Bill Lamey

William Hugh Lamey (1914–1991) was a renowned and influential Cape Breton fiddler. He was a pioneer in recorded performances of the music. As an avid collector of rare tunes, he amassed one of the most comprehensive and valuable collections of written Scottish violin music.

Lamey was born in River Denys, Inverness County on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia on March 9, 1914. It was, however, his mother, Margaret (MacLean) Lamey, whose deep love of Scottish music was an early influence on the young Lamey.

Celtic 028 Highland Watch's Farewell to Ireland, Celtic 029 Neil Gow's Lamentation for Dr. Moray/MacKenzie Hay, Celtic 044 Lovat Scouts/Dr. Shaw's Strathspey, Celtic 027 Bog an Lochan, Apex 26350 Lieut Howard Douglas, Apex 26351 The Warlocks/The Shakins O'The Pocky.

A collection of the above-noted recordings was released as a vinyl LP album in 1979, entitled Bill Lamey: Classic Recordings of Scottish Fiddling, Shanachie Records - 14002 - 1979.

A collection of house session recordings was released by Rounder Records in 2000, entitled From Cape Breton to Boston and Back: Classic House Sessions of Traditional Cape Breton Music 1956 – 1977, Rounder Records 82161-7032-2 – 2000 The Sugar Camp

The Boston States

In 1953, Lamey moved with his family to Boston, Massachusetts A charter member of the Cape Breton Island Gaelic Foundation, he joined the Boston branch in 1953 and was later president of the branch for about 15 years (approximately 1965–1980). Lamey was also instrumental in having many of the above-noted musicians play in house sessions, many of which were preserved on tape (particularly in the home of Herbie MacLeod in Arlington, Massachusetts). In May 1991, Bill Lamey died of complications from Diabetes.

Doug Lamey, Bill's grandson, appears to be following his grandfather's footsteps in becoming an accomplished Cape Breton fiddler.