Jim Lawrance
Jim Lawrance at ‘Folk on the Rocks” festival. 2014. Yellowknife, NT (photo credit unknown)
Guitarist/harmonica player, Jim Lawrance grew up in the rich musical environment of the port city of Halifax.
His first instrument was a harmonica given to him by his grandfather.
The electric guitar landed in his hands in the early 1950s.
He went on to play with rhythm and blues ensembles and psychedelic rock bands through the 1960s.
Jim and his young family moved to Inuvik in 1971 where he taught at the Samuel Hearne school.
He put together the blues trio “Jelly Roll” and played in the bars and at community dances.
After relocating to Yellowknife, he was a founding member of “The Red Devil Rockin’ Blues Band” along with Norman Glowach and Pat Braden.
Jim was another southern musician who brought his wealth of knowledge and experience to the north and inspired many musicians along the way.
with 'The Swinging Kings' L-R: Jim Lawrance, Keith Clarridge, Eric Pudsy, Robert Trottier. Circa 1955, Oromocto, NB. (photo courtesy Jim Lawrance)
'The Imperials' L-R: Jim Lawrance, Tony George, Lou Walsh, (front) Teddy Bryant. Halifax, NS, 1964. (photo courtesy Jim Lawrance)
The Jekylls and Hydes’ L-R: Tony George, Lou Walsh, Lucky Splude, Jim L’awrance. 1964. (photo courtesy Jim Lawrance)
Jelly Roll. L-R: Derek Briggs (bass), Danny Thomas (drums), Jim Lawrance (guitar and vocals) Arena Dance, Inuvik, NT, 1979. (photo courtesy Jim Lawrance)
‘Red Devil Rockin’ Blues Band’ L-R: Norman Glowach, Jim Lawrance, Pat Braden. The Cellar. Yellowknife, NT. 2016 (Bill Braden photo)
