Minto Country Music Wall of Fame

William (Bill, Bucky) Powers was born in Minto, N.B. on November 6 1931. He was one of ten children born to the late Paul and Liz Powers.

The accordion and fiddle were his first attempts at playing music. His love of music moved him to playing the guitar in his late teens, which he still loves playing to this day.

He moved to Ontario in 1955 and worked odd jobs until being hired by Ontario Hydro working on the St. Lawrence Seaway. In 1959 he was hired by TransCanada Pipeline and worked there for over 30 years, in Kingston, Ontario.

The first band he joined was called “The Paradise Orchestra”, which lasted from 1957 until 1964. In 1969 he joined a band called “The Echoes” and stayed with them until 1978, then moved on with “The Country Trio” from 1980 to 1985. For years he helped other bands when they needed a lead guitar player.

These days he plays on and off with “Country Comrades” and “Melody Makers”. He also plays in a jazz band called “Just Us”. He has been involved with many organizations over the years in their fundraising efforts. Camp for Children with Cancer and Palliative Care are among the many. He enjoys volunteering to play at the local seniors homes, as well.

In 2006 he played lead guitar on the CD that Katelyn Farrell recorded called “Family Reunion”. Also involved in this recording were Frank and Rita Maston and Earl LeBlanc.

Bill has been married to his wife Jeannine for 48 years. Bill’s love of music has been passed along to his children David (Penny), Katherine (Stephen), Susan (John) and his grandchildren Stefanie, Brad, William, Matthew, Hannah, Jason and Ben. For the last 31 years, Bill and Jeannine have resided in Lansdowne, Ontario.

Music has always been a big part of Bill’s life. His passion for music has in turn, greatly influenced his family and friends.