HOW TUNES WAS BORN 

Born in 1946, Edward Palmer’s early years on Beaver Island were marked by hardship. However, around the age of 9, a woman named Mrs. O’Brien entered his life, bringing with her a warmth and generosity that would alter his path forever. Edward found himself tending to Mrs. O’Brien’s firewood, a task exchanged for the comfort of a warm place to rest his head. Yet, it wasn’t just warmth he gained; Mrs. O’Brien, knowing he came from a musical family, introduced him to the piano.

Initially, the ivory keys were meant to be a gateway to classical music, guided by Mrs. O’Brien’s tutelage. But Edward’s spirit couldn’t be contained within the confines of traditional notes and melodies. His playing evolved into a unique blend of honkytonk, ragtime and Irish influences, a style that echoed the vibrant spirit of Beaver Island itself.

Despite never learning to really read music, Edward’s innate talent shone through. He seamlessly transitioned to guitar and harmonica, expanding his musical repertoire. By the age of 14, he found himself sharing stages with elder island musicians, including his own mother, Lorraine Palmer, and future father-in-law, Jewell Gillespie, at gatherings and celebrations in Holy Cross Hall.

Edward’s passion for music burned bright throughout his life, bringing joy to five generations of Beaver Island families and many island visitors. His gift wasn’t just in playing notes but in connecting with people through melodies and harmonies, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences through his music. A natural mentor, Edward always encouraged young people to explore the world of music, sharing his knowledge and love for instruments with anyone eager to listen. His own children and grandchildren were among his pupils, receiving lessons in guitar, piano, harmonica, and the art of singing.

Edward recognized how important Beaver Island’s unique musical history was. Shortly before his passing in 2021, he made a request to his children to “keep the music going’. And so, they did. In 2023 Tunes Music Makers emerged as a promise of his enduring legacy. Founded with the purpose of ensuring that music remains at the heart of Beaver Island’s community, Tunes Music Makers developed a program that gives all residents of Beaver Island an equal opportunity for music education, not only laying the groundwork to “keep the tunes going” but to ensure the preservation of Beaver Island’s musical history for generations to come.