1
Traditional Jewish life includes music - the chanting of the prayers, the singing of traditional Yiddish songs and the classics. However, only a few members of the Saint John Jewish community made a significant part of their living from playing music.Ben Goldstein and Sammy Cohen were among the first to do this by playing the popular music of the day. Ben Goldstein's career began by playing the music for silent movies in the early 1920s. After "talkies" came in, he turned to playing dance music in New Brunswick and Maine and he gained respect as the owner of Ben Goldstein's Music Centre where generations of Saint Johners bought their sheet and recorded music. Sammy Cohen was a well-known clarinet and saxophone player from the 1940s to the 1960s. He played with bands headed by Bruce Holder and Don Messer and then formed his own big-band style orchestra which played at numerous events in the city.
2
Ben Goldstein1970s
Saint John, New Brunswick
3
Sammy Cohen1940s-1980s
Saint John, New Brunswick
4
Others followed a more classical route. Louise Hoffman Milota has received international recognition as a pianist and teacher and has played concerts recitals throughout North America. She was president of New Brunswick Registered Music Teachers' Association from 1988-1989 while living in Saint John and has been an examiner for the Royal Conservatory in Toronto. Samuel Margolian began playing the violin in the 1920s and he played as a member of the Atlantic Symphony.5
Louise Hoffman Milota1950s
Saint John, New Brunswick
6
Music also assumed a large role in Jewish community activities. In the 1920s entertainment for socials was provided by the Young Judaea Orchestra and the Boyaner family. The Hebrew Choral Society, more than a dozen women directed by Doug Major, performed traditional Yiddish and contemporary songs in the 1950s.7
Young Judaea Orchestra1920s
Saint John, New Brunswick
8
The Hebrew Choral Society1950s
Saint John, New Brunswick
9
In the 1930s and 1940s, Mitchell Bernstein produced the wildly popular Y shows, held annually in the synagogue. These programs included nearly every talented member of the community, including Lawrence Isaacs, a strong vocal performer.10
Cast - Community Frolics1943
Saint John, New Brunswick
11
Lawrence Isaacs1960s
Saint John, New Brunswick
12
Another noted vocalist was Besse Selby who was a founding member of the Sea Belles Lady Barbershop Group. Her son Robert teaches music in local schools and is much in demand for local choruses.13
Besse Selby1980s
Saint John, New Brunswick
14
Robert Selby1990s
Saint John, New Brunswick
 |
 |
 |
 |