Jim is the son of french-canadian immigrants who moved to the Biddeford area to find employment.

Jim became enthralled with music from a young age, although he opted for rock vs the country music of his father’s band. He is best known as the lead singer for Black Hart, an iconic band popular at numerous local establishments and well remembered as the entertainment for countless weddings and prenuptial dances.

Jim is a life-long resident of the Biddeford-Saco area with a son and two daughters. One of them, Jenny, continued in the family’s musical footsteps by performing country with numerous renowned artists.

His successful battle with cancer led to numerous positive steps including starting an area support group and co-owning Memory Lane Music Hall for 10 years.

Now retired, his recent passions are the coordination of a monthly French conversation group and a regular reunion of his Biddeford High School classmates. His new project is to research and capture the story of live music in the Biddeford area.

JIM PAQUETTE

INTERVIEW DETAILS

Date of Interview: March 30, 2023

Location: JR Martin Community Center Biddeford, Maine

Interviewer: Nicole Morin-Scribner

Transcriber: Nicole Morin-Scribner

LINK TO INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

PICTURES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SELECTED INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Experience of large french-canadian families moving to the area and their work in the mills
Why his father and brothers’ band called themselves the Dixon Brothers, though their name was Paquette
The story of how his teenage band got the mayor’s permission to practice at City Theater
Evolution from young band member to the area’s “hottest band”
Inside story of what life is like as a band member
Account of popular live bands and dance halls with eventual transition to DJs
Supporting his daughter in country music competitions, leading to Las Vegas, the Grand Ole Opry and performances with some of country music’s most renowned artists.
Dealing with cancer, the promise he made to God and change in his perspective while disabled
Co-owner of Memory Lane Music Hall
Changes in our community through the years
His new mission to gather people with common interests: speaking french, high school classmates and Biddeford’s live bands