Minto Country Music Wall of Fame

Minto native Paul DuJohn was born on March 16, 1951, the son of Vincent and Lila DuJohn. At the early age of 5, his mother, a well-know fiddler, introduced him to music by teaching him to sing harmony and play the harmonica. Together, they performed for family and friends and at local variety shows. At age 7, Lila taught him to play his first chords on the guitar. Over the next few years, he developed a good sense of timing and chord patterns while accompanying his mother on the fiddle.

At 15, Paul joined the band “Fireballs” that entertained at high schools in Minto, Chipman and Boiestown. Though active in many sports during his Minto High School years, Paul always made music his priority. Several other bands followed with interchangeable members featuring Peter Doering, Al Dupuis, David Nightingale and John Rosegren. They were known as “Standard of Living”, “Pieces of Eight” and “Virgin Wool”. He was also a member of the Casa Loma House band with some of the same members, including brothers David and Vernon McNeill. The group also played at the Lakeside Pavilion dances. Despite this very busy schedule, Paul often accompanied students at local variety shows and appeared on a CHSJ-TV show called “High Society”.

In 1977, Paul became a member of “Foxtooth”, a bluegrass band comprised of himself, Skip Holmes, John Hughes and Dave Curtis. With this new musical genre, he taught himself to play the mandolin and tenor banjo. The following year, he went on to form a duo called “Baldwin and DuJohn” and in 1980, he was invited to join the popular Maritime band “The Garrison Brothers” and toured throughout Canada and parts of the USA. The group recorded three albums before disbanding in 1985. Paul then teamed with David Craig under the name of “Cricklewood”. The duo served up a mixed menu of traditional, early rock and country-folk selections to the enjoyment of faithful fans on their regular circuit throughout New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and the New England States. They performed at many festivals and conventions and recorded four sold-out CD’s. This 13-year career ended when his partner David moved to Ottawa in 1998. However, at least once a year, they still get together for a reunion gig which draws a full-house of loyal fans.

Paul continues to play music whenever an opportunity arises, whether it is a kitchen party, a benefit concert or a gig. His distinct and versatile rhythm styles and precision timing can be heard on recordings by local performers such as Debbie Harrity, the due “Toot Sweet” and legendary Saint John singer/songwriter Stevedore Steve. Paul, who now lives in Saint John, N.B. with his wife Gayle, is always ready to jam with friends and teach someone a new riff or chord.