Land O’Lakes Traditional Music Hall of Fame adds eight to its roster

Craig Bakay | Aug 08, 2018

It was a hot day Saturday as the Land O’Lakes Traditional Music Hall of Fame inducted its class of 2018. The class included country crooners Water Cameron, Albert St. Pierre, Ralph (Curley) Taylor, bass player Doreen Black, drummer Ernie Smith, fiddler Neil Perry (posthumously), and Dean Northey (posthumously). Multi-instrumentalist/singer Howard Northey was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

After MC Joe Saunders’ welcome, the Rev. Jean Brown asked for a moment of silence to honour the late Murry Northey, Red Paquin and Boyd (Buck) Warren.

First up was Flinton’s own Doreen Black, who performed with the house band.

“I’d like to thank my family and friends for voting for me,” she said. “And for standing by me.”

Black was a long-time member of the Country Four.

Next was Walter Cameron, who also did a number.

“Many times, he played at the old Parrish Hall in Plevna,” said presenter Bill White. “He also played with the Country Gentlemen and played for the Governor General.”

Not to be upstaged, Sharbot Lake’s Albert St. Pierre played a tune along with his wife, Patty.

His induction prompted Central Frontenac Mayor Frances Smith to say a few words.

“You’re the first one we’ve ever done for our Township,” she said. “Thanks for 50 years of rocking the country.”

Next was a tribute to the late Dean Northey, whom everyone credited with being a driving force towards bringing bluegrass to the area, including large concerts held on the Cataraqui River in Kingston featuring names like Bill Munroe and Clinch Mountain. The band played St. Anne’s Reel in his honour.

This was followed by a tribute to inductee Curley Taylor. Taylor couldn’t attend for health reasons, but Centre Hastings Mayor Tom Deline said after he left Flinton he was heading right to Taylor’s house in Madoc.

“He promised he’d have a beer waiting for me,” Deline said.

Next, Joe Saunders played Silver Haired Daddy of Mine in tribute to inductee Ernie Smith.

Then there was an explanation of the Lifetime Achievement Award given to octogenarian Howard Northey as well as a tribute sone.

This was followed by Sid Prescott playing the fiddle tune Cragrock Pass to honour inductee Neil Perry as well as presentations to the Perry family.