Good News! We are pleased to announce that The Johnny Knorr Orchestra will resume the Gala New Years Eve Celebration this year at the Stranahan Great Hall. Again we will enjoy delicious food prepared by Michael’s Gourmet Catering. Grand it will be with the elegant, memorable and fun evening you have come to know. Good food, good music, good dance floor and good friends! Call your friends, mark your calendars, and put on your dancing shoes.
The Johnny Knorr Orchestra lives on under the direction of Johnny’s son, Jerry Knorr. Jerry has been with the orchestra since its formation in 1960 and is well qualified to continue leading the orchestra in the Johnny Knorr musical style.
Jerry studied at the Eastman School of Music with Rayburn Wright, Manny Album, and Fred Karlin. In addition to his long tenure with the Johnny Knorr Orchestra, Jerry has also played with Warren Covington, Tex Beneke, Johnny Desmond, and Chuck Mangione.
To be certain, the orchestra will continue in the Knorr musical style under Jerry’s direction and will continue playing "The Music You Like....The Way You Like To Hear It."
Since 1960, the Johnny Knorr Orchestra has kept the big band tradition alive. Now, see the story behind the band! "Satin Dolls" takes a nostagic look back at the orchestra and the female vocalists who were often as popular as the big bands themselves. Get your own copy now! The DVD is available now for $20. Don't miss a chance to add this great DVD to your collection.
John C. "Johnny" John Christian Knorr, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 90 surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 28, 2011. Born in Crissey, Ohio, on May 24, 1921, to Reinhold and Mary (Reith) Knorr. At the age of nine, Johnny Knorr was on the stage playing violin solos made popular by David Rubinoff. During his junior high school days, he performed as a violin soloist on programs with Helen O'Connell. At Libbey High School, he was featured as a violin soloist with the orchestra and saxophone soloist with the band and he was awarded a scholarship to Ohio Northern University.