THE CANADIAN MUSIC SCENE

Artists - Doug Riley

A native of Toronto, Doug has been a pillar in the musical community since the early 1960's. He is universally recognized for composing, arranging and performing with some of the most prolific artists in the classical, jazz and commercial genres. His accomplishments are significantly impressive and are a testament to Doug’s incredible musical prowess. Doug studied at the Royal Conservatory with Paul De Marky, who was Oscar Peterson’s teacher, and has a Bachelor of Music in Composition from the University of Toronto. Doug has received innumerable international awards for recording, performance and commercial endeavours. As a composer and arranger, he has collaborated with symphonies world wide working alongside such artists as Placido Domingo, Ofra Harnoy, The National Ballet, and Michael Burgess to name a few. In the recording industry, Doug is revered as one of the “select” musicians. He has produced and performed on countless recordings with Ray Charles, David Clayton Thomas, The Brecker Brothers, Bob Segar, Ringo Starr, Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, Moe Koffman, and many more including numerous solo and group recordings under his own name, as well as his long time alias Dr. Music. Doug’s credits also include a plethora of television appearances, network and syndicated programs as a musical director and numerous jazz festivals throughout the world. Suffice it to say, it is impossible to briefly summarize Doug Riley’s contribution to music. This year Mr. Riley arranged, played, and co-produced Moe Koffman’s latest C.D. “The Moe Koffman Project.” He also arranged and played on the Blood Sweat and Tears reunion C.D. recorded in New York with David Clayton Thomas entitled “Bloodlines”. Other C.D. projects in 1999 include Michael Pickett, Molly Johnson, Daisy de Bolt, Jake Langley, Anne Murray, and Natalie McMaster. Mr. Riley won the Jazz Organist of the year (1993-2000) at the annual Jazz Report Awards Ceremony. He continues to tour throughout Canada and the U.S. with Canadian star Michael Burgess (Les Miserables) as performer and musical director.

DOUG RILEY 1945 - 2007 Doug becoming a Member of the Order of Canada, October 2003 Doug on the B3 at the Orbit Room, November 2006 Danny B and Doug at the Orbit Room, November 2006 Alice in Funkyland Gala at the Famous PEOPLE Players, February 2007 Diane Dupuy, Doug at the Famous PEOPLE Players, February 2007 Peter Cardinali, Domenic Troiano, Bernie LeBarge, Doug, Michael Burgess, Jorn Anderson, Penti Glan Party in Honour of Doug receiving the Member of the Order of Canada Even on a special night for Doug, all he wanted to do was to play music with his friends... Sharon Lee Williams, Shawne Jackson, Peter Cardinali, Lynn Darragon, Domenic Troiano, Bernie Labarge, Peter McGraw, Doug Riley, Michael Burgess, Jorn Anderson, Penti Glan, Elaine Overholt Canada lost a "National Treasure" on Monday with the passing of Doug Riley nik-named Dr. Music. One of the best B3 Organ players in the world, Doug played with, wrote for, and produced for many Canadian and International artists. Doug was a modest man, a giant in the music industry, you would never know it with speaking with him. It was through others that you learned of him working with Placido Domingo, David Clayton Thomas, Ray Charles, Bob Seger, Moe Koffman, the list could go on and on... Doug received one of Canada's greatest honours in becoming a Member of the Order of Canada in 2003 for all of his musical accomplishments and his dedication to charities especially the Famous PEOPLE Players where I had the pleasure of meeting and becoming Doug's friend. Doug was loved by many, when I organized a special evening for Doug it was sold out instantly... true to form, Doug did not want to sit around listening to others sing his praises, instead I gathered many of his musician friends and they played along with him. Even though Doug was retired, he seemed to be working more, he recently was at my studio with an all-star band recording the latest Famous PEOPLE Players show this in-between working on Anne Murray's and Blue Rodeo's latest projects. Many have heard Doug's work and may not even realize it. Doug wrote and played on thousands of jingles. Doug even had an effect on rock music, he was the reason that Terry Brown (Produced the Stampeders, RUSH, Max Webster) moved to Canada. Doug passed away on Monday while returning from a Jazz Festival in Calgary which he headlined. We at the Canadian Music Scene and Ghost Rider Studios join the long list of friends of Doug in offering our condolences to Jan, Ben, and Jessie. Thank you Doug Riley for making mine, and many, many others lives that much better. You were a great man!