Biography:Joseph Guilmette
Joseph Guilmette
| |
|---|---|
| Given name: | Joseph |
| Middle name: | |
| Family name: | Guilmette |
| Place of birth: | Natashquan, Quebec |
| Place of death: | Rimouski |
| Year of birth: | 1886 |
| Year of death: | 1950 |
| Profile: | Musician |
| Source of information: | https://archive.org/details/lespionniersdudi0000labb/page/58/mode/2up |
Biographical notes
JOSEPH GUILMETTE (1886-1950) was born in the Gulf of St. Lawrence village of Natashquan, northeastern Quebec, in September 1886. He showed musical talent at a young age, choosing to play the accordion. When he was ten he moved with his family to Rimouski where he resided for the remainder of his life. Accordionist Joseph Plante recommended Guilmette to RCA Victor, and in 1930 he recorded his first side for the label[1]. Subsequently, he toured the province several times, often played with the famed fiddler Albert Bastarache. In 1935, a large provincial accordion competition was held in Quebec City. Several big names participated, such as Théodore Duguay from Québec City, Donat Lafleur, Joseph Plante and John Lajoie from Montréal. The event lasted three days, at the end of which Joseph Guilmette emerged victorious, taking home the magnificent prize of two hundred dollars. During World War II Guilmette toured military camps several times, entertaining troops and adding to his reputation. He was considered a master of the small accordion, playing with a steady, pulsing rhythm that propelled his varied repertory. Guilmette died in November, 1950, at the age of 64, his career shortened by overindulgence in alcohol.
- ↑ Guilmette recorded a total of 12 sides for Victor, beginning with "Quadrille Cap Chat" and "Quadrille des Marchands," recorded in November, 1930.