87th Cleveland Pipe Band

The 87th has achieved much in its 15-year history, owing largely to the help of a man that continues be a constant driving force within the organization. Playing the pipes for over 56 years, John Crawley, Sr. shares his rich history.

John began piping at the age of nine in his native Glasgow, Scotland. As a dedicated student of Archie MacNeill, John progressed very quickly. Continuing his passionate pursuit of the instrument, he entered the College of Piping in Glasgow, where he studied for three years. He soon became a piper with the Grade 2 Clan MacKenzie Pipe Band, with whom he competed for two years.

John married Alicia in 1957, and they immigrated to America only four years later. Soon after they settled, John joined the ranks of the Cleveland Caledonian Pipe Band, with whom he competed for over twelve years. In 1973, he decided to take a much-needed break from pipe bands.

Though he continued to play the pipes as a hobby, John did not play seriously for fourteen years. In 1987, at the persistence of friends and family, he re-entered the pipe band scene and founded the 87th Cleveland Pipe Band. Since then, he led the band as Pipe Major from a small parade band, through much success in Grades 5 & 4, culminating in the MWPBA Champion Supreme award in Grade 3 in 1999 (along with a trip to the World Pipe Band Championships).

John "passed the torch" to his son, John Jr. in 2000 (Pipe Major, 2000-2001 seasons), and was awarded Pipe Major Emeritus in 2002. Though he is quite happy to simply "sit back and play", John Sr. continues to take the 87th to new levels with his natural leadership and caring ways. John is also known for treating band members as family: "We have the greatest people [in the 87th]. I love all of them!"