One of Atlantic Canada’s most beloved children’s entertainment acts has earned a permanent place in Isle Madame’s musical history.
The Kidd Brothers were officially inducted into the Isle Madame Historical Society’s Celebrating Musical Roots display during a ceremony held July 26th at LeNoir Landing in Arichat.
A large crowd gathered to recognize the accomplishments of brothers Glenn and the late Blair Gotell, whose energetic performances delighted generations of children after the duo formed in 1992.
Glenn Gotell accepted the honour on behalf of the pair. Blair, whose creativity helped shape many of the act’s signature performances, passed away in 2024.
In speaking of the recognition, Gotell said, “It was unexpected, but we really appreciated that. It was nice.”
The Kidd Brothers went on to release three full-length children’s albums during their career, earning widespread recognition for their music and live performances. Their success reached a new level in 1999 when they won the East Coast Music Award for Children’s Artist of the Year.
According to Glenn, the group’s beginnings were inspired by Blair after attending a community event where there was very little entertainment for children.
“He called me up that night and said, ‘Do you want to do some family and children’s entertainment?’ We started performing and it just kind of took off from there,” Glenn recalled.
Following their ECMA win, the duo’s popularity expanded dramatically.
“When we won the ECMA award, we started playing all over across Canada, and down to the States,” Glenn said. “It went a lot farther and bigger than I ever expected it to.”
The induction ceremony also featured a collection of memorabilia celebrating the brothers’ colourful career. Among the items on display were vintage performance posters, a toy guitar and the famous yellow submarine costume Blair wore while mingling through audiences during concerts.
Glenn explained that the oversized submarine costume became one of the act’s most memorable attractions.
“Blair actually came up with that idea too. He used to go through the crowds; it was just so funny,” he said.
Although the Kidd Brothers are no longer performing, their music continues to reach new audiences. Glenn noted that the group’s songs have been uploaded to YouTube and paired with animated characters so children can continue to enjoy their performances.
The Kidd Brothers become the second inductees into the Isle Madame Historical Society’s Celebrating Musical Roots display, joining Isle Madame musicians Robert Bouchard and Cornelia Sutherland in 2024.
Their addition ensures the brothers’ contribution to children’s entertainment and the musical heritage of Isle Madame will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
