Ronnie Keen Obituary
Local Bandleader / Musician
Died peacefully at home with his
wife Christine at his side.
Born in London 1926. Started piano lessons at the age of 7. Moved to Worthing in 1939. In 1940 joined Worthing Boys' Club and played piano with the Boys' Club 5-piece group. In 1941 played at the Assembly Hall on a Saturday night with the dance section of the Worthing Municipal Orchestra. In 1944 called up for National Service and after initial training was transferred to the Royal Artillery Band, Woolwich. Changed instruments to saxophone and clarinet. When demobbed in 1947, this was the era of the Big Dance Band. The first well known big band he joined was the Ken Mackintosh Band in 1948, at the Nottingham Astoria Ballroom. In 1951 came to London to play at the Wimbledon Palais, then many named bands followed including Eric Winston, Nat Temple, Jack Parnell and then became a freelance musician in the West End hotels. In 1955 decided to become a band leader. His first band engagement was in Reykjavik, Iceland. On returning to London, Mecca Dance Hall Group gave him his first big band job with a 13-piece band at the Royal Ballroom Tottenham, where he went on to play for the BBC on the 'Music While You Work' programmes also 'Come Dancing'. In 1956 the band appeared with Frankie Vaughn in the film 'These Dangerous Years' and '6.5 Special'. In 1958 appeared on 'British Countrywide Line', 'The Buddy Holly and the Crickets Show', where he starred with Buddy and Des O'Connor. In 1963 Top Rank asked him to open their ballroom in Cardiff, South Wales and this is where he met Christine, 'the love of his life' who he later married. In 1973 returned to Worthing to play at the Top Rank, Kingswest Centre, Brighton. Then a period on the Q.E.2 and the Canberra, followed by engagements at the Metropole and the Grand Hotels Brighton, The Brighton Centre, Golf Clubs, Masonic functions and many other entertainment venues.
He retired to play golf and bowls.
Funeral Service to take place at 3:00 p.m. on
Wednesday 16th August 2017, at Worthing Crematorium.
Family flowers only please but donations, if desired,
can be sent in Ronnie's memory to the
British Heart Foundation via ronald.keene.muchloved.com or c/o
Ian Hart Funeral Service Ltd.,
92-94 Broadwater Street West, Worthing,
West Sussex. BN14 9DE. Tel: 01903 206299.
4 Entries
Mel James
February 18, 2018
Sorry to hear of Mr Keen's passing. He gave my band a real opportunity in supporting his Big Band regularly at his Saturday night dances at the Welling Embassy in the early 60's! He was always very supportive of the 'pop group' invasion and gave us much insight into his world of music! Thanks to his initial tutorage , encouragement and patience we went on to relative success with records , radio & TV appearances!! Thank you Sir !!
Terry ann Ellis
August 11, 2017
I remember ron as a teenager, my mum Ann Davis used to be his cleaner, i even now recall the picture in the herald with his saxaphone, i remember having to dust it so mum could get done quicker. He was a lovely man who tolerated me eating all his biscuits. I was even given a kidney shaped dressing table which i treasured during my teenage years.
Rest in peace ronnie keene a gentle giant! Xx
Richie Tattersall
August 8, 2017
In early 1964 I joined Ronnie's band in Cardiff as a 19 year old guitarist, it was my second professional job. How Ronnie tolerated me I'll never know but he did and to a great extent, 'educated and guided me', helping me to improve immeasurably.
After about 4 months i got an invitation to join a band at Hammersmith Palais and went on to become a session musician in London.
I will always remember his patience, humour and professionalism.
So sad to hear of his passing.
My condolences
Richie Tattersall
August 8, 2017
In early 1964 aged 19, I joined Ronnie's band in Cardiff (on guitar) it was my 2nd professional job.I was there for about 4 months before going on to London and ultimately to become a session musician. How he tolerated me I do not know but he patiently 'educated me' and I always remembered and respected his professionalism.
So sad to hear of his passing.
Kind regards
Richie Tattersall
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