Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers:
Melvin Aucoin

MEL AUCOIN is a Canadian musician who, like many, has impressive credentials, but remains relatively ‘behind-the-scenes” when it comes to proper recognition for his talents.

Melvin Francis Aucoin was born December 3, 1940, in New Victoria, Nova Scotia. After developing his musical skills in his home province, he relocated to Toronto in the early 1960s. It wasn’t long before he became immersed in the “Big City” music pool, initially as a member of The Caribou Showband, which later evolved as the Johnny Burke and Eastwind band, appearing on several of the group’s early album releases. He was also a member of a band headed up by Gary Hooper, and more recently, part of the group, The Becketts.

During the mid-1960s, Mel’s brother, the late Johnny Aucoin (1939-2023), was also making headlines as a piano player alongside Glen Campbell, featured on the popular “Star Route” TV show, hosted by actor Rod Cameron and produced in Toronto studios. Johnny Aucoin also toured with Rockabilly star, the late Ray Smith. Mel and Johnny Aucoin had earlier worked together on various shows back home in Nova Scotia.

Mel Aucoin’s talents as a gifted guitarist, steel guitarist and keyboard player quickly made him an in-demand musician for recording artists. His session credits are numerous, including work on album projects by Jack Bailey, The Carlton Showband, Jerry Warren, Peter MacDonald, Lee Warren, Par Two, Jimmy Allen, Brenden Gillam, Chris Scott, Kevin Collins, The Newman Sisters…and the list goes on.

Mel has also long been active as a Producer of recordings by Canadian Country artists, including projects by Robert Bouchard, Bobby Evans, Shirley Montague, Wayne Bester, and more. He is also the producer of a Gospel Music and a Classic Country album by Hall of Famer Tommy Hunter. Mel’s work is also featured on the soundtrack of the Canadian-made motion picture, “The Hard Part Begins”.

Mel Aucoin also delivered some songwriting credits. His song, “Tomorrow Never Comes”, was recorded by the late Joe Firth, while Brenden Gillam collaborated with Mel on their composition, “It Ain’t Easy On My Own”.

One of Mel Aucoin’s most celebrated moments was teaming up with steel guitar legend Bob Lucier. They recorded their “88 & 10” album in 2005, which captured the duo’s amazing talents on their respective instruments.  Mel’s original tune, “Song For Alice”, is featured on the album.

In recent years, Mel Aucoin has operated his Owen Sound Studio in his hometown of Owen Sound.