Page 31 - Johnny Wilmot, Fiddler "Another Side of Cape Breton"

ISSUE : Issue 65

Published by Ronald Caplan on 1994/1/1

ter!" They were at North Sydney, at her home. And I guess he left early in the morning. And around 5 o'clock in the eve? ning, she knew they always had a Scottish program from CJFX. So she turned on the radio. "And," she said, "do you know what I heard?" she said. "'Well, we're delight? ed to have John Wilmot from Cape Breton and Mrs. Len Leadbeater from Antigonish to play this evening.'" She said, "He went off to Antigonish--I didn't know where he was!" Chuckles. But he would do things like that, you know, spur-of-the-moment. "Think I'll go to Antigonish." Oh, he was a character. But a good musician, though. Oh, my. There are all kinds of tales about Johnny Wilmot. Most of the ones were that he was up all night--never slept. But he enjoyed his music. And he liked to play where he knew people enjoyed it. You know, if he thought that you disliked the music, he would not come back the second time. But if he thought you liked it, he would come, sit and play, for hours on end. So, enjoyed his life, I must say. I think so, yeah. Well, the last few years were tough, because he couldn't play. And then, as you get older, you know, life changes, and people stop coming to visit, things like that. I think he found it lonely. He seemed to find it lonely. But anyway, he had a good life while he had it.... Johnny and Alex Basker were great friends. Alex Basker was originally from North Syd? ney. He died not too long ago. Of course, Alex Basker was an excellent stepdancer. And Johnny would play, and Alex would do the dancing. And Johnny had an old, old wreck of a car. Oh, it was just held to? gether by the grace of God, I'm sure. And Trust in our stars! * • • • ?? Coastal MbL great food NORTH SYDNEY Tape BRETON Nova Scotia's Friendly Seaport • Gateway to Newfoundland Travellers to Cape Breton "Unpack Once" Centrally Located to Most Attractions * 75 Rooms - Kings, Standards, Suites * Luxury Suite - Jacuzzi Bath * Harbour View - Air conditioned * Fishery Restaurant * St. Pierre Rum Bar Overlooking the Newfoundland Ferry Terminal (Exit21, Highway 105) * Indoor Pool and Whirlpool * Kids free with parents * Seniors Discount 'k about the ' 'TUESDAY DEAlJ Tel: (902) 794-8581 Fax: (902) 794-4628 39 Forrest Street, P.O. Box 157, North Sydney, N.S. B2A 3M3 we would go to North Sydney. And the car would be so filled with peo? ple that Alex would have to go across, you know, lie across the back in the window. That's where he was, because he was only a short man, anyway. Johnny would be driving the car., And then you'd hear klunk, klunk, klunk, klunk, klunk-- side of the road. Get out. They'd be maneu? vering around under the hood. And it would go, and away we'd go again! Oh, I'm telling you, he was a character, that Johnny ''1'?'' Johnny Wilmot. But a good soul, really. A really good person. I really enjoyed him.... "We're people you can talk to" Dealers for: / Electronic Keyboards Guitars • Church Organs 'Quality Brand Name Pianos • PA Rentals • Piano & Guitar Instruction Boutiliers' Music Siiops r We sell a complete line of top quality musical instruments and accessories. Visit our show? room and try the products for yourself. You will like the variety and price. Layaway plan available. No interest for 3 months. OPEN MONDAY through SATURDAY Music Keyboards Guitars Reeds Strings Horns Violins Bagpipes Chanters Amplifiers PA Systems All Supplies ~ Cape Breton's Finest Locally-Owned Musical Outlet

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