Emile Benoît

    Born on March 24 1913, in Black Duck Brook, Emile Benoît was a fisherman almost all his life. His father (Amédée) was of French origin, and his mother, (Adeline Duffenais), was an Acadian from Chéticamp.

    His childhood was marked by three years in a school at Black Duck Brook. Like most French Newfoundlanders on the Port au Port Peninsula of that time, Emile Benoît knew only the French language before attending school. At twelve years he was introduced to fishing which he practised until 1980. Multi-talented, Emile was a sort of jack-of-all-trades to his village - carpenter, blacksmith, doctor, dentist, veterinarian.

    It was about the age of 12 that he fell in love with music and got his first violin. " I never loved a woman as I love my violin" he confessed in one of his last interviews.

    After having played for many years at dances, weddings and other family and community events , Émile decided to devote himself full time to music. At the age of 60 he won his first violin competition in Stephenville. That was the first success of many. He performed in many places as well as at festivals like " Une longue veillée ", in Cape St George and the annual folk festival in St. John' s.

    In 1987 Émile performed at the international festival in Nantes (France) and a year later at the " Jazz and Heritage Festival " of News-Orleans. He was frequently invited to play as a guest artist with traditional groups such as " Figgy Duff ". In addition he was heard often on radio and television. He recorded two albums - " Émile' S Dream " (1979) and " It comes from the Heart " (1982). He also made a CD " Vive la Rose " (1992).

     In 1991 Memorial University of Newfoundland awarded Émile an honourary doctorate of law for his contribution to the culture of his province. He died in September 1992.