Minto Country Music Wall of Fame

Winston Rees has lived in Cumberland Bay his entire life. At an early age he was influenced by the musical talents of his uncles The Phillips Brothers, and also his aunt Lorraine.

He started playing guitar along with his friends at local dances and benefits and has been involved in country, old-time bluegrass and gospel music all his life. He taught himself to play the banjo and joined the Phillips Brothers playing bluegrass festivals in New Brunswick and Ontario.

Throughout his musical career, Winston has played with the Gospelaires. He was involved for twelve years in the Sussex Valley Jamboree and backed up such artists as Gordon Stobbe, Ivan Hicks and Allison Inch.

Winston formed his own family band in the early 1980's called "The Winston Rees Family." He, his wife and two daughters quickly became a much sought-after group entertaining at fairs, exhibits, bluegrass festivals, weddings and appearances on the Up Home Tonight television show. They also recorded an album titled "You Sing for Me."

Winston has written a guitar instruction book and taught his no-note method of playing to several hundred students over a period of ten years, teaching guitar, banjo, dobro and mandolin.

For several years, Winston has done acoustical instrument repairs for three music stores. He has constructed several dobros, which have been sold throughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Winston was inducted in the New Brunswick Country Gospel Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2007 he was inducted in the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame.