Buddy MacMaster

about

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. F

top songs

albums

Cape Breton Tradition

The Judique Flyer

▥

Traditional Music from Cape Breton Island

▥

Judique on the Floor

▥

The Cape Breton Connection

▥

Celtic Colours International Festival

▥

Traditional Irish & Cape Breton Music: From a Distant Shore

▥

Cape Breton by Request

▥

Celtic Colours International Festival: The Road Home

▥

The Bridges of Cape Breton

▥

Failte

▥

Cape Breton Tradition (Medley)

similar artists