JOHN ALLAN CAMERON

 **Meeting John Allan Cameron at the Horseshoe (1975)**

The year was 1975, and the iconic Horseshoe Tavern on Queen Street in Toronto was buzzing with energy. That was the night I met John Allan Cameron, a fellow Cape Bretoner and a legendary figure in the folk and Celtic music scene. I had recently opened an after-hours bar right across the street from the Horseshoe, a cozy spot where musicians and music lovers could unwind after a gig. Between John’s sets, I mustered the courage to introduce myself, sharing my Cape Breton roots.

Our conversation flowed easily, filled with the usual Cape Breton inquiries of "who you know" and "where you're from." There was an instant connection, and we spent the night talking about our shared homeland, music, and life. What started as a simple introduction developed into a genuine friendship. Over the years, John and I often crossed paths in the vibrant musical scene of Toronto. He always took the time to stop, chat, and catch up, his warmth and sincerity ever-present.

**Memorable Moments at the Uxbridge Highland Games**

After leaving Cape Breton in my youth, my family settled in Uxbridge, Ontario. Decades later, I found myself back in Uxbridge, reconnecting with old friends and familiar places. It was during the annual Highland Games Day that I reunited with John Allan. To my surprise, he had been performing at the games for years. This time, he had his son Stuart by his side.

After their performance, we gathered over a few beers, sharing stories and laughter. I regaled Stuart with tales of the famous musicians who had visited my bar, painting a picture of the vibrant musical world his father and I had been a part of. Those moments were filled with camaraderie and nostalgia, reinforcing the strong bond we had formed years ago at the Horseshoe.

**Connecting with Alex Cameron at the French Club in Cape Breton**

In 2004, I moved back to Louisbourg, Cape Breton, where my roots ran deep. I often joined my cousins for nights in Sydney, socializing and drinking at the French Club. It was there that I met Alex Cameron, another talented musician from the renowned Cameron family and John Allan’s brother.

Alex and I shared countless conversations, or "yarns," as we Cape Bretoners call them. Through Alex, I learned more about the musical legacy of the Cameron family, often marked by brotherly rivalry and playful banter. Alex would recount how one brother teased John Allan about not having Darryl Sittler's autograph, to which John Allan cleverly replied, "No, but he does have my autograph."

When John Allan passed away in 2006, Alex and I raised our glasses with a few scotches, saluting his memory and the remarkable impact he had on all our lives.

**John Allan Cameron: The Man, the Musician, and the Legend**

Returning to Cape Breton cemented my understanding of John Allan’s legacy. He was affectionately dubbed the Canadian godfather of Celtic music—an honor that he truly deserved. His career as a performer, television host, and recording artist left an indelible mark on the world of music. John Allan released countless records and received numerous accolades throughout his life.

To me, however, John Allan was more than a legend. He was a friend, always extending a welcoming hand and a winning smile. Though his presence in the music scene was monumental, it was his warmth and kindness that I remember most vividly. 

The memories of our interactions—the chats at the Horseshoe, the stories shared at the Highland Games, the conversations with Alex—all continue to inspire me. John Allan’s spirit lives on through the music he loved and the friendships he nurtured. For me, his legacy is as much about the man he was as it is about the music he created.