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
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.
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 beginningg…
 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 c0-writer David Secter
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- 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.
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 Ralph Cole at the Grande Ballroom 1968 |
Ralph Cole at 16
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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.
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.
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 - shit happened!
The next year was magical as Lighthouse continued to expand its horizons. They performed with the Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Philadelphia and Cincinnati Symphonies breaking new ground for other rock bands. Based on his experience with the Edmonton Symphony, Ralph Cole recommended the orchestra to Procol Harum's Gary Brooker who was interested in a similar project. The resulting recording led to Procul Harum's biggest selling album of its career.Another milestone during this period was the creation of Ballet High, the world's first rock ballet, a collaboration between Lighthouse and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. They toured across the country together winning new audiences and creating a media sensation wherever they went.
The next year was magical as Lighthouse continued to expand its horizons. They performed with the Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Philadelphia and Cincinnati Symphonies breaking new ground for other rock bands. Based on his experience with the Edmonton Symphony, Ralph Cole recommended the orchestra to Procol Harum's Gary Brooker who was interested in a similar project. The resulting recording led to Procul Harum's biggest selling album of its career.Another milestone during this period was the creation of Ballet High, the world's first rock ballet, a collaboration between Lighthouse and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. They toured across the country together winning new audiences and creating a media sensation wherever they went.
Isle of Wight Photograph
Lighthouse continued to tour non-stop, garnering a reputation as one of the most dynamic bands on the concert and festival circuit. Audiences cheered - critics raved - as the band played every big city and small town across Canada. They performed sold-out shows throughout the United States and Europe, including 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 performed 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. At the famed 1970 Isle of Wight Festival the audience went wild and they were the only band asked to perform twice. Elton John, in his first U.S. appearance, was Lighthouse's opening act.
Despite all their success they were still missing one thing - a big hit single! These were the days when AM radio ruled, and there was no place on any radio dial for an eight-minute song with violin and trombone solos.
Despite all their success they were still missing one thing - a big hit single! These were the days when AM radio ruled, and there was no place on any radio dial for an eight-minute song with violin and trombone solos.
Enter Bob McBride. His distinct 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, simplifying the sound and making the songs more radio friendly. The result was its first big hit, both album and single, One Fine Morning.
Lighthouse was on a roll, releasing more than a dozen charting singles over the next four years, including radio mainstays Sunny Days, 1849, Hats Off (To the Stranger) and Pretty Lady. Lighthouse's popularity to continued to grow at home and abroad and they toured endlessly to meet the demand. Starting in 1971 they were awarded the first of three successive Junos for Best Group of the Year, with McBride taking Best male Vocalist in 1973. Album sales soared resulting in four gold album's and Canada's first platinum album - Lighthouse Live! The band was a media sensation appearing on television, in newspapers and magazines, even on Coca Cola bottle caps. Life became a cycle of performing, recording and promoting one album after another. It was inevitable that something had to give.
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
 Beggar's Banquet Poster circa 1971 |
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 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
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 rhe 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 Lighhtouse be interested in reuniting for a series of weekend performances?
This was rhe 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 Lighhtouse be interested in reuniting for a series of weekend performances?
 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 1990, 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 |
Skip Prokop
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 Ralph Cole |
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.
Jamie Prokop
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's youthful energy reinvigorated the band and they took on new projects and continued to tour. Bob Ezrin produced a single, Leonard Cohen's, Tower of Song, which was released with a video (view below) in the summer of 2017. Two exciting collaborations with the Ontario Philharmonic were hugely successful and the band enjoyed performing on three Moody Blues cruises with such luminaries as Roger Dalton, ELO, The Strawbs, Al Stewart and the Zombies.
Jamie's youthful energy reinvigorated the band and they took on new projects and continued to tour. Bob Ezrin produced a single, Leonard Cohen's, Tower of Song, which was released with a video (view below) in the summer of 2017. Two exciting collaborations with the Ontario Philharmonic were hugely successful and the band enjoyed performing on three Moody Blues cruises with such luminaries as Roger Dalton, ELO, The Strawbs, Al Stewart and the Zombies.
In 2019, Lighthouse celebrated 50 years of music and they took the party across Canada. One of the highlights was a sold out concert 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 members of the horn section (Mike Malone, Paul Tarussov, Michael Stuart and Alastair Kay) performing with the band on One Fine Morning. The evening was capped off with Mayor John Tory proclaiming May 14th Lighthouse Day.
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.
On May 14th, 2012, at Massey Hall in Toronto. Leonard Cohen was awarded the Glenn Gould Prize. Afterwards, Cohen had a chance to party with friends across the street at Fran's.
The Glenn Gould Foundation asked Lighthouse to continue the musical tributes with an intimate acoustic performance. The band chose Cohen's haunting ballad, Tower of Song.
Cohen stood front and centre and was obviously delighted as he danced and sung along with the band. When the song ended he leaped forward and shook everyone's hand, saying with a broad grin that this was the best version of the song he'd ever heard. The magical performance was shot by the Glenn Gould Foundation and posted on YouTube.
The Glenn Gould Foundation asked Lighthouse to continue the musical tributes with an intimate acoustic performance. The band chose Cohen's haunting ballad, Tower of Song.
Cohen stood front and centre and was obviously delighted as he danced and sung along with the band. When the song ended he leaped forward and shook everyone's hand, saying with a broad grin that this was the best version of the song he'd ever heard. The magical performance was shot by the Glenn Gould Foundation and posted on YouTube.
When the band heard about Leonard Cohen's passing, they decided to honour him by recording the song. Mega-award winning producer, Bob Ezrin, saw the video and offered to produce the recording at Noble St. Studios.
There was a reverent hush at the beginning of the session as everyone gathered around a photo of Cohen. Thus Inspired, and with the help of Ezrin and George Seara, Lighthouse created magic again as Dan Clancy's exquisite vocal soared over the band's simple blue's and rock arrangement, capturing the essence of the song.
There was a reverent hush at the beginning of the session as everyone gathered around a photo of Cohen. Thus Inspired, and with the help of Ezrin and George Seara, Lighthouse created magic again as Dan Clancy's exquisite vocal soared over the band's simple blue's and rock arrangement, capturing the essence of the song.
As the 50th Anniversary celebration wound down, the band was looking forward to another exciting year of performances in 2020, but that was not to be. Covid shut down the world. Although Lighthouse was not able to get together in person, they united on-line to create a Christmas message to lift their spirits and send a greetings to family, friends and fans.
Life finally got back to near-normal but the pandemic had taken its toll on everyone. When live performances were allowed again and gigs started coming in, everyone was so happy to be together again. There were some band member changes though. Jamie Prokop decided to pursue other directions during covid. Paul DeLong joined the band when Lighthouse was able to perform again. Ralph Cole and Steve Kennedy retired in 2023 and were replaced by Marc Ganetakos and Michael Stuart. Lighthouse added James Naro on vocals in 2025 and Don Paulton retired that year as well.
The current line-up is:
Paul Hoffert (keys, vibes & vocals), Dan Clancy (lead vocals & guitar), Doug Moore (bass & vocals), Marc Ganetakos (lead guitar & vocals), Paul DeLong (drums), James Naro (vocals), Russ Little (trombone), Chris Howells (trumpet), Simon Wallis (baritone & tenor saxophones & flute), and Michael Stuart (tenor, alto, soprano saxophones & flute).
It's been 35 years since Lighthouse permanently re-united. Skip always liked to call Lighthouse a "band of brothers" and that feeling of being part of a family is what gives Lighthouse a unique status among bands. Over time, that bond has strengthened, and the list of Lighthouse family members is long.
Lighthouse is still shining, working on exciting new projects and looking forward to rocking out for fans everywhere for many more years to come!
The current line-up is:
Paul Hoffert (keys, vibes & vocals), Dan Clancy (lead vocals & guitar), Doug Moore (bass & vocals), Marc Ganetakos (lead guitar & vocals), Paul DeLong (drums), James Naro (vocals), Russ Little (trombone), Chris Howells (trumpet), Simon Wallis (baritone & tenor saxophones & flute), and Michael Stuart (tenor, alto, soprano saxophones & flute).
It's been 35 years since Lighthouse permanently re-united. Skip always liked to call Lighthouse a "band of brothers" and that feeling of being part of a family is what gives Lighthouse a unique status among bands. Over time, that bond has strengthened, and the list of Lighthouse family members is long.
Lighthouse is still shining, working on exciting new projects and looking forward to rocking out for fans everywhere for many more years to come!
Top row from left:
Russ, Little, Chris Howells, Simon Wallis, Michael Stuart
Bottom row from left:
Paul Hoffert, Doug Moore, Dan Clancy, Marc Ganetakos, Paul DeLong, James Naro