The Majority

The Majority were an early-1970s southern Ontario pop-rock group, apparently based in the St. Catharines / Niagara region, and led by songwriter Peter Dowan. The group emerged in 1971 with 'Love Is Makin’ Me Smile' / 'Uncle Charlie’s' on Montor Records, a Canadian label founded that same year by Ron Van Dykhof, with its name formed as a portmanteau of Montreal and Toronto. The single was produced by George Semkiw, while Dowan wrote both sides.

The Majority moved to Polydor in 1972 for 'Show Me' / 'No Fair At All', produced by Ron Van Dykhof. They followed later that year with '(He's A) Grand Old Man' / 'For My Woman', which reunited the Montor and Polydor connections: '(He's A) Grand Old Man' was produced by George Semkiw and executive produced by Van Dykhof, while 'For My Woman' was produced by Van Dykhof.

The original lineup featured Peter Dowan, Rick Jones, Len Walker, and drummer Rick Markow. In late 1972, Pat Gamble, formerly of Joshua, replaced Markow on drums after Markow returned to Brock University. The band was active on the Ontario club circuit, with long-term bookings at Gord’s Place in St. Catharines and Brookdale Park Inn in Barrie, as well as dates in Woodstock, Hamilton, Guelph, and other southern Ontario centres. Gamble later continued with Dowan in Pete Dowan’s Woodstock-based band.

-Robert Williston

Lineup 1971–1972

Peter Dowan
Rick Jones
Len Walker
Rick Markow: drums

Lineup late 1972

Peter Dowan
Rick Jones
Len Walker
Pat Gamble: drums