A long-time champion of Newfoundland and Labrador’s music scene has passed away.

John Hutton was a founding member and past president of the Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, now known as MusicNL.

He spent more than 30 years as a guitarist with Billy and the Bruisers and was also known for his early days performing with 12 Gauge.

Hutton also owned Hutton’s Music, with locations on Water Street, Military Road and Duckworth Street, and launched newfoundlandmusic.com, the province’s first MP3 download site for local artists.

In his daily work life, he was also a real estate agent.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.