Minto Country Music Wall of Fame

Earl was born at Newcastle Bridge on March 18, 1942. He is the son of the late Lawrence and Diane LeBlanc. His interest in music began early and by the age of 12 Earl learned how to play guitar, bass, mandolin, and accordion. Along with his brother Fidele and his brother-in-law Frank Maston they entertained family and friends on a regular basis.

In 1974, Earl and Frank formed a group called "The Minto Ramblers". Other band members included Eric Richard on lead guitar and Terry Thibodeau on drums. They entertained for two years in Oromocto, Gagetown, Minto, Chipman and Fredericton. They later formed a band named "Heat Wave". This group was active for three years with Earl on the bass, Frank on vocals, Eric Richard on guitar and Eric "Sneaky" Richard on drums.

Earl enjoys playing with family members and accomplished that for a period of time by playing with the popular “Lorraine McNeill Band”. They were not only popular but kept very busy playing weekends at clubs and just about anywhere entertainment was needed.

After moving to Fredericton Earl worked for Tractors and Equipment & Atlantic Caterpillar. He worked until 2001 when he was diagnosed with leukemia. After treatment, he shared his talents once again in various places. He continued to enjoy his love of music to such a degree that he decided in July of 2000 to join another group “The Country Clovers". Earl is on lead and mandolin, his sister Rita on the bass, Aulden Simmons on the keyboard, and Frankie on rhythm and lead vocals. The Country Clovers are still active today. Earl also played the mandolin on a CD entitled "My Papa and Me" with his niece Katelyn Farrell.

Over the years Earl has played with various musicians including David McNeill, Joey Knight, Jocelyn McNeill, Ronnie Day, Freddie Fulton, and Emile Cormier. Besides dance halls and parties, Earl has dedicated many hours entertaining the sick and elderly by playing for the Veterans. He has also played many benefit concerts and fund raisers. He has been a very frequent player for the Bishop Nursing Home and The Northside Residence.

Earl is still playing music after a bone marrow transplant in Halifax. He and his wife of 27 years Diane reside in Fredericton. He has a son Colin that lives in Ontario and he and Diane have a son Craig of Fredericton who shares his interest in music. Diane and Earl are grandparents to a grandson Taylor and expectant grandparents to twins – a boy and a girl due this year.