Biography

Archibald Alexander (Archie Alex) MacKenzie (1907-1995) (Gilleasbaig mac Ghilleasbaig 'ic Sheumais 'ic Eachainn) was born and raised in Christmas Island, Cape Breton. His parents were Archibald James MacKenzie and Catherine Campbell. He initially worked in Christmas Island on a farm, until he upped sticks to the provincial capital Halifax, where he worked in construction and insurance.

He was a tradition-bearer, bard, and genealogist, with a particular interest in Gaelic music and song. He also composed songs, some of which were published in 'The MacKenzie's History of Christmas Island Parish'.

He was recorded in the 1980s when travelling to Scotland for the Royal National Mòd. He was recorded singing, but also telling stories and talking about his life, and about his family, who emigrated to Cape Breton from Barra.