By Chris MacDonald
Anaheim’s Elmer Thill, 104, was honored recently at the OC Fair for being “America’s Oldest Performing Musician.” He plays clarinet with the famous Forever Young Band. OC Supervisor Michelle Steel presented Thill, who has lived his entire life in Anaheim, with a County Proclamation as his son, Richard, and daughter, Janet, looked on proudly.
“Elmer’s such an inspiration to everyone lucky enough to meet him or hear his music,” said Steel. “He’s a testament to creativity, enthusiasm and living life to the fullest—what a terrific ambassador for Orange County.”
When he was 13, his music teacher said, “Elmer, why don’t you play this clarinet and you’ll live a long life!”
Now, 91 years later, he’s still electrifying crowds with his musical mastery, effervescence and stage presence. In 1954, Elmer—who’s still license with Paul Kott Realtors—sold ten of his acres to Walt Disney for what became part of Disneyland.
He grew up in his parents’ Central Hotel in downtown Anaheim and credits his devotion to fitness from going up and down the hotel’s stairs for many years, prior to working at Douglas Aircraft during World War II. The active Anaheim Rotary Club and Anaheim Historical Society member has played clarinet for the Anaheim High School Orchestra, the Anaheim Community Bandy, Fullerton College Band and Huntington Beach-based Forever Young—America’s Oldest Act of Entertainers. 2018 will be the 95th consecutive time that Elmer will be featured in the Anaheim Halloween Parade, where he will be Grand Marshal this year.
“He fires us up,” said former MGM Tap Dance Star Sid Hallburn, 94, leader of Forever Young. “He makes us all feel young with his endless energy, positive outlook on life, enthusiasm and musical skill. He’s just a joy to be around!”
