Phillip McCann was born in Bo’ness, Scotland, where he began his playing career with the Kinneil Colliery Band. He held the position of leader with National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain for five years.From the time he left Scotland to go to Fairey’s to the time he left Black Dyke, Phillip McCann has been regarded both in awe and envy in the brass band world. That he possessed one of the most beautiful cornet sounds is without doubt, and that his record of playing and leading one of the most successful bands in contesting history in being Principal Cornet with Black Dyke from 1973 onwards is unquestionable. However, the success of his amazing series of CD’S entitled “The World’s Most Beautiful Melodies” has brought him acclaim with the  series aimed at an audience away from the traditional brass band record buyer and as a result was a phenomenal success that was further enhanced by his series of television recordings for the popular “Hetty Wainthrope Investigates”. His brilliant performances at banding contests have not been forgotten (Contest Music 1982 for instance), but to many he remained the inheritor of a style of performance that was last heard over fifty years before he made his mark, by his hero and mentor, Harry Mortimer. Perhaps that is a more fitting achievement.