2004 Inductees
 

The Nova Scotia Ramblers have been performing old-time country and gospel music since 1964. They began as the Nova Scotia Playboys with original members Fred Isenor and Bruce Beeler. They changed their names in 1980 to the Nova Scotia Ramblers, because women were joining the band, and “Playpersons” just did not sound right. The Ramblers have recorded several albums including their first, “Authentic Country Sounds” in 1964. They also recorded “The Sunny Side of Life” in 1981 and “Having Fun With Bluegrass” in 1986, which included the song entitled, “The Ramblers”, Fred’s personal view of the band. Their music is straight forward and uncomplicated with emphasis on the melodies and the stories told in song. Playing throughout Nova Scotia, the Ramblers are still seen performing at different festivals with current members Fred Isenor, Carl Dalrymple, Bonnie Ashley, Bill Babineau and John Simms.

Few Nova Scotia country music artists have reached the achievements of Joyce Seamone. Although she came from Maplewood, a small rural community in Nova Scotia, her musical career has taken her far and wide. When she moved to Ontario, it didn’t take long for local bands to seek her as their lead vocalist. A scout from Marathon Records caught one of these performances and signed her to her first recording contract. Testing 1 2 3, her first session produced in Toronto, went GOLD and stayed on the Canadian Country Music Charts for seventeen weeks. She went on to record two more albums on Marathon, followed by a fourth album that was recorded when she signed with Boot Records. While with Boot Records she recorded in both Toronto and Nashville. During both contracts, Joyce worked with the best musicians of that era performing in both Canada & the US to support her career. Although still active with personal appearances, Joyce took a hiatus from recording while her family was growing up. Then in 1992, after returning to Nova Scotia, Joyce recorded “The Other Side of Me”, produced by Georges Hebert, longtime guitarist for Anne Murray. To support overseas airplay, Joyce and her band “Total Country” traveled to The Netherlands (Holland), Germany, Sweden and Denmark during 1996, 1997 and 1999.As a songwriter, she has had her songs recorded by other artists as well as recording them herself. She is also a published author with both stories and poems in various publications. Joyce is kept busy between performing, songwriting and her involvement in musical related organizations.

http://www.joyceseamone.com

Ivan Hicks was born in Upper Sackville, N. B., on July 6, 1940. He was introduced to music at an early age by his father, and played his first dance at age six. During his teen years he helped form and played fiddle for the country band, “Golden Valley Boys”. After graduating from Mount Allison University (1964), Ivan began a 32-year teaching career in Salisbury, NB where he met fellow teacher, Vivian Webb. They were married in July 1970. From 1969 to 1989, Ivan was a member of the dance band, “Marshwinds”, and in 1979 formed the old time and bluegrass band, “Maritime Express.” Achievements have included: Maritime Fiddle Champion 1979-80 and Canadian finalist, numerous recordings, books of fiddle tunes, original compositions, performances throughout Canada and the United States, co-founder of the Maritime Fiddlers Association, induction into the NB Country Music Hall of Fame (1985) and North America Fiddlers Hall of Fame (1990), President and Director of the NB Country Music Hall of Fame, director of the National Old Time Fiddlers Association and Music New Brunswick, promotion of fiddle music through teaching, workshops and music camps, involvement with Fiddles on the Tobique since 1994, chairman of the Fiddles of the World conference in Halifax (1999), two successful tours of Canada (2000, 2002) and along withVivian, ECMA Volunteer of the Year Award (2002.)

http://www.ivanhicks.com