Nanaimo musician to be inducted into BC Country Music Hall of Fame

Described by the BC Country Music Association as a “celebrated producer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter whose influence spans decades of Canadian music,” Ellis appreciates the recognition for his producing skills, an often-overlooked trade.

“I’m pretty proud of what I’ve done with so many artists and so many different categories and genres of music, plus all of the industry people I’ve met along the way as well.”

Ellis has produced for many acclaimed country musicians including Doc Walker, Tara Oram and Ridley Bent.

Stating he’s particularly fond of 90’s era country music, Ellis said the genre is “shooting off in all directions” in popularity among a wide and loyal audience.

As a young boy, Ellis was open to trying several different kinds of instruments.

He played piano and guitar, eventually forming an affinity for ear-popping hard rock.

“I struck back at my parents with an electric guitar, did that for many years in Vancouver and all over the place, but then I started to diversify.”

Upon high school graduation, Ellis and his band named Pachena hit the road throughout western and northern Canada bringing their hard rock routine to small-town halls and bars.

Evidently, the hope of garnering large audiences in big markets like Vancouver didn’t immediately materialize.

Through years of honing his skills, Ellis became proficient with several kinds of guitars.

He often performs double-duty for clients as a producer and musician.

Ellis has mastered the difficult-to-play pedal steel guitar, a mainstay in the country music scene.

Being multi-talented has been a career-saver, whether it’s with an instrument in hand or in the producer’s chair.

“Its kept me really busy and given me the power of survival, because it is a hard business if you just do one thing — you’re waiting by the phone and you’re subjected to the artist you might be playing with, whether they might be going on tour this month, or not.”

Ellis tinkering with one of his many instruments, the pedal steel guitar. (Submitted photo)

In addition to producing music for a range of clients, Ellis, a life-long performer, plays in several local bands to this day, including a group influenced by late 1960’s blues music.

Ellis spoke glowingly of the Nanaimo music community, citing a talent pool much deeper than he expected upon moving from Vancouver to the Harbour City four years ago.

“I was so shocked, the jazz level as a result of the university here and the people who went through it. All of a sudden I found myself surrounded by some really heavy musicians who are better than me. I’m finding a nice healthy challenge playing with all of the local people here, even though I was used to working with all of the best people in Vancouver for many years.”

Aiding young talent advance in the cut-throat music trade is a keen interest of Ellis, such as mentoring emerging Sooke-based country artist Bryce Allan.

Ellis said Allan’s work ethic resembles the grind he was on decades ago: booking small-town halls for gigs, networking and making new music.

“That’s always been part of my mandate and it’s kind of payback because I’ve got a list of mentors an arm-long when we first tried to come back to Vancouver when we got kicked out to the prairie and up north.”

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John Ellis has been involved in the music industry for well over 50 years. (Submitted photo)

by Ian Holmes

Nanaimo musician to be inducted into BC Country Music Hall of Fame

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