Dave Bourn was a man of many talents. Foremost a musician best known for his work as a professional pianist, Bourn also created a book on the history of Knott’s Berry Farm’s Ghost Town.
While attending USC, where he earned a degree in music education, he worked at Knott’s, first as a piano player in the Calico Saloon and later he played string bass with the Wagonmasters. A group of musician cowboys who entertained in the Knott’s Wagon Camp from 1955 until 1968, the Wagonmasters were honored by the Western Music Association with the Pioneer Trails Award. Dave’s from memories of his years at Knott’s led him to publish a pictorial retrospective that contained images of the park’s ghost town from 1940 to 1968.
From his first job playing piano for Knott’s, Bourne played piano professionally until his death Jan. 30, 2015. He headed his own bands and western singing groups and recorded CDs of authentic old west saloon piano music. His music can also be heard extensively on the HBO series “Deadwood,” where he can also be seen as the piano player in the Gem Saloon.
An Anaheim High Hall of Famer, his complete biography is available at www.anaheimcolonists.com/dave-bourne-class-of-1957.
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- Dave Bourne – Class of 1957
