Renowned as a conductor, pianist, musical coordinator, composer, producer and host, he has logged thousands of kilometres bringing music to grateful ears around the world. But, for 55 years, Tommy has called Edmonton home, and has always returned.

MacLeans magazine once pointed out that it would be easier to list the things Banks doesnt do. Tommy provided musical direction for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1978 Commonwealth Games, the 1983 World University Games, Expo 86 in Vancouver and the XV Olympic Winter Games in Calgary in 1988. He owned and operated Edmontons Century II Studios, has acted in films and, for a dozen years, hosted The Tommy Banks Show on CBC and ITV.

Along the way, he and wife Ida have raised three children - daughters Toby and Jill and son Tom. Edmontons Mr. Music has never left because, as he puts it, this is the best place in the world to live. I have travelled a lot and I can tell you that without any doubt. Edmontonians dont celebrate this city nearly enough.

Its a song hes been playing for more than a half a century, and its won him respect as one of our citys greatest cultural boosters. Not bad for a guy born in Calgary 67 years ago!

He was the oldest of four boys and a girl born to musician Benjamin Banks and Laura Lindsay. Tommys showmanship had genetic and early behavioural roots. He credits his father for recognizing his talent and pointing him in a direction to use it wisely. His mother went on to become a TV host right here in Edmonton.

Tommy took piano during grade one through four from a Calgary music teacher named Beatrice Watson; a lady he remembers as strict and wonderful at the same time. And, he now realizes, right about most things.

The Banks family moved to Edmonton came in 1949, when Benjamin, who worked for Canadian Western Natural Gas, Light, Heat and Power Company, was transferred. Tommy was only 15 when he played at the official opening of the town of Devon, accompanying a vocal group called the Tri-Tones. It was just one of many early 1950s gigs that established his reputation as a teenage jazz prodigy. Drawn by the music, he quit school and went on the road.

He was a member of the Don Thompson Band, which travelled Alberta for three years as part of the Jammin the Blues tours. In 1960, Tommy formed his own band - the Banknotes - and they played at such Edmonton nightclubs as the Capri, the Embers and the Paddock.

He was also the driving force behind the establishment of one of the most successful commercial recording studios in the history of Edmonton. Century II Productions (later Century II Studios) opened in 1965 and, for the next 11 years, established itself as the best place to record sound concepts (or jingles) for radio and television advertising. At one point it was the biggest producer of commercials in Canada by volume and probably third largest in North America.

Tommy Banks is the consummate professional. He brings something special and magical to everything he does. I learned that first hand when I proposed to CFRN a documentary on the construction and opening of the Winspear Centre for Music. When Tommy, who was obviously our first choice, agreed to host the 1997 program, interest suddenly went way up.

During the shoot, when we would ask him, Tommy can you do this, Tommy can you do that? he would shrug and say, Sure, why not? And then he would do his part precisely right on the first take.

All those years doing live, he would smile and say. Was that okay? Was that what you wanted? It was always more than we wanted. It was perfect. Working with him was a great honour.

Tommys passionate desire to bring music to people has taken him to Europe and China, among other places. On those occasions when the music is working, the connection between performer and audience is, as Tommy says, sheer magic. Every player I know can tell you when it is happening and when it is not. Thats what you work for and because it doesnt always happen, it is very special indeed.

His life as a musician and entertainer moved backstage three years ago when Prime Minister Jean Chretien appointed him to the Senate. In May 2001, he was appointed Vice-Chair of the Prime Ministers Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues.

Given Senator Banks remarkable record as an ambassador of goodwill, its no wonder he has proven to be an exceptional representative in the Senate of Canada. I bet the Senate social gatherings are now a lot more fun, too, with Mr. Entertainment there to tickle the ivories and funny bones.

If you'd like to offer your thoughts, please drop me an email at lawrenceherzog@hotmail.com. For information on reprints of previously published articles, check out my website at www.lawrenceherzog.com