Colin J. Boyd was born in West Lakevale, Antigonish Country, Nova Scotia on January 1, 1891. He took a great interest in the violin at age three and would listen intently to his uncle Hughie MacGillivary. When Hughie died his fiddle was given to Colin who was then twelve years old. He was kept busy playing for concerts, dances and weddings.The economy in Nova Scotia hit a slump and in 1909 Colin went to work in Ontario. Then he spent from 1911 to 1916 working in Boston where he studied violin and learned to read music. It was during this time he composed his most famous fiddle tune "The Little Burnt Potato". Colin was the first Nova Scotian in the old time or country field to make commercial recordings. He first recorded in Montreal for Brunswick on March 19, 1932. He also recorded 78's on the Columbia and Celtic labels. He last recorded an LP in 1963 at the age of 72. His old 78's were re-issued on LP in 1979. Though Colin has ten children, none of them have taken up the fiddle.
Although Colin did not make a lot of money on music, he got much enjoyment from playing and entertaining. His home was always open to anyone wanting to hear a tune and he never refused to play. He passed away June 17, 1975 at the age of 84.
