Minto Country Music Wall of Fame

Born in 1951, David Nightingale grew up in Minto and graduated from Minto Memorial High School in 1969.

At age 12, music became a big part of Dave’s life, and with the songs of Gordon Lightfoot, Chet Atkins, and the Beatles on the radio, he decided the guitar was the instrument for him.

In his high school days, Dave played lead guitar in local bands such as “Standard of Living”, “Pieces of Eight” and “Virgin Wool” with Al Dupuis, Paul DuJohn, John Rosengren and Peter Doering.

After moving to Fredericton in 1971 to work for NB Power, he started playing pop and country music with Brian Stewart and “Rock Revival”. This lasted almost 10 years. Next came the Bob Cleghorn Band, playing country, pop and rock, again for close to 10 years. It was during this period that Dave built a small recording studio in his basement and recorded many demos for local talent. One such tune was Bob Cleghorn’s “No Candy for Christmas” which generated much seasonal airplay, and many chuckles.

These days Dave is enjoying retirement, and is more active than ever with music. As a fill-in guitarist with the Downtown Blues Band, he gets to do some great Festivals around the Province and also Quebec.

He’s also busy with The Sideshow Bob Band doing songs like Memphis and Ring of Fire, and everything in between, and Soul Purpose, playing Rhythm and Blues. Also he is in two acoustic trios called Middle of the Road with Paul McNabb and Mary Milliken, and The Stringers, with Jacqueline Valliancourt and good buddy John Rosengren. Who knows what’s next for him!

He was fortunate to have spent time jamming and recording with Willard Morrison during his last days. He says: “His infectious laugh during those sessions will stay in my heart forever”.

Dave has played or jammed with a great deal of people presented on this wall, from Cliffy, Paul and Al, to Wanda, Dave and Ron, and has enjoyed every minute of it.

A quote from Al Dupuis:

“For people who are lucky enough to play with him, they get to experience a great talent, with unique guitar styling that has been crafted over years of playing many different types of music. For those who aren’t musicians, you are treated with listening to an extremely talented, self-taught guitar player who plays with as much passion as anyone can.”

Today, Dave resides between his home in Douglas and his lakeside cottage in Scotchtown with his wife Jeannette of many years.