North America's Only Coal Miners ChorusThere wasn’t a dry eye in the house as the guys sang Working Man.
“I was born a miner”
Published Nov 27, 2025
Jim MacLellan is still processing his farewell performance with The Men of the Deeps.
Emotions were running high before and during the miners choir’s opening night of its latest Maritimes Christmas Show tour at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay. The 91-year-old is retiring from performing — but not before he gave one final on-stage appearance in front of the hometown crowd this past Saturday night.
“I was a bit uptight at the start,” MacLellan said in the days following that show — while seated on a much quieter Savoy Theatre stage.
“But once I did my monologue about Christmas Eve in the mine, I sort of relaxed and was singing in between. And then when I get up to tell my stories, that was really relaxing, because the audience was so warm. They were applauding at everything.
“It was just terrific. I didn’t want to stop, to tell you the truth. The ham in me, I guess.”
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://www.saltwire.com/cape-breton/big-jims-final-bow-last-original-performing-member-of-the-men-of-the-deeps-retires
MP MIKE KELLOWAY: Today in the House, I had the honour of recognizing Big Jim MacLellan — the last original member of The Men of the Deeps — as he retires after nearly 60 incredible years.
Big Jim has spent a lifetime sharing the stories, struggles, and strength of Cape Breton’s mining communities with audiences around the world.
Thank you, Big Jim, for everything you’ve given to our island and to Canada. Your contribution to Cape Breton’s spirit and culture will be felt for generations: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3525921987549100
Wednesday February 24, 2021 MEN OF THE DEEPS SEEKING NEW MEMBERS SINGERS WANTED – While COVID may have brought a halt to many things over the past year, it certainly hasn’t dampened the spirits of North America’s only coal miners chorus. The world-famous Men of the Deeps are still looking excitedly towards their busy […]
We are deeply saddened to share the news that our longtime conductor and friend, a man who took us through almost 50 years of song, has peacefully left this earth today. Mr. John C. O’ Donnell, the ultimate maestro, will be greatly missed by family, friends, countless colleagues and by we, his brothers. Our thoughts, […]
After a sold-out 2014 tribute that one audience member called “simply wonderful,” Symphony Nova Scotia once again pays homage to Cape Breton’s Queen of Song. Join our orchestra and long-time Rita collaborators Scott Macmillan, the Men of the Deeps, Lucy MacNeil of the Barra MacNeils, and Rita’s niece Katriona MacNeil for an encore performance of […]
MEN OF THE DEEPS RE-CREATE 50 YEAR-OLD TOUR SCHEDULE GLACE BAY, SYDNEY, NEW WATERFORD ON THE LIST! In November of the year 1966, a group of singing Coal Miners from Cape Breton Nova Scotia decided to introduce themselves to island audiences via a musical tour. The Men of the Deeps’ pioneer journey began on the very […]
HAPPY HA HA HOLIDAZE ANNOUNCES SPECIAL GUESTS HEATHER RANKIN AND THE MEN OF THE DEEPS It’s that time again! Time to laugh and sing your way into the Holiday Season with your favourite Christmas crew. The Happy Ha Ha Holidaze cast members are very busy preparing their unique brand of Christmas craziness, with top-notch […]
North America’s only coal miners’ chorus has been entertaining audiences around the world for the past 50 years. They have also done numerous television specials, radio shows, national and international tours and have nine albums to their credit, with a 10th on the way. Stephen Muise, Men of the Deeps assistant conductor/business manager, says the […]
The Men of the Deeps and The Savoy Theatre have been providing entertainment to Cape Breton Island for a combined 139 years! In 2016, the Men of the Deeps will celebrate their 50th anniversary while the Savoy Theatre enters its 89th year in operation. Please help support these two Ambassadors of Cape Breton Island. The […]
The Men of the Deeps were proud to be named the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Ambassadors of the Year at the recent Sydney & Area Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards. The Men performed at the awards and were given a rousing standing ovation for their performance of “Working Man”. For more information, […]
The cast and crew of Happy Ha Ha Holidaze are excited to announce their return to the Savoy Theatre to spread their unique brand of Christmas cheer, December 13 and 14. Building on last year’s successful run, the ensemble of Stephen Muise, Jenn Sheppard, Terrance Murphy, Richard Burke, Howie MacDonald, Aaron Lewis, Emily Dingwall, Lyndon […]