Jim Whitehead - Lead
Jim Whitehead - Lead
Jim has been a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society since July 1962, and has had a long and very distinguished barbershop "career". He is one of the most admired Lead singers in the Society, known for his beautiful, lilting voice. "Play it Again" feature Jim's solo voice in a number of stirring melodies.
Jim has had numerous successes with previous quartets, having won two Ontario District Championships. The first was with the "Bytown Ringers" in 1969 and then "A Fair Exchange" in 1974. In 1973, the Bytown Ringers represented Ontario at the Society's International competition, placing a very respectable 30th. In 1989, "As Time Goes By" was formed with Jim singing Lead, and they placed as high as 3rd in District competition. They also had the unique distinction of winning a local television station's "Home Grown Cafe" talent contest in 1994. "As Time Goes By" has recorded a cassette tape titled "Mary Had a Baby" and a CD "You Must Remember This". In 1995, Jim became part of a senior's quartet, "Casablanca" that represented Ontario on four occasions at the Society's International Senior's competition, placing 4th in 1997.
In 1996, the Ontario District honoured Jim by voting him a "Quartetter of the Half Century", and in 2004 as a Barbershopper of Renown. Jim has actively participated with the Capital City Chorus, and has been active in the production of their shows. In 2004, Jim was named the Ottawa Chapter's "Barbershopper of Distinction". With "Casablanca" and "Play It Again!" Jim has competed 9 times in Senior International competition, winning two bronze medals.
In the early 1980's Jim joined a vaudevillian type group called "The British North America Act", where he was the "Irish Tenor". They performed to great acclaim across Canada for a number of years.
Jim and his wife Pat reside in Ottawa, have 4 children between them, and four grandchildren. Now retired, Jim was a Marriage and Family therapist for many years and, most recently, was a Service Officer with the Royal Canadian Legion representing veterans in their quest to qualify for disability pensions.
