Minister extends condolences to the family of the late Minnie White

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today offered condolences to the family of the late Minnie White. 

"Mrs. White was one of our province's most treasured musicians," said Minister Aylward. "She was talented at playing many instruments including the mandolin, fiddle, piano and organ, but it was as an accordion player that she endeared herself to the hearts of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and to people around the world. She was truly our first lady of the accordion." 

Mrs. White learned to play the accordion as a young girl but stopped playing to raise her family. In the 1960s, Mrs. White picked up her accordion again when her children were grown and began her extensive recording and performing career. Mrs. White recorded four albums and was a regular performer at the Starlite Motel as well as at various clubs in western Newfoundland and folk festivals across the province. She received the Harry Hibbs Award for East Coast Music, the Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award by the East Coast Music Association and has been inducted into the Order of Canada and the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council Hall of Honour.

Minister Aylward offers his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. White and added, "We are indebted to Mrs. White for her contribution to the arts community in Newfoundland and Labrador. She will be remembered for her incredible talent, her body of work, and her kind spirit."

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2001 12 17                          12:25 p.m.