Bill Mankiss

Canadian accordionist and music radio and TV pioneer. Born in Buchanan, Saskatchewan on 22 November 1929. Mankiss took up residence in Toronto during World War II and played with local Army shows. He also featured soloist with the Toronto Symphonic Accordion Band and studied music at Toronto Conservatory of Music. Mankiss lived in Scarborough (Ontario), where he taught piano and accordion, and played weddings, clubs and dances throughout southwestern Ontario. He played in a number of Canadian country-folk bands including on Ontario radio in the CKNX Barn Dance Gang (joining it in 1950). He also played on Saskatchewan radio stations, including CKNB North Battleford, CHAB Moose Jaw, CJGX Yorkton and on CFGM (with his band the "Rhythmaires"). As a professional musician and recording artist Bill Mankiss worked and recorded albums with other stars, including Al Cherny. (Alexander Peter Chernywech) Lucille Starr (Lucille Marie Raymonde Savoie). Bill Mankiss toured with many greats such as King Ganam (Ameen Sied Ganam), Earl and Martha Heywood, Lucky Ambo, (Clifford Ambeault), Lynn Russwurm, Gordie Tapp, Victor Pasowisty, Ward Allen, Jack Mooney, Mel Lavigne. Bill Mankiss was even a fill-in Piano player for the Legendary Ronnie Hawkins. Mankiss recorded Ukrainian and Polish music with fiddler Victor Pasowisty. In July 25, 1998 Bill Mankiss was awarded a Tribute & Pioneer Award by the Canadian Barn Dance Historical Society.