Photo credit: Mark Miller 2001
Phil Nimmons O.C., O. Ont. is often referred to as the “Dean of Canadian jazz”, and is known for his work as a clarinetist, bandleader, composer, arranger and educator. In the 1940s, he began his musical career in Vancouver with the Ray Norris quintet, and wrote music for CBC radio plays. After attending the Julliard School and the Royal Conservatory of Music, he inevitably formed his own bands, most notably the popular group Nimmons ‘N’ Nine and later Nimmons ‘N’ Nine Plus Six. Over his lifetime, he has composed and arranged an astounding amount of material for a wide range of formats and styles, including big band, film scores, contemporary chamber and orchestral works.
A founding member of the Canadian League of Composers, he also co-founded the Advanced School of Contemporary Music with Oscar Peterson and Ray Brown. Phil had a major influence on establishing many jazz programs across Canada, and taught at the University of Toronto, Jazz Studies program for over 45 years.
Phil was awarded the inaugural JUNO Award for best jazz album in 1977. In 2001, Phil was inducted into the International Jazz Educator’s Hall of Fame for his total dedication to jazz and jazz education. In 2002, he received Canada’s highest honour for an artist, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement for his enduring contribution to the performing arts in Canada. For more than 6 decades, Phil has been a passionate advocate for music in Canada, and a stalwart supporter of musicians, teachers, and students. He has influenced thousands of lives and musical careers, and is beloved by several generations of Canadian musicians.