Émile Benoît

Émile Joseph Benoît (March 24, 1913 – September 2, 1992) was a Canadian fiddler who became known for popularizing Franco-Newfoundlander folk music traditions.

Born in Black Duck Brook, Dominion of Newfoundland, Benoît worked primarily as a fisherman for much of his life, playing fiddle mainly as a hobby and at local community events. After winning second prize at a fiddle contest in nearby Stephenville in 1973, he began to pursue music more actively, making it his primary career after his retirement from fishing. He was posthumously honoured by the East Coast Music Awards in 1993.

Musicians such as Kelly Russell, Noel Dinn, Pamela Morgan and Jim Payne have cited Benoît as an influence on their own music.

He was the inspiration for College of the North Atlantic's 2015 intersession film project Emile's Legacy which detailed Figgy Duff's pursuit in convincing Emile to join them on a world tour.

Discography Albums Emile's Dream (1979) It Comes from the Heart (1982) Vive la Rose (1992)

Contributing artist Atlantic Fiddling (1979) The Rough Guide to the Music of Canada (2005)