Émile Joseph
Benoît (1913 –1992) was a Canadian fiddler who became known for popularizing
Franco-Newfoundlander folk music traditions.
Born in
Black Duck Brook, Dominion of Newfoundland, Benoît worked primarily as a
fisherman for much of his life, playing fiddle mainly as a hobby and at local
community events. After winning second prize at a fiddle contest in nearby
Stephenville in 1973, he began to pursue music more actively, making it his
primary career after his retirement from fishing.
He became a
popular performer, touring throughout Canada, appearing on 90 Minutes Live and
in several documentary films, and performing in New Orleans, England, France
and Norway. He released three albums and wrote nearly 200 songs during his
lifetime.
His final
album, 1992's Vive la rose, was recorded with Newfoundland folk-rock band Figgy
Duff. He gave his final performance just two months before his death on
September 3, 1992 in Stephenville.
He was
posthumously honoured by the East Coast Music Awards in 1993.
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