Buddy MacMaster facts for kids

Hugh Alan "Buddy" MacMaster (born October 18, 1924 – died August 20, 2014) was a famous Canadian fiddler. He played and recorded music all over the world. People saw him as a true expert in the history and traditions of Cape Breton fiddle music.

Buddy's Early Life

Buddy MacMaster was born in 1924 in Timmins, Ontario. His family spoke Gaelic at home. His parents were John Duncan and Sarah Agnes MacDonald MacMaster.

His family was originally from Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. In 1928, they moved back to Cape Breton. They settled in the town of Judique.

Buddy's father played the fiddle. His mother sang to him from when he was a baby. She used a special Gaelic singing style called lilting.

Buddy started playing the fiddle when he was very young. At age 12, he played for the first time in public. This was at a talent show in Port Hood. When he was 14, he got his first paid job. He played at a square dance in a nearby town called Troy.

A Career in Music and More

Buddy kept playing at square dances at night across Nova Scotia. During the day, he worked for the Canadian National Railway. He was a station agent and telegrapher. This job helped him support himself and his family.

In 1943, he made his first radio broadcast. This was from the town of Antigonish. In the 1970s, he often played on a TV show called Ceilidh on CBC Television.

After he retired from the railroad in 1988, he became a full-time musician. He often played with a piano player. He mostly played Scottish music. He also played traditional Cape Breton and Nova Scotia tunes.

Buddy became famous around the world. He toured in Europe and the United States. He was one of the first Cape Breton fiddlers asked to teach in Scotland. In 2005, he recorded an album with his niece, fiddler Natalie MacMaster.

Awards and Recognition

Buddy MacMaster received many important awards for his music. In 1995, he got an honorary doctorate from St. Francis Xavier University. This was in Antigonish.

In 2000, he received the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors. It was for his important contributions to Canadian culture. The Canadian Encyclopedia said he was an "ambassador of Canadian music." He also helped many young musicians.

He played at many festivals across Nova Scotia, Canada, the US, and the UK. These included the Celtic Colours International Festival and the Nova Scotia International Tattoo. In 2003, he received the Order of Nova Scotia. This award is for people who do great things for the province.

In October 2006, he received another honorary doctorate. This was from Cape Breton University. In 2023, he was added to the Canadian Fiddle Hall of Honour. This happened at the Canadian Grand Masters event in Truro, Nova Scotia.

Buddy's Family Life

Buddy MacMaster married Marie Beaton in 1968. They had two children. Their daughter, Mary Elizabeth MacMaster MacInnis, is also a musician. Their son is Allan Gerard MacMaster.

Buddy's youngest sister, Betty Lou Beaton, is a very talented pianist from Cape Breton. She is married to the well-known fiddler and composer Kinnon Beaton. Buddy was also the uncle of Natalie MacMaster. She is another famous Cape Breton fiddler who tours all over the world.

His son, Allan, was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in October 2009. He represented the Inverness area as a Progressive Conservative.

His Passing

Buddy MacMaster passed away at his home in Judique, Nova Scotia. He died on August 20, 2014, at the age of 89.

Buddy's Music Albums

Buddy MacMaster released several music albums:

• Judique on the Floor (1989)
• Glencoe Hall (1991)
• The Judique Flyer (2000)
• Cape Breton Tradition (2003)
• Traditional Music from Cape Breton Island (2005) with Natalie MacMaster

He also released a video called Buddy MacMaster, Master of the Cape Breton Fiddle.