A Salute to Gallant Men

ARMY BIOGRAPHY OF HENRY (HANK) LA RIVIERE

Born of French, Irish parents in Hawkesbury, Ontario, his family moved to Ottawa when he was three years old. Hank was in and out of the army, active service, twice from 1940 to 1945. His stay in the army holds many happy memories for him. He often entertained his buddies and also played many army shows with Captain George Hamilton of the original “Tin Hats Revue”. A great day for Hank was when he recorded some of his own songs for R.C.A. Victor, and was called “The Singing Soldier” on that label. One of these he has on this album.

Not too long ago while touring with Wilf Carter, Joe Brown and the “Hill-Billy Jewels”, Hank was thrilled to hear everywhere he went people asking him to sing his old army songs. He knew then he had made many friends through these recordings.

Hank spent sometime in Vancouver, B.C. with Bill Rea, station manager and announcer, singing on Radio and entertaining in night clubs.

Hank loves people and has many friends. When he was in hospital sometime ago he received hundreds of fan mail letters from both Canada and the United States. Some of the artists who are his competitors, are his best friends. Hank would like to salute such fine artists as Bob King, Ward Allen, Ken Davidson, Vince LeBeau and Joe Brown, also Mac Beatty and his “Melodiers”, Ted Daigle and his “Music Men”.

His first love has always been Country and Western Music and he hopes this album of army songs dedicated to the “Gallant Men”, his army buddies, their mothers and sweethearts will win him many more friends.

Stand at Ease,

Main notes by Joe Brown.