From left: Joan Mullen (wife), Vic Mullen, Wilson Moore (NSCMHF Inductee 2019), Karen DeCoste - Past President of the Downeast Society and the Atlantic Canada Representative for the Canadian Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Jeff McRae - President Downeast Bluegrass & Oldtime Music Society
On November 30th, NSCMHF caught up with Inductee Vic Mullen (2001), as he received yet another award honouring his long and successful music career.
Vic Mullen has been awarded the 2025 Canadian Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame award for his outstanding national contribution to the Canadian Bluegrass Community.
A multi-instrumentalist, Vic first picked up the guitar in 1944. By 1958, he was proficient in guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo. In his early years of banjo playing, Vic is most proud of having conquered the difficult Bill Munro piece; "Bluegrass Breakdown" (1947).
In the 1950s, Vic formed the Bluegrass band Birch Mountain Boys, with musical partners Harry Cromwell and Brent Williams (NSCMHF Inductee 2013). They were breaking new ground in the Bluegrass genre across Canada.
An opportunity to play banjo for the show ‘Don Messer Jubilee’ led Vic to a long studio career with CBC television and radio. Vic was host of the very popular national CBC-TV show ‘Countrytime’ recorded weekly in Dartmouth. (1970-1975) Continuing with the CBC, Vic hosted a national radio program ‘Country Road’ until 1980.
Travelling across North America with his music at least 64 times, being a music store owner, teacher, and founding member of the NS Bluegrass Association, Vic Mullen has been recognized as an outstanding member of the Canadian Music Industry.
At 93 years of age, Vic Mullen has many wonderful memories, and NSCMHF was honored to have yet another opportunity to sit and chat with such a talented gentleman.