Lighthouse

Lighthouse is a Canadian rock band from Toronto, active from 1968 to the present. It is known for combining rock with jazz, pop rock and swing, and for using horns, string instruments and vibraphone alongside a conventional rock line-up. The group forms by drummer and vocalist Skip Prokop, who has previously played with the Paupers, and keyboardist and arranger Paul Hoffert. The two meet in New York and decide to form a band after finding themselves on the same flight back to Toronto.

The original band line-up includes thirteen members and includes a horn section and string players, giving the group a large, orchestral sound for swing rock. Lead vocals are often handled by Bob McBride. The group wins the Juno Award for Best Canadian Group in 1973 and 1974.

Across its history, Lighthouse includes John Naslen, Paul Armin, Richard Armin, Bruce Cassidy, Arnie Chycoski, Pinky Dauvin, Don Dinovo, Grant Fullerton, Ian Guenther, Paul Hoffert, Keith Jollimore, Steve Kennedy, Billy King, Russ Little, Mike Malone, Bob McBride, Pete Pantaluk, Skip Prokop, Donald Quan, Sam See, Howard Shore, Larry Smith, Leslie Snider, Rick Stepton, Fred Stone, Rick Waychesko, Don Whitton, Terry Wilkins and Louie Yacknin. The band’s sound is rooted in Canadian rock and swing, with clear influences from jazz and classical music as well as rock.