Remembering Accordion player MINNIE WHITE from Newfoundland/Labrador who passed away on December 12, 2001 at age 85.

Minnie is known as the First Lady of the Accordion in the 1960's and 1970's.

She was born in St. Albans Newfoundland/Labrador. She was married in 1937 and raised 6 children. She played accordion since she was 8 years old. In the early days while married and raising her family she used to play piano for dances and special events. She never played accordion until 30 years later.

In 1973 she was encouraged to record an album and so she did in St John's entitled Newfoundland First Lady of The Accordion.

She then toured Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia and did CBC TV appearances on such shows as Root Cellar and Canadian Express.

Another 3 albums followed: Newfoundland Accordion and Mandolin Favourites in 1974-Homestead Reels in 1978-The Hills of Home in 1994 her final album.

Minnie received the Order of Canada in 1993.

She was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council Hall of Honor in 1994.

She was ECMA nominated for instrumental Artist of the Year in 1995.

Minnie played festivals and special events until her death in 2002