Maurice Bolyer (December 1, 1920 – August 18, 1978), born Maurice Beaulieu, was a composer and musician known as "Canada's King of the Banjo"."Funeral Services for King of Banjo". Lethbridge Herald, August 22, 1978 page 36 Although proficient in a variety of string instruments and piano, he is best known for his work on the banjo.
Early life Bolyer was born in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada, into a French-speaking family."Banjo Player Maurice Bolyer Regular with Tommy Hunter". Lethbridge Herald, November 24, 1972 page 30 He learned to play the piano as a young boy; after learning to play fiddle, guitar and mandolin, he began playing banjo in his late teens.
Career Beginning in the 1940s, Bolyer appeared regularly on Canadian radio stations CKCW (Moncton, New Brunswick) and CKNX (Wingham, Ontario). Boyler joined the CBC Radio program The Tommy Hunter Show in 1963, continuing with the show when it moved to television in 1965. Bolyer also appeared as a guest on the Lawrence Welk and Arthur Godfrey shows in the United States."Maurice Bolyer". The Canadian Encyclopedia.Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame - Bolyer biography
In 1975 Bolyer signed with RCA Canada.Billboard. Vol. Volume 87. Billboard Publications; July 1975. p. 58.
Bolyer was inducted posthumously into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989.Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame
See also Banjo Hall of Fame Members
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