Member Feature - David Jonsson
Posted June 13, 2018 by
Our latest member to be featured is David Jonsson, proud member of the VMA for over 50 years!
Coming from a musical family, it is easy to see where David got his talents from. His father was a self-taught guitarist and harmonica player who also possessed a phenomenal singing voice, while his mother was a church organist for many years. David's sister was also a musician, playing the clarinet and saxophone at both her high school band and the Collingwood Marching Band.
When he was a teenager, David enjoyed listening to music, always tuning in to pop music on the radio. He also enjoyed going to dances. In 1965, around his 17th birthday, he started taking drum lessons from Jim Blackley, who also taught the likes of Kat Hendrikse and Duris Maxwell. That same year, David became the drummer of The Shockers, a rock band that he and his friends formed. They found success quickly, as they won first place at the 1966 PNE Battle of the Bands. Shortly after, the group recorded a single, "Somebody Help Me," for RCA. It was met with positive reviews, as the single charted in multiple places across Canada.
However, this was only just the beginning for David. He would go on to work with many different musicians, including current VMA members Al Foreman, Jim Byrnes, Roy Forbes, Norman Foote, and Straight Lines. He also helped open for Buddy Rich, Billy Preston, as well as one of his early musical influences, Paul Revere and the Raiders. When not performing, David has also helped record numerous albums, with credits on over 50. David also enjoyed a stint as the drummer and percussionist on Fred Penner's Place, a children's musical television show that aired on CBC during the 1980s and 90s.
Currently, David still performs with his spouse and fellow VMA member Linnea Good. The two have been touring together for over 20 years, with stops across both Canada and the United States, as well as New Zealand, Australia, and India. David is also a founding member of Charlotte Diamond’s Hug Bug Band, playing for over 30 years with Charlotte Diamond, a long-time VMA member and Order of Canada recipient. Linnea and David continue to perform with Charlotte, with no signs of stopping!
Outside of his work, David spends a great deal of time volunteering. During his church concert tours with Linnea, he will sometimes teach a percussion and drum kit workshop. Occasionally, he will teach a "Guitar 101" beginner's class as well. Back home in Summerland, he helps co-lead a weekly acoustic guitar group at Summerland United Church, where anyone can come out and learn new skills, regardless of their skill level. Additionally, he and Linnea host "Choose Music," an annual event that educates children about all the different opportunities in the area where they can learn about both music and dance, while having fun. David helps young aspiring guitarists play their first chords, while also accompanying them in singing. A fun event for all!
While it has certainly been a challenge for David over the past 50+ years, the many musical adventures that he has experienced throughout his career thus far is something that he would not trade for anything. Congratulations on all your amazing accomplishments, David!