The band members of the Johnny Knorr Orchestra have been with Johnny for an average of over 20 years, which assures the quality of the bands' performance.  Gay Hobbs is the featured vocalist with special musical arrangements and has been with the band the past 16 years.  Howard Hill, pianist, also provides vocals and will join Gay for some very special duets.  Johnny's son Jerry, the assistant Director, attended Eastman School of Music and has provided several of the special music arrangements in the band's library.  The Orchestra's latest recording is "One More Time."  Previous recordings (and still available) include "Encore", "Let's Dance" and "Oh Johnny". 

Since 1979, Johnny has helped return big band music to the forefront.  He has performed at Centennial Terrace to record crowds and is credited with saving the traditional "Dancing Under the Stars" from devastation.  Repeat performances at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, Cedar Point and the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island are just a few of the highlight performances of the Knorr band.  In 1984, the Johnny Knorr Orchestra was recognized as one of the "Big Bands of Today" in the souvenir edition of Foto-Play, published by the Big Bands Magazine in Hollywood, California.

In 1996, the United States Postal Service honored the Knorr Orchestra by presenting them with an award to commemorate the Orchestra's contributions to big band music in conjunction with their American Music Stamp Series.  On September 16, 1996, Johnny received a Proclamation from the Mayor of the City of Toledo, Ohio for performing big band music for the enjoyment and entertainment of thousands who live in the tri-state area.  March 9, 1997, Johnny received the People's Choice Award for the Performing Arts as the best Instrumental group.  On March 21, 1999, Johnny was inducted into the Lake Erie West Hall of Fame.

The Johnny Knorr Orchestra trademark is "The Music You Like...The Way You Like to Hear It™".  The Knorr band travels thousands of miles a year from Chicagoland to Washington, DC.  The band is noted for its great library of music and custom arrangements for shows and dances.  The play list for dances includes Swing, Foxtrot, slow and society, waltz, Cha Cha, Rhumba, Merengue, Samba, Mambo, Disco and Rock.  A program is set up for each engagement but is still flexible to answer special requests.

A noted critic said, "Johnny brings a tremendous amount of experience and talent to the bandstand and provides a genuine warmth of his personality that brings music of yesterday and today together for his audiences."

For more in-depth information on the orchestra plus links to many pictures of past events, CLICK HERE!

Meet the Orchestra - CLICK HERE!