1997

DAVE "PAPPY" HAMEL

Dave Pappy Hamel was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on March 6 1927 and was raised in Davidson, SK. Dave is best remembered for his radio days at CKMO and CKNW. He had a daily afternoon show along with Bob Fortune (CKMO) and Bill Rae's Round Up (CKNW) during the late 1940's. He is a warm friendly gentleman and has had a love affair with country and light jazz dating back to this era. After his discharge from the Navy, Dave moved to beautiful BC and decided to play guitar and follow a career in aviation. He met Ronnie Snyder, who taught him guitar, and they practiced on a regular basis being heavily influenced by Red Foley, Bob Wills, Eddy Arnold, Spade Cooley and the Quintet to the Hot Club of France. This duo were well received at many small functions. During a Hank Snow tour in Vancouver, Ron and Dave were auditioned and were asked to become part of Hank's floor show. A great friendship blossomed with Andy Fraser and his band, who was backing Hank, and his son Jimmy. Dave enjoyed his years as vocalist with Andy Fraser, playing for dances and radio shows. During his radio days it was an exciting time in his life, meeting various stars in the industry: Mike, Mark and Jack; The Rhythm Pals, T Texas Tyler; Spade Cooley; Duke Ellington; Spike Jones; Merle Travis; D. J. Jack Cullen; Nat King Cole and Lena Horne, to mention just a few. Dave was becoming a great rhythm guitarist and is known for his solid chuck-style rhythm. In the early 1950's Dave became rhythm guitarist in the Delmar Trio. Dave gigged locally until 1955 when he joined the RCMP 'Air Division' which took him away from B.C. to travel all of Canada. In his off duty hours, while he was based in Fort Smith, NWT, he had a radio show called 'The Old Ranger's Cabin' which became very popular as a request show. In 1959/60 he met Clarence Ploof and Frank Gay. Dave's talents as a vocalist and rhythm guitarist enjoyed appearances on television and local venues with Gaby Haas, Clarence Ploof and Al Curtis. In 1960, returning to B.C., once again renewing his membership in the music scene, Dave joined the "Golden Garter Saloon Show" as rhythm guitarist/vocalist along with Rocky Mason. Dave became straight man to Fran and enjoyed almost thirteen weeks at the Cave Supper Club. Dave was flying locally, but pursuing his love for music with Jake Doell, Taller O'Shea and Fran Dowie. During the 70's he played gigs with Len Ryder and Willie Jennings having a blast. They were known as "We Three". Danny Romaniuk was Dave's mentor and has left fond memories of their affiliation. Cutting an LP in 1972 on the Aragon label, "Please Remember", was an immeasurable learning experience. During the 80's Dave wanted more experience, and with his love for jazz, formed a group known to many as "Pappy and the Sidemen". August' 95 brought about another recording, "The Wine Remembers" which encompassed some of Pap's favourites. Pap and his guys performed during Jamboree'96, hosted by the Clover Valley Country Music Society along with Ian Tyson, Lisa Brokop, Curtis Blayne and many other Canadian artists, and was inducted into the Pioneers of Western Swing 'Hall of Fame' in Everett, Wa., in August '96. In 1999, Pap was inducted into the Sacramento Pioneers of Western Swing Music Society Hall of Fame. Dave, or "Pappy" as he is affectionately known by his peers, has always had a tremendous respect for the musicians he has worked with. Pap is supported in his love affair with music by his lovely wife, Louise, and their son, Justin