Born in Plattsville, Ont. the second of ten children born to Elva & Lee Davidson at the age of twelve performed for dances and was paid $7.00 per night, Gerald took piano lessons befor picking up the Guitar. Gerald played piano in his dads band for about two years befor singing and playing guitar until he was twenty one. Gerald performed vaudeville shows at the Capital Theater in Woodstock, with Tommy Hunter in the late 50's and 60's.
Gerald also played on all the local T. V. stations, CFPL-London, CKCO-Kitchener, CKNX-Wingham, and CKVR-Barrie and most local radio stations. Gerald became a regular on Circle 8 Ranch, on CKNX-Wingham in the late 50's. he also performed with Al Cherney on Western Round Up, a show that was also done in Wingham. he performed on many of the CKNX Barn Dances.
Gerald entered all of the singing contests across Ontario and won them all at some point and time. he entered a contest at CKFH radio in Toronto and won. The prize was a recording contract and to appear on the WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling West Virginia. Gerald entered the Canadian Open Signing Contest in Simcoe, Ontario and took first place in 1975 and 1976.
Back in the 60's Gerald joined Wayne Riehl and Len Love under the name "The Country Versatiles". they worked six nights a week between clubs, shows
and dances. From 1979 to 1986 The Country Versatiles had there own TV show called "Good Time Country" on CKNX-Wingham. Good Time Country won the CAN-PRO award in 1979 and 1980.
Gerald had the privilege to work with Grand Old Opry Stars like; David Houston, Red Sovine, Mac Wiseman, Stone Wall Jackson, Carol Baker, Tommy Hunter, Dallas Harms, Myrna Lorrie, Diane Leight Jack Kingston and Gary Buck. also had the opportunity to work with Shania Twain in her earlier years, as she was a guest on "Good Time Country." In 1999, Gerald had the privilege ofworking with Steve Smith at the International Steel Guitar Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. Steve is one of the top steel guitar players in Canada. In the past year, Gerald had the opportunity to sing on the Opry Star Spotlight at the Ernest Tubb Theater, Nashville, Tenn. which was broadcast live over 650 WSM radio station. In October 2002 the Barn Dance Historical Society presented Gerald with the Barn Dance Pioneer Award which is one of Canada's Largest Travelling Barn Dance. Gerald has recorded two C.D. which can be purchased by contacting him.
Gerald still make's television appearances and performs around the country, as this is a part of his life that he finds most fulfilling.
GERALD DAVIDSON.
Wayne Riehl
Wayne hails from Stratford and has been performing in public
since he was 13. He was a member of "Royce Riehl's Country Cousins", a group which won Top Country Band honours at the Cookstown Competition three years in a row. With Len Love, Wayne formed the "Country Versatiles" and still performs with that group. Wayne was also a regular on TV's "Good Time Country" and has made many appearances on the Barn Dance and other programs. He also placed in the top ten at Shelburne Old Time Fiddle Contest. He has worked with many fiddle greats such as Al Cherny, Graham & Eleanor Townsend.
Karry Jackson
Karry began playing drums at 8 years of age in his hometown of Kitchener. He first performed in public at 12. By the time he was 18, Karry was "on the road" playing with rock bands. He has been with such noted groups as "Road Runner", "Skintight", "Big Thing" and "Talsey Chatter". He joined the Country Versatiles in 1994 to 1998 then worked with the CKNX Barn Dance. Then in 2004 has rejoined the Country Versatiles.
Tony Leggio
Born in Timmins Ontario. Then moved to Hamilton, Ontario starting with lap steel with local band, playing all the clubs in Hamilton and Toronto. My good fortune came in Hamilton with a show called the "Main Street Jamboree", with Jack Kingston, for a local Radio Station C.H.M.L. It lasted for 3 yrs. backing some Nashville stars and local singers. In 1956 toured the Eastern parts of Canada, with the Wilf Carter Show. In the early 1960's country music was not to active. I then bought an Electric Bass and formed my own band of nine musicians. Played the local bars in Hamilton and Toronto. Also touring the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S.A. I came back to Timmins, Ont. and formed a country band. Had a local Radio & T.V. show in the late 60's. Moved to Pennsylvania, U.S.A., played bass for country groups in the local area. I came back to Hamilton with Peddle Steel Guitar, played with Joe Brown on C.F.R.B. Radio in Ottawa. I had the privilege of playing on the Ronnie Prophet T.V. show to back up stars like Ferlin Husky. In the 80's played with local groups. My favourite steel players are Buddy Emmons and Paul Franklin.
I have been playing steel and bass for the " Country Versatiles" for approximately five years. You can reach me through this web site for all the lovers of the Steel Guitar.
Your musical friend Tony Leggio
Gord Ogilvie
Gord was born in Montreal Quebec. He started taking singing lessons at the
age of 8 and started playing the guiter at the age of 11. By the late sixties he
had his own group, playing folk music in the clubs and coffee houses of
Montreal. During this time he was writing much of the material he was
performing. In the early seventies he learned to play the bass guitar and started
backing up numerous groups in Southern Ontario. He toured extensively
throughout Ontario playing different types of music including country, bluegrass,
rock, blues and folk. One of the noteable groups was " Hot Off The Press" Gord joined the seven time Juno Award winning group " The Mercey Brothers",
replacing brother Ray on the bass guitar. The band toured throughout Canada and the United States and, while Gord was with the band, was nominated twice for Juno Awards and Canadian Country Music Association Awards for Best Country Group " While with "The Mercey Brothers", the band represented Canada at the
Interational Fanfare Show in Nashville, Tennessee and at the World's Fair in
Knoxville, Tennessee. Over his musical career, Gord has had the opportunity to
work with such noteables as George Jones, Tanya Tucker, Crystal Gale, Freddie
Fender, The Jordenaires, and Tommy hunter to name a few. He gegan playing
bass for " The Country Versatiles" about four years ago and helps fill out the
sound with his vocal harmonies. Currently, Gord lives in K itchener with his
Your musical friend Tony Leggio
