Daigle, Ted & His Westerners

Websites:  https://citizenfreak.com/artists/93670-daigle-ted
Origin: Jacquet River, New Brunswick, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Ted Daigle: A Canadian Country Music Pioneer
Ted Daigle was a trailblazer in Canadian country music, making his mark as both a recording artist and a celebrated radio personality. Born on January 16, 1937, in Jacquet River, New Brunswick, Daigle’s passion for country music led him to an illustrious career that spanned both the airwaves and the recording studio.

Early Career and Radio Success
Daigle’s journey in radio began in 1956 at CKBC in Bathurst, New Brunswick, where he hosted the Hillbilly Hayride Show and introduced audiences to emerging country artists. He soon moved on to CJLX in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where he was mentored by Hall of Fame broadcaster Johnny Murphy. After a stint at CFGM in Toronto, he settled in Ottawa, joining CKOY before going on to establish CKBY-FM in 1972, the first full-time FM country radio station in Canada. Under his leadership, CKBY-FM became the most-listened-to country station in the nation, setting a standard for Canadian country radio.

Ted Daigle had a knack for discovering and breaking new music. He was the first DJ in Canada to play Ned Miller’s “From a Jack to a King” and Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman”, both of which became international hits. He also helped launch Murray McLauchlan’s “Farmer’s Song” by promoting its B-side, proving his ear for recognizing future classics.

Recording Artist and Performer
While his radio career flourished, Daigle also pursued his passion for performing and recording. During the 1960s and 1970s, he released albums on notable labels such as Masterseal (Universal), London, Excellent, Rodeo/Banff, RCA Camden, and Arc. His early country and rockabilly recordings gained recognition worldwide, with some still in demand today, particularly in Europe.

His 1975 single "Lawley Ray" became a Top 30 hit on the RPM Country Charts, and he recorded other memorable songs such as "Tennessee," "How Much Time Does It Take," "Before You Leave Today," and "Being Satisfied." During his peak performance years, he fronted Ted Daigle & The Music Men, who regularly played at Ted Daigle’s Royal Hotel in Angers, Quebec. His band was also featured on several albums released under the London Records label.

Contributions and Lasting Legacy
Daigle’s contributions to Canadian country music extended beyond his own recordings and radio programs. He was instrumental in the success of Christmas In The Valley, a radio and recording project that raised over $300,000 for local hospitals through a seven-volume album series featuring Canadian country artists.

His dedication to the industry was recognized through numerous awards, including Program Director of the Year, Music Director of the Year, and Deejay of the Year from the Canadian Country Music Association. He was also honored by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters for 50 years in radio broadcasting.

In recognition of his lifelong commitment to country music, Ted Daigle was inducted into three prestigious halls of fame:

Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame (1988)
Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (1993)
New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame (2006)
Later in his career, Daigle continued his love for country music by programming Classic Country for CBC’s continuous music network, bringing timeless hits to millions of Canadian households.

Final Words
Ted Daigle’s influence on Canadian country music remains undeniable. As both a radio pioneer and a recording artist, he helped shape the country music scene in Canada, introducing legendary artists to listeners and ensuring that Canadian country music had a powerful voice on the airwaves. His legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and broadcasters alike, cementing his status as one of Canada’s most influential country music figures.
-Robert Williston