Update of 2021 Post
Historical Bits
Links: John Ellison, More John Ellison Stories, Video above courtesy of John Ellison - Topic
Historical Bits:
Links: Jackie Washington, More Jackie Washington Stories, Video above courtesy of Jackie Washington - Topic
Links: Teenage Head, More Teenage Head Stories, Video above courtesy of Teenage Head - Topic
Links: Fred Eaglesmith, More Fred Eaglesmith Stories, Video above courtesy of Fred Eaglesmith - Topic
Links: Dave Rave, More Dave Rave Stories, Video above courtesy of Dave Rave & the Governors - Topic
Links: Walk Off The Earth, More WOTE Stories, Video above courtesy of Walk Off the Earth
Links: The Vaudevillian, More Vaudevillian Stories, Video above courtesy of The Vaudevillian
Links: Corktown Kazoo Band, Video above courtesy of C. Barry Quinn
Links: Donald McGeoch, More Don McGeoch Stories, Video above courtesy of Donald McGeoch - Topic
Links: David Cavan Fraser, More David Cavan Fraser Stories, Video above courtesy of David Cavan Fraser - Topic
Links: David Leask, More David Leask Stories, Video above courtesy of David Leask
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of bassist Peter Rhibany. He was best known as the bassist for Burlington's Smyle. Peter passed away on December 24, 2025. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
From his obituary:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter O'Neill Joseph Rihbany. Peter passed away surrounded by his family at St. Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton on December 24, 2025, at the age of 76.
Peter will be missed by his sister, Margo, brother, David, brother-in-law, Greg, niece, Devon, and nephew, Jordan.
Peter lived in Hamilton for most of his adult life. He was passionate about music and played in many bands throughout his career. The band he was best for was Smyle, with whom he recorded an album and had a song on the CHUM charts.
Peter was also a substitute teacher at various schools throughout Hamilton and had a passion for history.
Peter loved his cats; Sam, Dave, Bill and Tommie, and if desired memorial donations can be made to the Hamilton Burlington SPCA.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, BURLINGTON, 905-632-3333 www.smithsfh.com
Video above courtesy of emBLICko
Original Post (part of June 6, 2009 post)
Updated Post: January 22, 2026
Canadian folk legend, Bruce Cockburn (currently signed to Waterdown's True North Records) was recognized by Hamilton's own McMaster University on June 8, 2009.
Cockburn joined local glass
Below is the Spectator article fron June 9, 2009. Click the picture to make it bigger.
Unfortunately, only a few Canadians acts took part in the 2026 International Blues Challenge (January 13 to 17, 2026 in Memphis).
Canadians in Self-Produced CD Semi-Finals
Canadian Participants (Performance Competition)
Complete List of Winners
Band:
Pictured: Muddy Water (left) with Richard "King Biscuit Boy" Newell
In a special to the Hamilton Spectator on June 6, 2009, King Biscuit Boy's brother, Waller R. Newell, wrote about his legendary sibling's life. Waller offered insights into the music man's career: meeting members of the Beatles, working with Aretha Franklin, and more. He also discussed his brother's intellectual side.
Click the picture below to see the full-size article (you may still need to zoom to read)
Links: King Biscuit Boy, More KBB Stories, Video above courtesy of King Biscuit Boy with The Ronnie Hawkins Band - Topic
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