
Bob Sally was born on July 19, 1942 in Beechgrove, Quebec, where he learned to
play the guitar in elementary school and, by the time he reached high school,
was proficient on most stringed instruments.
He played in a succession of bands throughout his high school years and
following graduation. When he
entered the business world and later married, he gave up the business side of
music to concentrate on a career and family.
He never totally abandoned his love of music and, in 1975, returned to
entertaining while still retaining his full-time day job. He initially joined
Bert Acres and the Homesteaders and, two years later, with Wilf Arsenault and
Joe and Benny Teevens, formed Goodtyme Country.
The group, as its name implies, was mainly interested in having a good
time but they soon found themselves one of the most sought-after bands on the
fair and jamboree circuit in the Ottawa Valley, where they had the opportunity
to back major talents such as Ralph Carlson, Ron McMunn and Neville Wells.
Throughout the late 70's and 80's, Goodtyme Country, with Bob as a featured
member, played every corner of the Valley as well as in northern New York State.
Bob, who was always a promoter of his chosen music and the pioneers of the area,
is credited as being the founder of the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of
Fame. During a meeting with some of
the area’s country leaders, including Hal Lee, Ted Daigle, and Ron Sparling,
it was suggested that a Hall of Fame would be a viable institution to recognize
the contribution of area artists and promote country music throughout the Ottawa
Valley. Bob did the groundwork,
organized the necessary meetings, arranged fundraisers, promoted the idea and
was the driving force behind the formation of the organization.
For almost ten years, Bob served the organization he founded in various
executive positions, including President.
In connection with his involvement in the Hall of Fame, Bob organized the highly
successful Orval Prophet testimonial dinner, which drew over 1,100 people,
including Tommy Hunter, Ronnie Prophet and the Family Brown, and received
international attention from the country music community.
Bob was also a member of the Host Committee when Country Music Week was
held in Ottawa in 1981.