Ronald Percival Jenkins was born 27th December 1913 in Fremantle.
He started his life on the stage as a dancer and then came to prominence in Perth as a clarinet and saxophone player who performed at hundreds of concerts, competitions and events only a few of which are highlighted on this page.
In 1937 he married Alice Mitchell in Fremantle.
1925
Master Ron. and Miss Sylvia Jenkins, who won the Three-step Competition at the recent R.S.L. Children’s Dance, were pupils of Miss Vera Stewart.
Advertiser (Fremantle, WA : 1921 – 1932), Friday 18 September 1925, page 1
MISS VERA STEWART’S CONCERT A WONDERFUL SUCCESS
The first Annual Variety Entertainment by the pupils of Miss Vera Stewart, was held at the Fremantle Town Hall, on Saturday evening last, before an audience which occupied every seat in the Hall, and proved to be one of the best shows of its kind ever staged in the Port. The programme included no less than 36 items (every one of which was encored), and it reflects the greatest credit on the stage management that the last item was disposed of a few minutes before 11 o’clock. 1 From first to last the show went with a pleasing swing, there being none of those breaks or delays which often characterised entertainments of this kind. The mounting and dressing were splendid—in some cases magnificent —and the accompaniments, played by Miss R. Droney (piano), and Piper Lindsay, went a long way towards the success of the show. The programme is too long to be dealt with seriatem and where everyone did so well it is difficult to select the “stars.” However special mention might be made of Nita Nankervis, Connie Rumble, Beatty Crake, Coralie Condon, and Hazel Davies, for their singing (and dancing), and the Misses Jenkins, Hazel Hall. Jean Radcliffe, Master Ron. Jenkins, and babies Joan Lemmens and Evelyn Essex. Miss Stewart was rarely off the stage, her dancing being entertainingly clever, and her leadership splendid.
Advertiser (Fremantle, WA : 1921 – 1932), Friday 11 December 1925, page 4
1936
Zionist Club Dance At Log Cabin
THE West Australian Zionist Athletic Club held a most enjoyable dance at the Log Cabin on Saturday evening. Ron Jenkins’ orchestra supplied the music. Novelties added to the fun of the evening, and credit is due to the energetic committee in charge of the arrangements.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Tuesday 18 August 1936, page 8
Fremantle Dance.
A DANCE arranged by the ladies of St. John’s Church, Fremantle, was held recently in the Victoria Hall. Ron Jenkins’s orchestra was in attendance, and supper was served on tables decorated with bowls of Iceland poppies. Mr. G. Hettick supervised the floor arrangements, and the ladies’ committee included Mesdames Baker (president), Parker, Cole, Crockett, G. Hettick, E. J. Clarke, Witherow, Greenslade, Sullivan, Solomon, Styling and Clarke. Those present included Canon Collick, the Rev. A.M. Jenkins, Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft, Mrs. Herbert; Misses C. Kerk, G. Edmonds, Phyllis Allen, Dorothy and Eunice Parkes, Loris Hettick, Bernice Everyn, Marie Turner, M. Baker, Bancroft, Joan Rolefort, Mabel Williams, Nora Jarmens, Gwen Jones. Messrs. E. Parkes, Bolton, Morrisey, Baker, Clarke, L. Hettick, 1. Matthews, I. Hades, J. Letchford. S. Smith. and G. Baker.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Wednesday 7 October 1936, page 4
1937
Claremont Football Club – DANCE ON MONDAY
Supporters are reminded of the club dance in the Myola Hall, Claremont, on Monday, July 19. Ron Jenkins orchestra will provide the dance music.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 17 July 1937, page 7
1939
THE staff of Cox Bros. held a social evening on Thursday at the Stir-ling Social Rooms. Music for dancing was supplied by Ron Jenkins’s band.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 3 July 1939, page 3
1946
SPORTS ORGANISATIONS. The Claremont Football Club will hold its fortnightly dance in the Parish Hall. Claremont, tonight. Ron Jenkins’s orchestra; Popular prices. Supporters and friends welcomed.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Tuesday 21 May 1946, page 3
1948
On July 1st 1948 “Battle of the Bands” was held at the Capitol Theatre. It was attended by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir James Mitchell G.C.M.G. and raised funds for Wooroloo hospital with Margot Elfverson, who was also the receptionist at the Murray St Chest Clinic, as the Public Health Candidate.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS CONTEST – HOSPITAL AID – Dance Band Contest Winners – Strains of boogie-woogie, jazz, jive and swing music formed the principal part of last night’s entertainment at the Capitol Theatre in connection with the Wooroloo Hospital Queen Contest. The programme was arranged by the Legion of Liberty. which is one of several bodies who together are seeking to raise £100,000 required for the establishment of a village for the after-care of discharged tuberculosis patients. The chief feature of the evening was the “battle of the bands.” with five dance bands competing for a prize comprising silver and a cheque for £25. Honours went to Jack Harrison‘s Swing Trio, one of the smaller ensembles in the competition, consisting of Jack and his twin sister, aged 16 years, and an 18-year-old brother. Ron Jenkins and his orchestra were placed second, and the Ashton Quartette third. The prizes were presented on behalf of the legion by “Miss Liberty” (Miss Elma Palmer). Judgment was based on the strength of the applause. Nearly all accommodation in the theatre was taken. Geoff Manion compered. The West Australian Friday 2 July 1948 page 10
CAPITOL THEATRE SHOW – BATTLE OF THE BANDS CONTEST – VENTURE PROVES HUGE SUCCESS – WOOROLOO HOSPITAL QUEEN CONTEST With a theatre almost packed to capacity hundreds of enthusiasts enjoyed an evening of boogie-woogie, jive, jazz and swing music which formed the principal part of the Capitol Theatre entertainment on 1st July last. During the evening Sammy Sharp’s fifteen piece Orchestra rendered latest numbers from overseas. The Battle of the Bands proved most interesting, the honours going to the smallest ensembles in the contest. Sixteen year old Jack Harrison, with his twin sister and eighteen year old brother took home the colours in the form of a silver cup and a cheque for £25. Judgement of the winning band was based on applause by the audience and results were very close. Ron Jenkins and his band ran Jack Harrison a very close second, with Mrs Ashton’s Quartette third on the list. Prizes were presented by “Miss Liberty” (Elma Palmer) who afterwards thanked many people and organisations for very valuable assistance rendered to the cause. A good profit was the result of the evening. The Harrisons generously donated five pounds of the prize money to “Miss Liberty’s” Appeal. Shows of this nature prove conclusively that the Legion is fully capable of running large functions, and we feel sure that this addition to the cause will be much appreciated. To members of the Hospital Queen Committee and to all members of the Legion who rendered assistance we express our sincere thanks. We also extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the many firms whose assistance in various matters added tremendously to the success of the evening. To the contesting bands we owe a particular vote of thanks. Without the band there would not have been a contest. We feel that this Contest stimulated interest in the jazz-band world and we hope that in the future it will be possible to organise other functions of a similar nature. The Legion (Legion of Liberty) August 1948
AROUND PERTH in 1948 WITH HARRY BLUCK
PERTH RADIO STATIONS USING MORE BANDS AND LIVE ARTIST SESSIONS
Quick survey of local musicians currently airing programmes in Perth shows what a keen interest is being shown by local radio stations, both national and commercial, in presenting “flesh and blood” shows, especially by members of the dance band fraternity. Here are where a few of our leading “outfits” can be heard over the local ether. Sammy Sharp’s Band (featuring a 15 piece combination) and vocalist Peter Boyd are prominent each Thursday evening over station 6PR with a Band Presentation and “Talent Quest” show. Over the same network from Perth Town Hall, Chris Gosper and his “Music for Moderns” are relayed from their weekly midday sessions, which have proved a huge success, and shows signs of developing into something really big. From the same network come many other “live” shows including pianist Warrick Lever, Henry Cochrane and Jimmy Beeson. George Hay and his “Hawaiians”, Billy Barnes’ Hill Billys, Accordionist Harry Bluck, saxophonist Jack Pateman.
On the Nationals the weekly show features the “Rhythmettes”, a novelty outfit led by Harry Bluck, while the Jackie Harrison Quintette and Emil also give occasional broadcasts, not forgetting of course, soloist Henry Cochrane. Quick roundup of the other stations tells us of a weekly Sunday Show by the “400 Swingtette” over 6KY, where Chris Gosper and Ralph St. Clair play solo piano sessions, while a prominent Hill Billy movement is also aired by this station.
Theatre May Use More Music
News that Sammy Sharp’s Thursday night broadcasts shift into the Ambassador’s Theatre as part of the programme etc, may mean the thin end of the wedge for some other houses to follow suit and gradually reintroduce more musicians into local theatres. From observation it appears that Perth picture houses are not doing terrific business mid week. Perhaps some really good musical acts and support may be the answer, as indications from the other side of the show business points to outstanding houses for all flesh-and-blood performances.
The Jazz Jamboree
Already the bands concerned in this year’s “Jazz Jamboree” are working on their numbers for this colossal programme which shows every promise of superseding last year’s magnificent turn out. The bands listed to appear so far are – Merv Rowston’s, Jack Harrison’s, Ron Jenkins, A Jazz Group, Bill Kirkham’s, Chris Gosper’s and Sammy Sharp’s bands. This year a box plan will be opened and so it is hoped to avoid the terrific crush and queuing that took place last year – the queue was four deep, entirely encircling a complete city block – and was there for a couple of hours in pouring rain. Also – at last – proceeds from this year’s Jamboree go to the Musician’s own Benevolent Fund.
Music Maker October 1948
JAZZ JAMBOREE OF 1948
Capitol Theatre, Sunday Night October 31
eight leading bands led by
Merv Rowston, Sammy Sharp, Chris Gosper, Harry Bluck, Ron Jenkins, Bill Kirkham, Jack Harrison, Ken Murdoch
Box plan at Nicholsons. Adm 2/6 Proceeds to Charity.
Harry Bluck, who heads the A.B.C. Rhythmettes, is the brains behind the business and all proceeds go to the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund.
The Mirror Saturday October 23 1948 Vol 25. No. 1379
Be In the Swing on the
SWING SHIP
T.S.S. Emerald
Tonight Thursday December 16th at 8 o’clock
Price 3/6
Popular bands Ron Jenkins, Jack Harrison
Swing Master: Geoff Manion
The West Australian Perth Thursday December 16 1948. Also Daily News
1949
JAZZ JAMBOREE OF 1949
EIGHT OF PERTH’S BEST BANDS – Alvan St. Jazz Group, Harry Black’s Swingtette, Jack Harrison’s Quintette, Ron Jenkins Lido Quartette, Ken Murdoch‘s Band, Bill Kirkham’s Jive Band, Merv. Rowston’s Band, Sammy Sharpe’s Band.
CAPITOL THEATRE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30th
ADMISSION: 3/6 (reserved). Box Plan at Nicholsons.
The West Australian Wednesday 19 October 1949 page 30
JIVE FANS
BIG moment in local jive lives will arrive Sunday week when another Jazz Jamboree will be held at the Capitol with 60 of Perth’s best musicians featured in 8 bands. Alvan-street Jazz Group, Harry Bluck Swingtet, Jackie Harrison’s Quintet, Ron Jenkins Lido Quartet, Bill Kirkham’s Swing 7, Ken Murdock’s Band, Merv Rowston’s Society 5 and Sammy Sharp’s Band. Fans will also appreciate a re-appearance of sensational blind singer Phyllis Frost.
Mirror Saturday 22 October 1949 page 14
BIG JAZZ SHOW
Over 60 musicians will appear in the “Jazz Jamboree of 1949” in the Capitol Theatre on Sunday October 30. Eight bands will feature every style from Dixieland to bop. The concerts have been held since 1947 and have attracted very big audiences. The proceeds for the show are donated to the musicians’ benevolent fund. The bands taking part will be: Alvan-street Jazz Group, Harry Bluck Swingtet, Jackie Harrison’s Quintet, Ron Jenkins Lido Quartet, Bill Kirkham’s Swing 7, Ken Murdock’s Band, Merv Rowston’s Society 5 and Sammy Sharp’s Band.
1951
CAPITOL THEATRE – SUNDAY 28th OCTOBER 1951 – JAZZ JAMBOREE
Featuring
12 of Perth’s Leading Dance Bands
Jazstars, Cliff Adam, Norm Wrightson, Merv Rowston, Ron Jenkins, Harry Bluck, Jimmy Beeson, Bill Kirkham, Peter Clinch, Ken Murdoch, Jack Harrison, Sammy Sharp.
Booking Opens at Nicholsons. Friday 19th October 1951.
1952
On 12th August 1952 at Jack and Jill Harrison’s 21st birthday, which they celebrated at a party held at the Nedlands Tennis Club, Jack’s engagement to ABC typist Marcia Chayter was announced.
WHAT a wow of a party those young attractive, twins Jill and Jackie Harrison had on Tuesday night to celebrate getting the key of the door! Added thrill for Jackie, for he has obtained a promise from a lovely person, Marcia Chayter, who looked a dream in pale blue tulle studded with rhinestones. Jill showed off her brunette attractiveness with emerald green taffeta. Lots of attractive lasses and their partners danced to Ron Jenkins‘ orchestra. Pam Sampson looked sweet in pale blue organdie and Berwyn Allen in pale pink faille. Others there were Ann Poynton, Deirdre Schorer, Tom Twentyman, Bob Pope, Jess and John Woodland.
Sunday Times Sunday 17 August 1952 page 9
Sunday October 26th 1952 – Jazz Jamboree
DANCE BAND FANS! BOOK EARLY And Avoid Disappointment for the
JAZZ JAMBOREE – CAPITOL THEATRE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26 At 8.45 p.m.
SAMMY SHARP HARRY BLUCK
MERV ROWSTON KEN MURDOCH
BILL KIRKHAM JACKIE HARRISON
THE JAZSTARS NORM WRIGHTSON
RON JENKINS JIMMY BEESON
COLIN HICKS CLIFF ADAM
Tickets 4/-
BOX PLAN NOW OPEN AT NICHOLSONS
Ron Jenkins, who led his Lido Quartette at last Sunday night’s concert, has specialised in novelty jazz music. His combination is sometimes known as the local Spike Jones group and he has patterned his music along comedy lines. Ron, like a number of other local boys, started his career as a drummer. He later switched to the saxophone and has stuck to it ever since. His favourite bands are those which give their music novelty treatment. His ambition— to play on television if — sorry, when—it arrives in Australia.. By profession, Ron Jenkins is a tailor, who can cut a suit as well as he can ‘cut a rug’.
The West Australian Saturday 13 September 1952 page 15
1953 – wedding of Jack and Marcia Harrison – Ron Jenkins was hired as the band.
1954
JAZZ AT THE CAPITOL – TEN TOP BANDS TO BEAT OUT JAZZ – SUNDAY 27 JUNE 1954
That Jazzbo Collins’ quip ‘Be you round, be you square, it’s guaranteed to curl your hair,’ could well be applied to tomorrow’s ‘Jazz at the Capitol.’ Perth fans have always rushed these shows and judging by the crowd round the box office during the week this one will be no exception. Ten of Perth’s top bands will get together to boost the Wendy Nash Appeal. And in the midst of all this jazz Wendy herself will take the spotlight and play a couple of classical numbers— Clare de Lune (Debussy) end Khatchachurian (Toccato). Organiser Harry Bluck says that though these compositions are definitely in the classical sphere he is sure they will go across well with the jazz lovers.
Listed for the program are the Harry Bluck Sextette, Ray Le Cornu’s Band, Cliff Adams’ Sextette, The Jazstars, Jack Harrison’s Quartette, Norm Wrightson’s Band, the Jimmy Beeson Group and Merv Rowsten’s Band. Popular trumpeter Sammy Sharp will be sitting in with Merv. All these outfits, with the exception of Merv Rowston, will play 3 numbers. He will present his own arrangement, ‘Merv’s Music in the Modern Manner.’ Ray Le Cornu’s Band will give out with ‘Tuxedo Junction,’ made famous by the mighty Glen Miller Orchestra. It will be interesting to see how he puts this number across. Also on Ray’s list is the ‘Woodchoppers’ Ball,’ old favorite of which Woody Herman made such a great recording. King’s Park dance-goers know what a terrific job Jackie Harrison makes of the ‘Golden Wedding.’ The hall comes to a standstill when Jackie gets up on the stool to extract those last few high notes from the liquorice stick.
Ron Jenkins has built a great reputation with his top class music and comic acts. Ron and his quartette will serve up ‘Crazy Man Crazy’— guaranteed to make everyone ‘go mad.’ Norm Wrightson has a certain touch of class about his presentations. He gets a beautiful tone out of his clarinet — which should be well to the fore. His selections are all numbers played by Benny Goodman groups —’I Got Rhythm.’ ‘South of the Border’ and ‘Undecided.’
Those who were at the Jazz Jamboree last, November will no doubt remember the great reception Martin Gieschus got when he sang ‘That Old Black Magic.’ He had to sing it again. Tomorrow night he is singing current pops-top ‘Answer Me My Love’ with the Jimmy Beeson Group. Jimmy’s other 2 items are ‘Sometimes I’m Happy’ and ‘Cheek to Cheek.’ Jazstars are billed for 2 oldies in ‘Tiger Rag’ and ‘That’s a-Plenty.’ Liza Ray provides the vocal of their third number, ‘Somebody Loves Me.’ Harry Bluck sextette will feature ‘Lullaby of Birdland,’ a number popularised by the inimitable George Shearing. Kath Bass exercises the vocal chords singing ‘The One I Love Belongs to Someone Else’ with the Bluck group. Cliff Adams’ outfit will play ‘The Continental,’ ‘Cumana’ and ‘Long John Stomp.’ It’s no wonder all seats have been taken except 200 to be sold at the door.
The Mirror Saturday 26 June 1954 page 13
RON JENKINS – OLD HATS INSPIRED ‘MAD HATTER ‘ MUSIC VOGUE
A stack of old hats in his father’s men’s wear store started Ron Jenkins on the road to success in dance band-cum-comedy work. Discarded headgear gave Ron the idea of adding a novelty angle to his band. Later, he dug deeper into the pile of old clothes which had collected in the shop since its inception in 1910, and the idea for what so many dance goers now know as typical Jenkins’ style was born. Ron always believed patrons want something more than straight music. Just how right he was is illustrated by the way dancers will stop and gather round the stand while Bon and the boys go through their crazy capers.
The Jenkins’ humor is essentially a team effort. A title is first chosen, then all band members offer their suggestions for slapstick. Best ideas are pooled and a number is ready to split the dancers’ sides. A lot of comedy is impromptu, but for big shows the band gets together at Ron’s place — as some Melville residents know only too well— to rehearse. To back this fooling Ron has a huge store of varied clothes. Included in his ‘wardrobe’ are 50 hats, ranging from elegant bowlers’ to Yankee gob caps, 8 striped blazers of unknown vintage. parson’s coats, swallow-tailed coats, oilskins, and Indian blankets. He also has masks, spectacles, false noses, cheeks and such like by the hundreds, not to mention innumerable wigs both male and female. Compere of ‘Jazz at the Capitol’ Peter Harrison will probably say smoke bombs and crackers should be included in the list of the Jenkins’ equipment. While Harrison was talking before Jenkins’ act last Sunday a smoke bomb exploded behind him. Amid crackers and jumping jacks he was removed from the stage in a none-too-gentle manner. Before the smoke of the battle had cleared away the boys were on their stands beating out ‘Crazy Man ‘Crazy.’ ! It was!! Some think Ron’s car must have elastic sides, judging from the huge bundle of clothes of one sort or another which he; brings to engagements. When he opens the door out comes Ron, crazy clothes and all. The next half hour is usually spent sorting it out.
Comedy is only part of the Jenkins’ group. His musicians are ton class and can turn out: solid music. Group comprises Vinc Cook (drums), Allan Cole (bass) and Austin Ray (piano), not to mention Ron Jenkins on sax and clarinet. When the outfit is increased to a quintet for bigger bookings Ray Reason (you should listen to Reason) adds his trumpet Nutty Cook, apart from his brilliant drumming, can certainly put over a vocal — particularly a semi-comedy type. Ron vouches for the fact that many of the ideas for his shows come from the Cook cranium. Pianist Austin Ray has built up a great local reputation with his keyboard work, and really enters into the spirit of things when the band goes mad. Allan Cole (bass), needs no Introduction. He used also to be with Colin Hicks. Ron Jenkins has based his band to some extent on the Fats Waller style. ‘Fats got terrific lift out of popular numbers for a small combination and we try to get something of the same effect,’ says Ron, summing up. He sticks mainly to popular numbers which please the majority. The drive the quartet gets is amazing. Ron Jenkins’ interest in dance music dates back to when he was 6. His parents used to take him to dance festivals and the like. Soon after, he started to practise on his father’s drum kit and then he switched to the sax. He started playing with his father at small dances and shows. His first big job was with Merv Rowston’s Old Time Band at Government House. Later, he formed his own group. He has had more or less the same personnel in his outfit since the end of the war. The Jenkins’ Group will always be small and compact. Ron says he would never be able to put across his comedy with a big band. Things would get out of hand and it would be a shambles. He has a great admiration for the way Spike Jones can present the music be does with so many in the band, and thinks this would take a lot of practice. He doesn’t take ideas from Spike, however. During the ball season the Ron Jenkins’ Quartet or Quintet has a busy time. Apart from regular Saturday engagement at the Valray, Rockingham, he has also a number of week-night engagements. He has travelled as far north as Big Bell and as far south as Busselton to play at dances. One Australian he has a lot of time for is Bobby Limb. Both Bobby Limb and Ron Jenkins serve up a similar type of fooling. Now Ron intends to revive some of his favorites from a few years back. Among best numbers are ‘Down on the Farm,’ ‘I’m Nuts on Screwy Music’ (which naturally enough his one of his favorites) and ‘Don’t Bring Lulu.’
Current, numbers which have received a going over from the Jenkins’ group Include ‘Ugly Child,’ ‘Dear Ron (John), and ‘I See the Moon.’ Ron was in 2 minds whether to play ‘Dear Ron’ or ‘I See the Moon’ at the Capitol last Sunday. He settled for the latter as it was more topical. Applause almost brought the roof down. Looking to the future. Ron and the boys are very interested in the advent of TV in the West. A group, like theirs should do very in this medium. Band gets Just as much kick out of playing as you get from seeing and having fun.
The Mirror Saturday 3 July 1954 page 14
1955
They’re Crazy, Man, Crazy
Recognise the faces? Well, recognise the out-fits? Ron Jenkins and his musical maniacs, no less, in their garb for “Dear Ron,” one of their most popular numbers. As the leader admits in another item, he’s “Crazy, man, crazy.” But he’s good fun.
And Ron Jenkins is only one small part of the fun at Cottesloe Civic Centre on Tues-day night when Harry Bluck gets the Lagacy Jazzaroo under way. He has all the top bands lined up, including his own two groups, Ron Jenkins, Norm Wrightson, Cliff Adams and the Rhythm Spinners. Kath Bass and Dane Gorn are on the program and Peter Harrison will compare. What a way to start the month.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 26 February 1955, page 3
Ron Jenkins died on 11th April 1989 aged 75, having only retired from performing 6 years prior.
