2023 Inductees

In Oswego, N.Y. on  June 24th 1952 the journey of life started for me and what a trip it's  been . My Mom & Dad Genevieve Brennan Wiltsie (My Irish Queen) and  my Dad , Rowland A. Wiltsie (My Hero) had a Baby Boy and little did I  know I had 3 Sisters waiting to meet me at home. Betty Ann , Carol (Sis)  and Martha. Our house at 214 is still known as the meeting House in  Ireland due to all of my Great Uncles and Aunts following my Grandparents  to 214 when they would arrive at Ellis Island on their journey to  America. 

I was about 8 years old when my Mom asked me if I wanted to  play the accordion and I quickly said "NO" . My Mom said "Billy your  Great Uncle Jack from Ireland plays the Squeeze Box and Fiddle, don't you  want to play like him?" and I just stood there looking at my Mom . Then  Mom asked again "Billy are you sure you don't want to play the  Accordion?" and again my quick reply was "NO" ! My Mom looked at me with a  fine closed lip smile and said without hesitation "Good your first  lesson is next Tuesday" . That was the start of where I am today and I  thank My Beautiful Irish Queen every day for making that choice for me.  That next Tuesday I met Maxine Hubbard, my music teacher, at Grose Music  store for my first lesson.  In time she was like family to me and  everyone in our family. Maxine went on to teach the accordion to my  cousin, Ted Hanley, who is an amazing musician and friends at St. Mary's  School . I use to get out of school 1 hr. early on Tuesdays because of  my music lesson and I have a hunch that alone made the accordion a  popular instrument. Wherever the family went, so did the accordion , it  was always in the trunk.   I played many a relatives living rooms and  finished basements. I took lessons for almost 6 years and was in the  Grose Jr. and Sr. Accordion Bands.  We played in Church Halls , The  Old Ladies Home and anywhere Maxine could fit a 20 piece Accordion Band.  After performing, Maxine would hand each of us a sealed envelope with  our names on the envelope and $2.00 would be in it. Then she would tell  us "you children are now Professional Musicians because you were paid  for your performance tonight always remember that".

At 12 years old in St. Mary's School, myself and a few guys formed the  band "MidNite Streaks".  It started out with Mom's frying pan covers being  cymbals tied to the cellar pipes and 1 snare drum along with a guitar  and small amp.   We rehearsed next to the boiler in the basement. After  a while Pop put a small accordion speaker input in my Accordion so I  could plug into an amp. We played for a few St. Marys 8th grade dances .  Shortly after that, the band broke up.   I helped form a band called "The Age  Of Innocence" With this band being a 5 piece . At 14 we started playing  Frat Parties and City Dances like Christ Church, Hopkins Hall etc. . I  found it not cool to play the accordion at the gigs so I rented a  Farfisa combo organ and the band rented a PA system and off we went...  looking good.

After several years of fun and life memories from those Frat Parties  "The Age Of Innocence" broke up and we all moved on. I went on and played  and sang in several no name pickup bands along with some great musicians  and great guys.  At 18 I graduated OHS and met the Love of my Life  "Lizzie" . In 1971 I joined the Boilermakers Local #175 following my  Grandfather Brennan, Uncle Ray and my Dad. In June 1972 I married "My  Lizzie" and concentrated on my career, marriage and our first home, ( which we are still in ), and in time two sons and a daughter shared the  dinner table. For fun I would sing a few tunes with friends at local  bars and once in a while a song at a wedding,  just to say I did. 

Fast forward to 38  yrs. old when Joe Conzone calls me up and says "Fuzzy I have 2  guitarists here and my drums are out of the closet pick up a case of  beer and get up here , let's have some fun". That phone call changed  everything. Like my mom starting me in music at 8; Joe got me back into  music at 38 . That phone call and many hours of rehearsal led me to  being in one hot working band in 1990 called "Steam Heat".  It felt so  normal to be back on stage and having fun making music. "Steam Heat" went  on to play many Harborfest gigs and almost every club in the area We  also had a radio gig, which was very cool. After "Steam Heat" broke up in  late 1994,  I jammed around with other bands in the area for a while.  

Later in 1994 the band "Six Guys Named Moe" was formed and it was a  great party band with some of Oswego's greatest musicians.  The band  played the local venues and there were only 5 guys in the band , that  was always a conversation piece.   In 1995 I joined a hot Blues Band  called "The Delta Kings", we played at Harborfest 96 and also Opened for  38 Special that year with some other bands and way to many clubs to  mention . We also were on a live feed TV commercial for Harborfest 96 as  we were performing at a club on the river immediately after our Harborfest gig .  

After I left "The Delta Kings" I saw an ad in the New Times from a  Syracuse Band seeking a B3 player and Vocalist. I called the number and  to my surprise,  it was Jules,  who was a bass player I jammed with in the  past. I didn't hesitate to go and try out.  That was the beginning of  what was to be "SaltMakers Road".  We went on to play Harborfest 2005, main  stage and many other Harborfest and City gigs over the years;  along with Oswego  and Syracuse Clubs.  We also recorded a cover album in the studio at  SUNY Oswego the same year.   

In  2011 "SaltMakers Road" disbanded and the "Long Time Coming" Band was  formed,  and is still a working band to this day. There have been a few  changes in the regular lineup over the years but friends always stay  friends. LTC had the honor to win a "People's Choice Syracuse Area Music  Award in 2020"; thanks to all of our fans . LTC has recorded two albums ,  the 1st being a cover album in 2020.  The 2nd. being an all original  album in 2021. LTC is still playing at the casino, local and out of area  clubs, private functions, and City Of Oswego gigs. 

Along with LTC I am  also playing with the band "King Chro & The Talismen" who are a  recording band that started here in Oswego, back in 2015. King Chro won a  "Syracuse Area Music Award" (Sammy) for best Rock Recording in 2017 and  has been the closing bands for many Festivals around the State . We  have had the great fortune to be interviewed on radio prior to a  Festival and to have 4 radio stations spin some of our original tunes  from Rochester , Syracuse , Buffalo and out of state. We are putting the  2nd original album together at this time and it should be out by next summer. 

Thanks for reading my bio everyone. Blame the Music , because  without Music this bio would have been a lot shorter. I am So Honored,  to say the least.   

Bio written by Bill "Fuzzy" Wiltsie, 2023

Ruth E. Hill Germain may have come from humble beginnings and historically been considered a bit of a half-pint, but she has always packed a hearty punch with a lot of power- with her prominent soprano voice, that is.  

Born in Oswego, NY in 1936, to a typical working class family, it didn't take long for that power to be exposed.  With no formal training, she had an uncanny ability to not only sing melody, but harmony, Ruth began singing at the age of five and soon started giving public performances at the encouragement of her elementary school teacher.  Her first foray into the spotlight was at the USO in Oswego where she would entertain local servicemen with a song or two.  She became well known in the community as the little girl who could sing.

This simple act of singing for soldiers at the USO began an almost domino effect that would propel her on a life-long musical journey.  As a child, in addition to singing in the school chorus, she began to play the clarinet in the sixth grade at Fitzhugh Park Elementary School and played until graduation from Oswego High School.  She studied under Leonard and and Madeline Lambert who would further encourage her musical ability.  She also began piano lessons and played the piano and/ or organ through-out her adult life.  One of the greatest  musical honors from her time at Fitzhugh Park Elementary was being given the lead in the school musical, Tchaikovsky's operetta "The Forest Prince" when she was in sixth grade. 

Ruth's musical experiences in elementary school served as a perfect foundation for her to continue to grow musically and carve-out an even bigger niche in the local community as she entered high school.  While at Oswego High  School she continued honing her clarinet skills while participating in the OHS marching band.  But that was secondary to her growing reputation as a top-notch soprano.  While in high school, she was a member of the traditional school chorus, was selected to participate in the All-State Chorus, and was a member of the Oswego High School Acapella Choir.  She further distinguished herself when she was selected to join the adult select chorus, The Philomelians, one year earlier than was typically allowed, due to her level of talent.  She remained in The Philomelians for many years into her adult life.   Her most influential musical instructor/ conductor at that time was Beryl Lewis Hill, however she still operated off raw talent as the only music course that she took in high school was ear training.  What makes her musical accomplishments at that time even more impressive is that Ruth worked evenings as a waitress to help financially support and care for her parents who where ill- all while maintaining an excellent grade-point average.

Ruth has often fondly remembered three significant honors bestowed upon her musically during her late elementary and high school years.  First,  she was selected to sing at her Ninth-Grade graduation from Fitzhugh Park Elementary School.  Second, as a senior at Oswego High School, she was given the lead part of Yum Yum in the first-ever performance of "The Mikado" in Oswego which was directed by local icon Francis Marion Brown.  She was later recognized for that performance in the early 2000's when "The Mikado" was performed again in Oswego at Waterman Theater at SUNY Oswego.  Finally, Ruth was offered a four year musical scholarship to the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam which was quite an honor in 1954.  However, Crane would have to wait- permanently- for Ruth to attend because she had met the love-of-her-life, James, and she selected marriage and family over education.  

Even though she passed on the Crane Music School and left the hallowed halls of musical opportunity that Oswego High School offered, she continued her life-long musical journey.  For the first half of her life, she held a prominent role in the church choir at Trinity United Methodist Church in Oswego until converting to Catholicism in 1976.  Her conversation to Catholicism not only opened new spiritual doors but also musical ones.  She soon became the choir director at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church in Oswego where the choir under her direction was known for its riveting performances during weekly mass but also during Christmas and Easter services.  The choir was known for an outstanding rendition of Handel's "The Hallelujah Chorus" and Ruth still soloed often, particularly, by singing Schubert's "Ave Maria".  Ruth served in this role for 15 years.  

Another musical conquest that kept Ruth busy for 15 years while she directed the church choir was performing as a soloist at local weddings.  It is estimated that in her 15 years of helping local couples celebrate their nuptials, Ruth performed at approximately 300 wedding celebrations leaving her mark on many throughout the local community.  She would not accept payment for these performances during the first several years of soloing at weddings.  

Last but not least, Ruth has been known to bounce one of her grandchildren, or great grandchildren on her knee and sing ”I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”to share her love of music and singing and possibly propel them into their own musical journey.  

Bio written by Linda Germain

Hello, I'm Don Beshures

I've been involved with music since I was a young child. My father played guitar and sang at a couple of barn dances and sang once on the local radio station -WOSC in Oswego. Thanks to my Dad, I became interested in playing music - starting out playing a clarinet in grade school.  I soon learned I really wanted to learn to play the guitar/bass

guitar and play rock and roll music. The first band I played with was Horizon - we played some outdoor concerts and a couple of shows at Oswego State University in Waterman Theater.

After playing briefly with a few other bands, I formed the band Mr. Volta with Tom Guernsey and Billy Ferraro - a three piece band doing a variety of music from Pink Floyd to the Scorpions.  We opened up for Benny Mardones Christmas tour, as well as playing at local venues in Central and Northern NY.

In 1997 - my current band was formed - F5 - covering music from the 80's to 2000's. Playing at local venues - Backwoods Bash at the Amp, Balloonfest, Harborfest, Brennan's Beach, Colloca's Winery, Foxfest, Turning Stone, the New York State Fair as well as opening up for national acts Quiet Riot and Black Foot. 

Although the band has had many musicians over the years, through trials and tribulations - it has been a journey and adventure I would not change.

Along with playing in F5 - my newest project is In The Flesh - a Pink Floyd Tribute

.

Thanks to all fellow musicians who I've  had the honor to play with and learn from over the years.  

I've been able to continue my passion for music and will continue to rock on.

Bio written by: Don Beshures

Jim Eckert and his guitar are interwoven. Jim’s love for guitar began in 1982, at the age of 15, when his uncle brought a guitar home from a yard sale. It was at that moment when endless hours of practicing and playing guitar began. Jim would stay up all night long to listen, read, and master new guitar skills. Over time he has become an outstanding musician through his teaching mentors Tommy Guernsey, Jimmy Lloyd, John Scaglione, and Rick Balestra to name a few; and to his fortune some local influences like Dave Wolever, Mike Place, Eric Wilson, Terry LeRoi and so many others. His long hours practicing and learning paid off, and at the age of 17, Jim joined one of the most notable local bands of the 1980’s. 

It was in 1984 that Jim began with Magic, which then became Jolly Roger. Jolly Roger consisted of a great deal of original tunes that Jim collaborated on writing, such as, “I Guess That’s Love”, “From the Ground Up”, and “Take Me To Heaven”. They also covered many bands from this decade, such as AC/DC and Whitesnake. While in this band he played with some notable musicians such as Terry LeRoi, Mike Brown, Eric Wilson, Frank Damiano, John Matthews, John Wilson, and John Bletch. During his time with Jolly Roger, many memorable performances were had locally, but also all across the East Coast. This exposure landed Jolly Roger a record deal. They signed with the Zanzibar record label. They opened for bands such as Metallica, The Cult, Skid Row, and Foghat. Jolly Roger held a reunion in 2021, with 3 of 5 original members. The crowd was amazing, and the fans could still rock to the music. Clearly an attestation of music being lifelong.

In 1992, Jim decided to heighten his musical career and sought formal education. He headed to LA to study. He completed his music degree at the Music Institute of Los Angeles and had the privilege of studying with many prestigious musicians who fostered the skills that Jim has built today.

After school Jim returned to Oswego, playing in a number of different bands. 

In 1993 and 1994, Jim joined Toys in the Attic, paying homage to decades of music by one of America’s legendary rock bands, Aerosmith. This allowed Jim to play all throughout the United States and Canada. Many nights on a tour bus, playing music, making memories, and playing in popular event centers and many pubs and taverns, that truly were hidden gems. He had all these experiences with band-mates: Matt Balen, Rick Grabencamp, Tom Guernsey, and John Wilson.

Soon after, in 1995, Jim started with The Corporation. This band brought music from the 90’s including artists such as Hootie and the Blowfish and Live and consisted of fellow band members: Pat Puffer, John Wilson, and Lane Perrone. The Corporation played their tunes until 2000, when Jim’s next venture began with one of his very favorite bands Ten Penny in 2002.

Ten Penny played an array of rock tunes from various decades and Jim had the honor to play in this band with local greats, Dave Wolever, Michael Brown, and Eric Wilson for a number of years in the 2000’s. Their trajectory continues and most recently they have been reuniting a few times a year to bring back this Oswego great. Catch them on October 28th with Off the Record at the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

During this same period of time, beginning in 1997, Jim began teaching at A&J Music, joining none other than “V” John Bletch and spent 23 years teaching both guitar and bass. This was only after holding lessons for years, 1987 onwards, in his parents’ garage. In 2017, Jim and Bletch decided to make a move and opened their own studio together on West Bridge Street. This has allowed for the opportunity to give back to the community through his love of music and has been the most rewarding yet. He has been fortunate enough to share the skills he learned from practice, playing, and his education at the Music Institute of LA to thousands of students in Oswego and outlying areas. The greatest reward is seeing his student’s passion and love of music, the times during lessons when they show him the callouses they’ve built because they can’t put the guitar down, and the satisfaction they feel when they finally master that one riff. So many times, his students have carried their musical path through college and beyond. 

In 2015, for only a short period, Jim played in the band Frequency with the talented members Paul Endres, Ronnie Spereno, John Wilson, and Michelle Hearten.

Today Jim plays with the aforementioned Ten Penny. Also, On the Brink, (2017 to current), a party band, bringing a mix of 80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s. This band started as a duo with Bobby Garafalo and Jim and has grown with the addition of Billy Cook on drums and at times Pat Galvin on Bass. This band has proven to be fun and entertaining for the band and patrons alike.  Also in 2022, Jim started a project, as lead guitarist, with a talented group of musicians, a Pink Floyd tribute band, called In the Flesh. He has again reunited with John Wilson on drums, Jamie Burritt on vocals and keyboards, Don Beshures on bass, and for the first time the honor of playing with Ron Richards on lead vocals and guitar. For a short period, he had the privilege of playing with Mike Sheil as well. Jim’s confident this band is going to bring the complete Pink Floyd experience all over New York and beyond. Coming soon to the Kallet Theater.

Finally, Jim is always challenging himself, most recently in enhancing his skills with Jazz; looking for new musicians and bands to experience and orchestrate music with; and finding ways to bring what he learns to his students. His most recent addition being camps for all ages and levels with specific goals in mind.

Music is an art that bring dreams and emotions to life. Jim has been part of many masterpieces over time. This is something he couldn’t have done without so many muses and for that he is forever grateful. Jim feels deeply blessed and humbled and would like to thank all of those that have made his journey possible and have recognized the accomplishments he has attained.