Cape Breton is crying.

This phrase has been heard frequently since beloved music man Cyril MacPhee of St. Peter’s died on Friday.

The singer-songwriter was a founding member of the popular seven-piece band Brakin’ Tradition in the early 1990s and later a solo artist. A familiar act at Celtic Colours and Christmas Daddies, MacPhee performed at sold-out shows across the island and Nova Scotia.

Widely known for his humour and kindness, MacPhee was also a mentor and teacher to budding musicians.