SACKVILLE, N.B. — Ray Legere, one of Canada’s top fiddle and mandolin players, will be inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame (NSCMHF) this month.
Established to develop and promote public interest in old time fiddling, country, and bluegrass music in Nova Scotia, the NSCMHF inducts members each year who have made a significant impact on the country music industry. This year, Legere will join the ranks of music greats such as Anne Murray, Rita MacNeil, and Hank Snow.
Amherst-born Legere is a multi-talented performer with a record of awards and accolades. Now making his home in Sackville, Legere won the Open Mandolin Championship in Kansas in 1986 and scored among the top 10 in the Grand Masters Fiddle Championships in Nashville in 1990.
Currently, Legere is a member of the band on the highly-rated French language TV show, Pour L’Amour du Country.
Legere says he is honoured that his accomplishments throughout the years have been deemed worthy of such an induction.
“It’s an award I don’t take lightly because it tells me that my music has left a positive impression on the music scene,” he says.
Over the years, Legere has performed with music greats including Bill Monroe, Kenny Baker, and Rhonda Vincent, and says one of the highlights of his career was receiving a standing ovation alongside Michelle Shocked at Carnegie Hall.
“Getting a standing ovation after performing is always special,” says Legere. “But getting it at Carnegie Hall was an unforgettable experience.”
In 2016, Legere was inducted into the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame, and is thrilled to be adding another induction to his list. Legere is honoured to be recognized among his co-inductees Kimberley Holmes, Harold MacIntyre, and the late Ted Germaine, but feels a special connection with two of his fellow recipients in particular.
“I’m excited to be inducted with long-time friend Wilson Moore, who promoted my music throughout the years,” says Legere. “And the late Johnny Mooring is a fiddle great, so it’s an honour to have my name inducted alongside his.”
Legere says his accomplishments wouldn’t be possible without the support of his parents and siblings, who have been his biggest supporters throughout the years. He would also like to thank his friends and listeners, especially Ben and Anne Imbeault, and Frank Doody, as well as the various employers who have allowed him to make a successful living in the music industry.
“I am looking forward to having my family there with me at the induction ceremony,” says Legere. “They are all a big part of my induction.”
The 2019 NSCMHF Induction Ceremony will take place at the Best Western Truro-Glengarry on Sept. 14.
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