Buddy MacMaster
Hugh Alan "Buddy" MacMaster, CM, ONS (born October 18, 1924; died August 20… Read Full Bio ↴Hugh Alan "Buddy" MacMaster, CM, ONS (born October 18, 1924; died August 20, 2014) was one of the most renowned artists in the tradition of Cape Breton fiddle music. In 2000 he was awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian culture. As well as solo recordings, he recorded an album as Natalie & Buddy MacMaster with his niece, and fiddler, Natalie MacMaster.
He was born into a Gaelic-speaking home in Timmins, Ontario, to John Duncan MacMaster and Sarah Agnes MacDonald MacMaster. The family was originally from Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, and in 1928 they returned to Cape Breton to settle in the town of Judique.
At an early age, MacMaster began to play the fiddle. At age 12, he had his first public performance at an amateur hour in Port Hood, Nova Scotia, and at age 14 he played his first professional gig at a square dance in the nearby town of Troy. He began a career as a station agent and telegrapher for the Canadian National Railway in 1943, though he continued to play nights at square dances across Nova Scotia.
MacMaster made his first radio broadcast from the town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, in 1948. In the 1970s he played regularly on Canadian television on CBC Television's Ceilidh show. After his retirement from the railroad in 1988, he continued to work as a professional musician, gaining an international reputation. He was one of the first Cape Breton fiddlers to be asked to teach in Scotland.
He was awarded an honorary doctorate from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish in 1995, and in 2000 he was awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian culture. He also received the Order of Nova Scotia in 2003 for outstanding achievement benefiting the province and its residents. In October 2006, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Cape Breton University in a special ceremony held in Judique.
He was born into a Gaelic-speaking home in Timmins, Ontario, to John Duncan MacMaster and Sarah Agnes MacDonald MacMaster. The family was originally from Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, and in 1928 they returned to Cape Breton to settle in the town of Judique.
At an early age, MacMaster began to play the fiddle. At age 12, he had his first public performance at an amateur hour in Port Hood, Nova Scotia, and at age 14 he played his first professional gig at a square dance in the nearby town of Troy. He began a career as a station agent and telegrapher for the Canadian National Railway in 1943, though he continued to play nights at square dances across Nova Scotia.
MacMaster made his first radio broadcast from the town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, in 1948. In the 1970s he played regularly on Canadian television on CBC Television's Ceilidh show. After his retirement from the railroad in 1988, he continued to work as a professional musician, gaining an international reputation. He was one of the first Cape Breton fiddlers to be asked to teach in Scotland.
He was awarded an honorary doctorate from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish in 1995, and in 2000 he was awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian culture. He also received the Order of Nova Scotia in 2003 for outstanding achievement benefiting the province and its residents. In October 2006, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Cape Breton University in a special ceremony held in Judique.
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01Highlanders Farewell to Ireland / Willie MacKenzie's / The Burning HouseBuddy MacMasterBuddy MacMaster
02O'er the Moor Among the Heather / The Laddie with the Plaiddie / MissGordon's / Lady Muir MacKenzie / The Lasses of StewartonBuddy MacMasterBuddy MacMaster
03Springwell / Buddy's Detour / Francis Xavier Kennedy / Kathleen's Favourite JigBuddy MacMasterBuddy MacMaster
05The Grey Seal's Lament for its Pup / Miss Ann Moir's Birthday / The Duke of Gordon's Birthday / London Lasses / West MabouBuddy MacMasterBuddy MacMaster
07Little John's Hame / The Forth Bridge Strathspey / The Forth Bridge Reel / Scourdiness / Miss Baigrie ReelBuddy MacMasterBuddy MacMaster
08Miller of Drone / The Yetts of Muckart / Lochiel's Rant / Pigeon on the GateBuddy MacMasterBuddy MacMaster
10Nicole Fakoory / Gabriel's / Boston Life / Moll in the Wad / Spin 'n GlowBuddy MacMasterBuddy MacMaster
11Hughie and Janet's March / Warlocks / Tarbolton Lodge / Alistair HunterBuddy MacMasterBuddy MacMaster
12The Bell Piano Strathspey / Snowplough Reel / Miss Smyth of Methven / The King's Reel / Miss Lyall / Sandy Cameron / Miss MacLeod's ReelBuddy MacMasterBuddy MacMaster
14Sir Wilfred Laurier's Jig / Gordon's Trip to Sydney / Kohler's Jig / Miss Sophia CampbellBuddy MacMasterBuddy MacMaster
16Silverwells / The Lass O'Corrie Mill / The Duchess of Buccleuch / The Highlands of Banffshire / Carnie's CanterBuddy MacMasterBuddy MacMaster
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