Five D

Websites:  https://citizenfreak.com/titles/327413-compilation-sir-john-a-s-leftovers-a-hot-and-cold-companion-to-the-ottawa-rocks-cd
Origin: Ottawa, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

The Five D were a dynamic force in Ottawa’s mid-1960s rock scene, remembered today as the standout act on the short-lived but influential Sir John A. Records label. Originally named The Fifth Dimension, the group formed in late 1965 but quickly changed their name to avoid confusion with the American soul-pop outfit of the same name.

Fueled by a love of British Invasion bands and a drive to play with precision and flair, The Five D featured Dave Poulin on lead vocals and organ, Brad Campbell on bass, and Keith Richardson on guitar. Unlike many of their peers, they focused on tight arrangements and a professional stage presence, earning them strong local followings and top-tier gigs.

In 1967, as Canada marked its centennial, Ottawa radio personality John Pozer launched Sir John A. Records to showcase emerging local talent. He chose The Five D as his flagship act, and the band released a blistering debut single, “Baby Boy” backed with “Good Time Music.” The record—pressed in a limited run of 500 copies—featured all the hallmarks of a classic garage rocker: fuzzy riffs, breakneck energy, and impassioned vocals. Today, it’s a coveted collector’s item and a standout in the Canadian garage rock canon.

The Five D’s rising profile led them to share stages with international acts like Wilson Pickett, The Troggs, and The Who, culminating in a performance on Parliament Hill for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on Canada Day 1967. Later that year, they moved to Toronto, aiming to tap into the country’s larger music industry. Over the next year, they logged more than 18,000 kilometers performing across Ontario, and even appeared in the pilot episode of CTV’s teen show It’s Happening in 1968.

Despite their momentum and strong regional support, a national breakthrough eluded them. The band played their final concert on July 18, 1968 at the Ottawa Civic Centre, marking the end of a brief but impactful run. In the decades since, original members have occasionally reunited for performances in Ottawa, where their legacy remains strongest.

The Five D may have only released a handful of singles, but their energy, ambition, and brief flash of success reflect a vibrant moment in Canadian music history—when local bands could dream big, sound loud, and leave a lasting mark.

For additional Five D music, on the companion cassette Sir John A Leftovers, go here: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/327413-compilation-sir-john-a-s-leftovers-a-hot-and-cold-companion-to-the-ottawa-rocks-cd

-Robert Williston

Jack Arsenault: rhythm guitar, vocals
Brian "Brad" Bradfield: drums
Brad Campbell: bass, vocals
Mark Corbin: guitar, vocals
John Miron: vocals, guitar
Mel O'Brien: bass
Jim Pagliaro: drums
Colleen Peterson: vocals, guitar
Dave Poulin: lead vocals, organ
Keith Richardson: vocals, lead guitar