Slim Andrews of Auburn, co-founder of the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Maine country music icon, father, husband, friend. On Jan. 15 Andrews went to “sing and strum with the angels” at the age of 90. Lauryn Hottinger photo

AUBURN — The Maine Country Music Hall of Fame bids farewell to Slim Andrews, hall of fame co-founder and country music legend.

He was born Leonard “Slim” Andrews Huntington Jr. in Boston. On Jan. 15 the Maine country music icon went to “sing and strum with the angels” at the age of 90, according to a news release by Maria Holloway.

Most recently Andrews resided in Auburn with his wife, Carole Ann. Slim was a lifelong country music singer, songwriter, guitarist and recording artist. He co-founded the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame in 1978 and in 2008 was instrumental in establishing the Hall of Fame Museum in Mechanic Falls, the only museum of its kind east of Nashville.

He was inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame in 2002. Until very shortly before his death, he was active in the day-to-day business of the hall of fame, serving as chairperson of the Induction Committee and museum tour guide. He made several recent appearances on local television, including Maine Public and WMTW Channel 8.

Jim Flynn of Lewiston, a friend of Andrews’ and a fellow Maine country music songwriter and educator, wrote in 2018 that “Slim Andrews will be remembered by the Maine Country Music Community as a dedicated country music artist and as a leader and catalyst for growth in Maine country music during the 70s and 80s and in the first two decades of the 21st century. Slim Andrews’ influence on Maine country music has made it one of the most popular of the performing arts in the State of Maine.”

For more information, search Wikipedia for a summary of Slim Andrews’ early life, military service, music career and awards, including a complete discography; or visit the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 272 Lewiston St. in Mechanic Falls.

The museum is open seven days a week by appointment. To book a visit, call 207-654-2227 or email mariaholloway207@gmail.com.

Donations in Andrews’ memory can be made to the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, P.O. Box 62, Athens, ME 04912.