Celime "Cy" Richard – fiddler and band leader – was born in Rogersville , New Brunswick on March 14, 1913 . He was one of a family of thirteen children. Cy became interested in music at a very early age and started playing the fiddle at the age of 10. He formed his first band when he was still a teenager.
Cy is probably best remembered for his band “The lone Star Playboys” which was active in the 1940's. Members of the group were Armand “Curley” Richard on accordion, Pat Doiron – lead guitar, Aurele Richard – flat top guitar and vocals. Also a regular member of this group was Fritzie Myers – accordion, fiddle and guitar. Other New Brunswick musicians appeared with the group on occasion.
The Lone Star Playboys were heard over CFNB Fredericton for many years. They were featured on “WAKE UP NEW BRUNSWICK” which was heard at 6:30A.M. live . The opening lines of the show were, “Open the Door, Richard”.
Cy and his band became very well known to the CFNB listening audience as they toured the countryside playing two hour shows followed by dancing. Many nights they did not get any sleep at all before their morning radio show. They traveled in a 4-sleeper wooden trailer emblazoned with the band name. Cy recorded a 78 in New York entitled “B Flat Polka”.
Cy was killed in an accident on October 16, 1963 . He and his wife Clara had five daughters and two sons.
The Phillips Brothers, Erdie and Ray, were born in 1934 and 1937 respectively. They were part of a family of nine children raised on a small farm in Cumberland Bay , NB.
Like many other musicians, they began their musical careers in their teens by playing at local school and church functions. Their style of music was inspired by listening to many of the early brother duets, such as the Blue Sky Boys, The Bailey and the Louvin Brothers.
In 1950, having won a talent contest over CFBC Saint John, the Brothers had their own radio program three days a week. Personal appearances in many communities throughout the southern part of the province added to their popularity. During this time Freddy McKenna joined the Brothers as a fiddle player. Other radio programs from CKCW in Moncton found them performing with artists like the Bailey Brothers, The Bunkhouse Boys and Johnny Cash. They were regular artists on the Capital Co-Op Jamboree from CFNB in Fredericton . During these years, their youngest sister Lorraine joined the band on vocals providing a tight 3-part harmony. Erdie played rhythm guitar and Ray the mandolin. Various members of the band included Jimmy Chapman on fiddle and Frank Reginald on electric guitar.
In 1955 the Brothers became dedicated Christians and began singing gospel songs while maintaining their original style and sound. In 1957 they were awarded their first recording contract with Rodeo Records; the album was entitled “Church in the Wildwood” and featured Ray, Erdie and Lorraine. Two years later they produced “We're Amazed”.
Following these accomplishments, the Brothers no longer performed on a full-time basis but pursued the building construction trade like their father. Both married and raised families. Their love for music kept them active in various church and gospel music events.
In the 1970's the increased popularity of Bluegrass music in the Maritimes inspired the Brother to perform more frequently. They attended festivals in NB, NS and Ontario . In 1977, they released another album entitled “Song of Faith and Heritage”.
Erdie and Ray still live and work in Cumberland Bay. Musically, Erdie continues to perform gospel music with his own family. They have released one record entitled “Love At Home”.
.
FOR 1988 INDUCTEES CLICK HERE
