Wilfred Joseph Bishop Jr was born on May 27, 1943 in Madison, Maine.
At an early age, while listening to his father play guitar, he showed an interest in music. At age 8, his father made a guitar and gave it to “Joe” to learn. Joey was a self taught musician and was able to conquer any instrument he attempted.
In the early 1970’s, he joined the band "Charlie and the Playboys", at the Puddledock Dance Hall in Albion, Maine. This was his first taste of playing professionally. Being an accomplished lead guitarist, he worked every Saturday night, either with the band or filling in with other local bands. He remained with Charlie and the Playboys for many years.
In 1980, Joey accompanied by long time friend Bob Mayo, formed his own band “The Engineers”. A four piece band, playing Country and Country Rock. The band included two young talented brothers, new to the world of a working band, were Larry and Greg Tilton. Larry played drums and Greg on bass guitar. The Engineers were in great demand and soon become one of the hottest new bands in the State of Maine.
As with all bands, members changed as did the name, thus becoming known as the “Clean Country Band”. Although there were many changes over the years, the popularity of the band remained to grow, taking them to other states including Nashville and internationally to Canada. The band opened for numerous Nashville Stars, Tommy Jenning and The Stoneman Family to name a couple.
During his musical career Joey lived in the Anson area with his wife Marcia and their seven children. Being a man of many talents, he built their home, which he completed a year before his death.
He played briefly with the Roadrangers.
Joey was everybody’s friend. He wasn’t the very best guitar player in the world, but he was a good one. He wasn’t the best vocalist in he world, but he was a good one. He would fit in anywhere.
He was a true fine “Country Music” friend.
Joe Bishop was inducted into the Maine Academy of Country Music's Hillbilly Heaven on September 24, 2006.
