symphony Orchestra members - the long hairs met the longhairs - to record a six song demo. Lush strings, jazzy horn lines and four-part vocal harmonies added to wailing guitar, funky B3 organ and a liberal dose of psychedelia made up the early Lighthouse sound. The result was unlike anything anyone had ever heard before - a combination of driving rock rhythms, exciting jazz improvisational solos, and soaring orchestral arrangements. Hardly your average three-minute pop tune.
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My Bad Times are Over (Prokop - Hoffert)
Lighthouse MGM Demo |
Oh I Can Feel It
(Prokop - Hoffert) Lighthouse MGM Demo |
Manager, Vinny Fusco circa 1969
On the advice of friend, folk legend Richie Havens, they took the demo to MGM Records in New York City.Twenty minutes later they had a record deal and a thirty thousand dollar advance. Two days later they had a manager – Vinnie Fusco from Albert Grossman’s office. Now all they had to do was put together a performing band.
Lighthouse made its live debut at Toronto’s Rock Pile on May 14, 1969, introduced by none other than Duke Ellington who succinctly stated, "I'm beginning to see the Light..house." Their second gig was at Carnegie Hall. Not a bad beginning!
Their Manager, Vinnie Fusco, brought them to New York to record their first album at the fabled Electric Ladyland Studios. They were in the middle of one of their sessions when Fusco cheerily popped in to announce that he had just signed the band to a hot deal with RCA records for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Lighthouse made its live debut at Toronto’s Rock Pile on May 14, 1969, introduced by none other than Duke Ellington who succinctly stated, "I'm beginning to see the Light..house." Their second gig was at Carnegie Hall. Not a bad beginning!
Their Manager, Vinnie Fusco, brought them to New York to record their first album at the fabled Electric Ladyland Studios. They were in the middle of one of their sessions when Fusco cheerily popped in to announce that he had just signed the band to a hot deal with RCA records for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Duke Ellington with Skip and Paul at Rock Pile May 14, 1969
This was a bit of a shock to Skip and Paul who had already signed with MGM. Fusco didn’t break a sweat as he brokered a backroom deal between the two companies. This was the sixties after all: #%*& happened!
1969 - top row: Russ Little; Arnie Chycoski, Don Whitton, Paul Hoffert; middle row: Leslie Schneider, Pinky Dauvin, Grant Fullerton, Howard Shore, Freddy Stone; bottom row: Ian Guenther, Don DiNovo, Ralph Cole, Skip Prokop
The next year was magical as they continued to expand their horizons. They played with the Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton and Philadelphia Symphonies as well as the Cincinnati Philharmonic. Based on this experience, Ralph Cole recommended the Edmonton Symphony to Procol Harum’s Gary Brooker who was interested in a similar project. The resulting recording led to the biggest selling album of that British band’s career (Procol Harum Live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra). Another milestone of this period was the creation of Ballet High, the world's first rock ballet, a collaboration between Lighthouse and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. It debuted at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre in July of 1970, then swept the nation with standing-room-only performances across Canada.
 Carnegie Hall Programme 1969 |
 Ballet High Poster July 1970 |
CBC Announcer Intro to TSO Concert
Lighthouse was riding high, performing to packed houses that greeted them with open-mouthed delight. The only thing they lacked was a hit single. These were the days before album rock and there was little room on the AM radio dial for eight-minute songs featuring violin and trombone solos. Despite the growing legion of fans and sold-out concerts, their first three albums had mediocre sales. They were at a crossroads and about to lose their recording contract with RCA.
Enter Bob McBride. His distinctive voice was the catalyst the band needed to enter its next phase. Jimmy Ienner, fresh from his success with Eric Carmen’s hits, signed on as producer, honing the band’s new commercial sound. Prokop took over the majority of the songwriting chores, simplifying the sound and making the songs more radio friendly. The result was the number one album and single, One Fine Morning.
Enter Bob McBride. His distinctive voice was the catalyst the band needed to enter its next phase. Jimmy Ienner, fresh from his success with Eric Carmen’s hits, signed on as producer, honing the band’s new commercial sound. Prokop took over the majority of the songwriting chores, simplifying the sound and making the songs more radio friendly. The result was the number one album and single, One Fine Morning.
Paul Hoffert, Bob McBride, Skip Prokop and engineer Phil Sheridan at Thunder Sound Recording Studio
Lighthouse continued to tour non-stop, garnering a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic live bands on the road. Audiences cheered – critics raved - as the band played every big city and small town across Canada. They performed standout shows throughout the United States and Europe as well, including The Isle of Wight Festival, the Atlantic City Pop Festival, and the Monterey, Newport and Boston Globe Jazz Festivals. When they represented Canada at Expo '70 in Japan they were so enthusiastically received they caused a near riot! They played with The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, Bob Dylan, The Doors, Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop, The Grateful Dead, Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell…the list goes on and on. Elton John, in his first U.S. appearance, was Lighthouse's opening act in Philadelphia.
Isle of Wight Festival 1970; from left: Keith Jollimore, Howard Shore, Pete Pantaluk, Bruce Cassidy, Larry Smith, Paul Hoffert, Bob McBride, manager Fusco standing at back, Louis Yachnin, Skip Prokop, Ralph Cole, Don DiNovo, Paul Armin, Dick Armin
Expo '70 Japan; front row from left: Paul Hoffert, Bob McBride, Louie Yacknin, Skip Prokop. Ralph Cole; back row from left: Keith Jollimore, Howard Shore, Bruce Cassidy, Pete Pantaluk, Larry Smith, Don DiNovo, Paul Armin, Dick Armin
Bob McBride circa 1972
Lighthouse was on a roll, releasing more than a dozen charting singles over the next four years, including radio mainstays Sunny Days, 1849 and Pretty Lady. Lighthouse’s popularity continued to grow at home and abroad and they toured endlessly to meet the demand. Starting in 1971 they won the first of three successive Juno Awards for Best Group of the Year, with McBride taking Best Male Vocalist in 1973. Album sales soared resulting in four gold albums and Canada's first platinum album - Lighthouse Live! The band could be seen on television, in newspapers and magazines, even on Coca Cola bottle caps. Life became an endless cycle of performing, recording and promoting one album after the other. It was inevitable that something had to give.
 Beggar's Banquet Poster circa 1971 |
 Fillmore East Poster Circa 1970; Lighthouse billing below Grateful Dead |
Toronto City Hall 1972; from left: Larry Smith, Don DiNovo, Paul Hoffert (back) Bob McBride (facing)
Paul Hoffert was the first of the founding members to leave. In 1973, tired of life on the road, he left performing but continued to act as Lighthouse’s executive producer. Then Bob McBride mysteriously failed to show up for the New York recording of the band's next album, Can You Feel It. Skip and Ralph considered scrapping the sessions but producer, Jimmy Ienner, insisted they sing all the lead and vocal harmonies. The result was one of the band's biggest hits, Pretty Lady. The frenetic pace continued without Bob McBride on vocals as they toured across America three times from September through December. The hectic schedule is typified by the band's final concerts of the year, one in Edmonton at 9:00 pm and one in Calgary at midnight.
Toronto City Hall 1973 from left: Al Wilmot, Ralph Cole
1973 seated front: John Naslen (trumpet), Terry Wilkins (bass); back row: Rick Stepton (trombone), Billy King (drums), Ralph Cole (guitar, vocals), Doug Billard (lead vocals), Dale Hilary (saxophone), Sam See (keys), Don DiNovo (viola), Dick Armin (cello), Skip Prokop (guitar, vocals); photo © John Rowlands
1974 Promo Photo: Skip Prokop
Each tour saw several personnel changes as the band criss-crossed the continent but the biggest shift occurred when Skip decided to step away from his drum kit and join the front line on guitar and vocals.
This was the line-up for the 1974 recording of Good Day. Skip went out for one last tour in support of the album then decided it was time for him to call it quits as well.
Lighthouse's popularity ensured the success of several more tours led by the remaining original member, Ralph Cole but in 1976 the band came off the road and returned home for good. Or so they thought.
Six years later Ontario Place approached Lighthouse with a proposition. They wanted to celebrate their tenth anniversary with the band that had performed the venue's first concert. Would Lighthouse be interested in reuniting for a series of weekend performances? You bet!
This was the line-up for the 1974 recording of Good Day. Skip went out for one last tour in support of the album then decided it was time for him to call it quits as well.
Lighthouse's popularity ensured the success of several more tours led by the remaining original member, Ralph Cole but in 1976 the band came off the road and returned home for good. Or so they thought.
Six years later Ontario Place approached Lighthouse with a proposition. They wanted to celebrate their tenth anniversary with the band that had performed the venue's first concert. Would Lighthouse be interested in reuniting for a series of weekend performances? You bet!
 1982 Sunday Sun TV Guide |
 1982 Ontario Place Reunion Programme |
It was a memorable weekend for Lighthouse and the 33,000 fans who came out to see them. The concerts were broadcast as a highly rated special on CBC but when the weekend was over, to everyone's disappointment, the musicians went their separate ways. It wasn't until 1992, when a request for the band to perform at the Calgary Stampede set the wheels in motion again, that Lighthouse decided to seriously re-unite. Skip Prokop, Ralph Cole, Paul Hoffert & Bob McBride shared the stage once again. The magic was back.
1992 seated from left: Skip Prokop, Ralph Cole, Bob McBride, Paul Hoffert; standing back row: Simon Wallis (saxophones & flute), Rick Waychesko (trumpet), Doug Moore (bass), Russ Little (trombone), Donald Quan (keyboard and violin), Steve Kennedy (saxophones & flute); photo © Biserka Lavaja
But McBride’s performances became increasingly erratic. He had developed an addiction to drugs and before long it became apparent that he was unable to continue performing. Reluctantly they concluded that he had to leave the band.
Dan Clancy had worked with both Skip and Ralph. They raved about him and set up an audition. Paul was sold before Dan finished the first song. Classical training had honed his vocal technique. Years on the rock circuit added a gritty edge. The combination produced a style that was uniquely his own while remaining true to the sound that defined Lighthouse. The result was the band's 1994 CD release, Song of the Ages, and their first top-forty hit in three decades, Remember The Times.
Dan Clancy had worked with both Skip and Ralph. They raved about him and set up an audition. Paul was sold before Dan finished the first song. Classical training had honed his vocal technique. Years on the rock circuit added a gritty edge. The combination produced a style that was uniquely his own while remaining true to the sound that defined Lighthouse. The result was the band's 1994 CD release, Song of the Ages, and their first top-forty hit in three decades, Remember The Times.
Front Row: Paul Hoffert, Doug Moore, Dan Clancy, Ralph Cole, Don Paulton
Middle & Back Rows: Jamie Prokop; Russ Little, Chris Howells, Simon Wallis, Steve Kennedy
With Dan Clancy locked in, Lighthouse finally had the stability it needed. The band continued to generate excitement with innovative works including a multimedia stage show created in collaboration with the Desrosiers Dance Theatre that toured Brazil. Their 1994 release, Song of the Ages, was one of the first CDs to include games and animation that could be viewed on a computer. They performed a series of exhilarating and technologically demanding concerts in which sections of the band performed in different locations across Toronto linked by broadband cable.Their sold-out reunion concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra was broadcast live across Canada. In 1996, they were honoured for their many years of success by being inducted into Q107s Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Whether performing for summer Festival crowds or rapt Concert Hall audiences they continued to bring down the house.
 Paul Hoffert |
 Ralph Cole |
Skip Prokop
Lighthouse songs were also enjoying a renaissance, having caught the attention of young artists such as Akon and Shobha as well as rock legend Carlos Santana who all recorded cover versions of Sunny Days and One Fine Morning respectively. And Jay Leno's band rocked out One Fine Morning with Robert Downey Jr boppin' to the beat!
The band's music had also found a following in Asia with several artists performing Lighthouse covers in Japan and a Japanese break-dance troupe created a spectacular routine using the band's recording of One Fine Morning. In addition, a three record set was released by Bandiera Music in South Korea.
The band's music had also found a following in Asia with several artists performing Lighthouse covers in Japan and a Japanese break-dance troupe created a spectacular routine using the band's recording of One Fine Morning. In addition, a three record set was released by Bandiera Music in South Korea.
Lighthouse celebrated its 40th Anniversary by touring across Canada in support of ole/Universal's release of 40 Years of Sunny Days. Shortly after, Skip began having health problems and by 2012 he no longer had the stamina to perform. It was hard to imagine a substitute, but Skip's idea to bring his son Jamie onboard was a brilliant solution. Lighthouse music had been swirling around his brain for as long as he could remember so Jamie was ready and willing to take it on. After a solid three months of woodshedding before the first gig, he was fully prepared as he calmly slipped behind the drums and created magic.
Jamie Prokop
Jamie's youthful energy has reinvigorated the band and they're happily taking on new projects and continuing to tour. Bob Ezrin produced their newest single, Leonard Cohen's, 'Tower of Song' which was released with a video in the summer of 2017. They're two exciting collaborations with the Ontario Philharmonic were hugely successful and they'll be collaborating with them again. The band has enjoyed performing on Three Moody Blues cruises with such rock luminaries as Roger Dalton, ELO. The Strawbs, Al Stuart, and the Zombies.
This year, Lighthouse has been celebrating 50 years of music and they've taken the party across Canada. One of the highlights took place at Koerner Hall on May 14th - 50 years to the day of the first Lighthouse concert at the Rock Pile in Toronto. Past band members, Louis Yachnin, Grant Fullerton, Jim Gelcer and Donald Quan were in the audience to cheer them on. The second set introduced a string section (Lenny Solomon, Wendy Solomon, George Koller and Lynn Kuo) with the finale featuring four past Lighthouse horn members (Mike Malone, Paul Tarussov, Michael Stuart and Alastair Kay) performing with the band on One Fine Morning.
The performance was live-streamed across the globe and can be viewed here;
Lighthouse finale at Koerner Hall -
Photo by Larry Frank
Mayor Tory presenting plaque to Paul Hoffert and Ralph Cole - Photo by Larry Frank
Mayor Tory proclaimed May 14th Lighthouse Day and made an on-stage presentation to Paul Hoffert and Ralph Cole in honour of the 50th Anniversary.
Mervon Mehta presenting Lighthouse members with plaque declaring them Honorary Fellows of the Royal Conservatory of Music - Photo by Lisa Sakulensky
The following day, the Lighthouse band members were named Honorary Fellows of the Royal Conservatory of Music at a Gala celebration at Koerner Hall.
The following day, the Lighthouse band members were named Honorary Fellows of the Royal Conservatory of Music at a Gala celebration at Koerner Hall.
Bottom Row: Paul Hoffert, Doug Moore. Dan Clancy, Ralph Cole, Don Paulton
Middle & Back Row: Jamie Prokop, Russ Little, Chris Howells, Simon Wallis, Steve Kennedy
Lighthouse continues to tour across the country in celebration of its 50th Anniversary concluding with a gala New Year's Eve performance at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
All performances have been recorded and a commemorative album of the 50th is in the works.
Lighthouse Rocks On!!
All performances have been recorded and a commemorative album of the 50th is in the works.
Lighthouse Rocks On!!
