Nova Scotia Buzz
Cape Breton musical icon, Leon Dubinsky, has died at the age of 81. The Sydney, Nova Scotia native was the composer behind the unofficial Cape Breton anthem, “Rise Again”.
Dubinsky became known in music during the 1970’s and 80’s with the Cape Breton band, Buddy and The Boys and was instrumental in the musical stage revue, The Rise and Follies of Cape Breton.
His song, Rise Again became a hit for the Cape Breton band The Rankin Family and was featured on the group’s 1993 album North Country. His hit was also performed and recorded by the likes of Rita MacNeil and Anne Murray.
“He helped to bring the five of us together for our first show, The Mabou Jig, which led to us recording our first album in 1989. said Heather Rankin, while remembering Dubinsky. “He was a wonderful soul and a grand talent, and he will be dearly missed.”
Another feather in Dubinsky’s cap was the Cape Breton Summertime Revue which toured extensively across Canada in the 1990’s.
Dubinsky’s Buddy and The Boys bandmate, Ralph Dillon, was fondly remembered only days ago in a musical tribute at The Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. He has passed away in late November 2022.
