Freddie Pelletier
As a veteran of the music scene, Freddie has the authority to say
that he's been there and done that ... because he has!
He started his professional career in 1969 playing clubs
and bars before the dance floor was allowed. That seems
odd to those of us who don't remember those days but it
proved to be an advantage to Freddie and those like him.
The patrons of those clubs couldn't dance, therefore, wanted
to be entertained ... and so they were when Freddie went on
stage.
He spent time playing for a wide array of acts and tried
his luck in Nashville and Toronto before compiling a group
of Calgary musicians to form his own band "The Northwest
Rebellion." They acted as house band at the Ranchman's,
a famed Calgary hot spot, for two years straight, backing
up weekly Nashville and Canadian acts. In 1972 he released
his first album on Quality Records where two singles hit
#10 on the Canadian country charts. A few years later he
released a second album but the country music scene was
changing and unfortunately for Freddie, instrumental albums
would be all but extinct on country radio.
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He spent a few years away from the country music scene but alas,
lucky for us fans, returned with a renewed passion and
determination to better himself as a player. This is
why he has continued to survive the ever-changing facets
of the music business. His mentor was the late, George
Moodey, and he speaks of George like a father. He says
that "Big George" taught him to analyze and really learn
what he was doing instead of just going through the motions.
This helped Freddie advance to a new level of guitar picking.
Freddie has worked with Ian Tyson, Gene Watson, Ferlin Husky
and Donna and Leroy, to name a few. He spent six years on
the nationally televised country music show "Number One West"
and is endorsed by Peavey and Fury guitars. His 60-minute
instructional video "Hot Practical Country Guitar Licks" was
the Ruemark video distribution company's #14 bestseller.
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The pinnacle of his career has been watching his son,
Clinton grow into an extraordinary guitarist.
Freddie and Clinton together have released a
60-minute beginner instructional video and an
instrumental album entitled "Like Father,
Like Son."
As of late, again flowing with changing times,
Freddie has stepped away from a full band and
is playing shows and entertaining as a guitar
duo with wife, Sheila. He's also found his
niche backing fiddlers like Canadian Grand
Masters Fiddle Champs Calvin Vollrath and April
Verch and has made numerous recent overseas
appearances with them.
Throughout his career, and to date, he has taught
guitar and has enjoyed seeing many of his students
go on to rewarding musical careers.
Freddie's distinctive style is a pleasure to the
ear and his love for music and his craft has
assisted him in becoming one of Canada's greatest
guitarists!
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