John Allan Cameron Considered the ‘Godfather’ of Celtic music, Cameron was a trailblazer for internationally renowned artists like Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, The Barra MacNeils and The Rankins.  Cameron popularized Cape Breton Gaelic tunes and songs to audiences all around the world through his live performances and recordings, including a captivating performance at the Grand Ole Opry in 1970. Between 1975 and 1981, Cameron hosted two musical variety shows on both CTV and CBC national television through which he became a household name in Canada and introduced the country to the traditional Gaelic music of Cape Breton. 

Winston ‘Scotty’ Fitzgerald is regarded as one of Cape Breton’s most influential fiddlers. With pianist Beatty Wallace and guitarist Estwood Davidson, Fitzgerald formed the Radio Entertainers and made several influential recordings which continue to inspire the style and repertoire of Cape Breton fiddlers as well as fiddlers around the world. His recording of McNabb’s Hornpipe and Farmer’s Daughter on one of his four LPs for Celtic (CX-34) is considered a Canadian fiddling classic. Winston also toured with Hank Snow and performed with the Cape Breton Symphony on John Allan Cameron’s national weekly television show. 

Joella Foulds has had a distinguished and varied career as a journalist, musician, songwriter, community volunteer and actor. A passionate advocate for arts and culture in Cape Breton, one of her most notable achievements is the creation of the Celtic Colours International Festival in 1997 with co-creator Max MacDonald. The development of Celtic Colours has had an immense  impact on the cultural economy of Cape Breton- not only by attracting thousands of tourists and millions of dollars to the island but also by providing extraordinary opportunities for Cape Breton musicians.