Minto Country Music Wall of Fame

Merton Watson Bailey was born in Minto on September 4, 1936 to Grace (Watson) and Lloyd Bailey. Merton enjoyed singing early in life and wanted to add to his talents by learning to play an instrument. He asked Bennet Egers to teach him to play guitar and with natural talent and some good instructions he was on his way.

Merton took great pride in not only playing and singing for an audience but seeing to it that they were entertained. He would involve everyone in his performance and often poke fun at himself in order to make people laugh and relax.

During the late fifties Merton occasionally performed with the house band on the Capital Co-Op Jamboree for Bud Brown broadcast on CFNB Radio. He also played regularly during the sixties at numerous Legions around the Minto area until his death in 1985.

During the seventies Merton played in a band called the Townsmen with Ron Goodine, Paul Fallon, Don MacCausland & Ron Bailey which mainly played at local Legions.

Merton played with many musicians over the course of his life including Bud Stillwell, Bob Cunningham, Arthur Boyd, Mel (Pop) Lunney, Oscar Egers, Frank Maston, Earl LeBlanc, Eric Richard and Maxime Richard.

Merton never refused anyone who asked for his help with fundraising. He would gladly play, sing and entertain for whoever or whatever was in need. He especially enjoyed playing for the Senior Citizens and the local Veterans. His love of country music was very evident by the joy you saw when he played. He also passed on his talent to his eldest daughter Gail who enjoys playing the piano and singing. She still to this day holds his Gibson guitar very close to her heart and has remembered what he taught her.