Information/Write-up
A Rare Canadian Rockabilly Treasure
Released in 1961 on Banff Records, Teenage Time is one of the rarest and most sought-after Canadian rockabilly albums, marking Ted Daigle’s full immersion into the genre. While Daigle would later gain recognition as a country artist and radio personality, this album firmly establishes him as one of Canada's earliest rockabilly pioneers.
With backing from The Midnighters—a tight and versatile band featuring Ron Roy (lead guitar), John Johnson (rhythm guitar), Cliff Clinton (bass), and Bob Hunt (drums)—the album delivers a mix of hard-driving rockers, smooth country-tinged melodies, and energetic teenage anthems. Daigle’s confident baritone and natural command of rhythm help him stand out among his rockabilly peers.
Standout Tracks
"Mary Lou" – A blistering rockabilly opener with chugging guitar work and a confident vocal delivery, making it one of Daigle’s most collectible singles.
"Cut Across Shorty" – Daigle’s take on the rockabilly classic (popularized by Eddie Cochran) is fast-paced and full of swagger, driven by sharp guitar licks.
"Red Hen Hop" – An uptempo, infectious rockabilly stomp showcasing Daigle’s playful energy and the band’s tight musicianship.
"Sweet Little Sixteen" – A faithful yet uniquely Canadian take on Chuck Berry’s classic, proving Daigle’s ability to blend country sensibilities with rock & roll fire.
"Legend of Chaleur Bay"
For centuries, sailors and villagers along the shores of Chaleur Bay have told of a phantom ship, a fiery apparition that emerges from the mist, sailing the waters in eerie silence before vanishing without a trace. Some say it is the ghost of a doomed British vessel, the Lady Colbourne, wrecked in 1838 while carrying gold, spices, and soldiers' wages to Quebec. Others believe it was a pirate ship, cursed by an Indigenous maiden who had been taken captive, her final act of defiance sealing the fate of her captors in an eternal blaze. Witnesses over the years describe terrified figures running on deck, sailors leaping into the sea, and a spectral woman standing at the bow with outstretched arms, as if calling out for vengeance.
The sightings have continued for generations—glowing through thick fog, drifting ominously in the moonlight, or disappearing suddenly as if swallowed by the bay itself. Some claim that those who see it are doomed to misfortune, a chilling warning passed down through time. This haunting legend found its way into song when Ted Daigle co-wrote and recorded Legend of Chaleur Bay on his 1961 album, Teenage Time. Capturing the eerie mystery of the tale, the song brings the ghostly ship to life, its lyrics echoing the whispered warnings of fishermen and sailors who have seen its spectral flames. Whether the ghostly fire is a remnant of a lost ship, a tragic legend, or something more supernatural, the burning ship of Chaleur Bay remains one of Canada’s most chilling maritime mysteries, immortalized in Daigle’s rockabilly ballad.
A Collector’s Dream
Teenage Time is not only a musical gem but also a highly collectible rarity. As one of the first full-length rockabilly albums recorded and released in Canada, original pressings on Banff Records are incredibly scarce, often sought after by collectors of early Canadian rock & roll. The album’s historical importance was later acknowledged when several of its tracks were featured on Early Canadian Rockers Vol. 4 - Teenage Time with Ted Daigle, solidifying its place in Canada’s rockabilly legacy.
Final Verdict
For fans of early rock & roll, rockabilly, and collectors of obscure Canadian recordings, Teenage Time is an essential piece of history. Ted Daigle’s seamless blend of rockabilly fire and country charm makes this album a standout in the genre, proving that Canada had its own rock & roll pioneers keeping pace with their American counterparts. Whether you’re a serious vinyl collector or simply love raw, authentic rockabilly, Teenage Time is a must-hear artifact from Canada’s musical past.
-Robert Williston
Ted Daigle: vocals, guitar
The Midnighters:
Ron Roy: lead guitar
John Johnson: rhythm guitar
Cliff Clinton: bass guitar
Bob Hunt: drums
Additional Musicians Possibly Involved
Ray Picot: piano (may have contributed to some tracks)
Leo Chiasson: bass guitar (if there were multiple session players)
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