Donnie Campbell

Cape Breton University is delighted to honour a man who, for more than five decades, has dedicated his life to celebrating and sharing the musical traditions and history of Cape Breton Island, Mr. Donnie Campbell.

Donnie Campbell is a beloved figure in Cape Breton’s Celtic musical landscape, best known as the host of Celtic Serenade, a Celtic radio program that has been delighting audiences for over 50 years. With the longest-running radio show in North America, Donnie shares a blend of Celtic, folk, bluegrass, and East Coast music every Sunday, reaching listeners across Cape Breton and around the globe.

A Sydney native, Donnie’s love of music was nurtured at home, surrounded by singing, fiddles, and pipes. Donnie began playing guitar as a teenager and quickly grew his skills as one of the most talented musicians on the Island. His musical journey led him to perform with acclaimed local musicians and as a founding member of the folk group Miller’s Jug.

Realizing that the life of a traveling musician was not for him, Donnie built a career with Nova Scotia Power as a regional planner while continuing to perform locally. In October of 1974, Donnie accepted an offer from his cousin to take over his radio show. While working, performing, and producing his radio show, Donnie and his late wife, Agnes, raised two children, Anne Louise and Stephen. Fifty years later, Donnie is still sharing his passion for music and song on The Coast 98.7 across Cape Breton Island, and around the world.  Famed local artist, including Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, and the Barra MacNeils, got their earliest exposure through Donnie’s radio show.

His contribution and work on promoting folk and Celtic music have earned him multiple awards, including the Unsung Hero Award from the Canadian Folk Music Awards (2020), the Stompin’ Tom Music Award from the ECMA (2019), and recognition from the Cape Breton Musicians Association for his lifelong commitment to promoting local talent. In the spring of 2025, Donnie was inducted into the Cape Breton Music Hall of Fame.