Remembering Hughie Scott (1940-2026)

Victor Laurin

Hughie Scott, a well-known and respected country musician, passed away at the Perley Hospital on April 29^th with his wife Marie by his side. Hughie, a 1987 Inductee into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame, was one of the many performers I wrote about during over twenty-five years dedicated to writing about traditional country music, particularly that of the Ottawa Valley.

During those years, I was greatly indebted to all those who contacted me with information regarding various events. Among those were agencies, promoters, other media and the performers themselves. One of the most frequent phone calls that I received during that time was from Hughie Scott, who always kept me informed of where his shows were scheduled. It is why there were several columns about him at that time. It would be a delight to review some of them today. However, almost all I wrote about country musicians is now in the Hall of Fame archives.

Here are a few recollections: In addition to his country music entertainment, Hughie Scott was one who always devoted time to being physically fit. He took supplements and did daily bodybuilding workouts. He was runner-up in the Mr. Canadian Bodybuilding Championship in his weight class. He also raised and trained quarter horses.

His music style was unique, encompassing pure country with rockabilly, as well as playing old-time and Cajun-style fiddle. Doc Williams asked Hughie to tour with him as his fiddle player. Waylon Jennings wanted to bring him to Las Vegas. Hughie chose to remain in Canada where, with his band The Meteors, he entertained his many fans. For several years, he was the star attraction at the Chamberlain Hotel in Aylmer. In addition, he appeared on nationally televised programs that included The Tommy Hunter Show, The Carl Smith Show, and Family Brown Country.

One of my favourite memories of Hughie was a “Roast Hughie Scott” night at the British Hotel, hosted by Wayne Rostad. Hughie was well roasted that night by fellow musicians, including a final roast by his then-wife, Monique.

As Monique prepared to reveal what it was like to be married to him, Hughie rose from her side and headed for the washroom. Wayne wasn’t having any of that. Wayne called out something like: “Hey Hughie! What you doing in there? Come on out and face the music!”

The crowd was in stitches as a smiling Hughie reappeared.

Monique then went on to BBQ him. She told about the coming home at early hours of the morning, or, of not coming home until the next day if a show was far away. Looking directly at him, she then reminded him of that winter night when she wanted to take the truck into town when he was out entertaining. Hughie had probably anticipated that. When she reached the garage, she saw that Hughie had plowed a pile of snow six feet high against the garage door.

Hughie was a keen Elvis Presley fan who, with other local musicians, was at Elvis’s show when he came to Ottawa. That night, with camera in hand, Hughie was snapping photos. There was only one film remaining in the camera and, as Hughie stood to shoot that photo, the guy in front of him stood up. That fellow’s back was the last photo on the film. That chap was Poppa Joe Brown, of the Family Brown.

During his professional years, Hugh Scott recorded four albums and 13 singles with Rodeo Records. He also recorded his hit, “Feed the Fire, Starve the Flame” at Fireside Studios in Nashville.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife Marie and stepson Pete, his daughter Judy, former wife Monique and son Joe (Lisa).