Frank is one of the greatist rock guitarists of all time. bruce cockburn is a better guitar player than just about anybody here.
From politics to human rights and spirituality, the legendary singer-songwriter from Ottawa has a catalogue that’s equally diverse as it is brilliant. With countless Juno Awards to his name and a Canadian Music Hall of Famer, Cockburn continues to be an inspiration to Canadian artists and beyond. And then there are musicians on this list that I’m sure are good but I’ve never heard of. Gary and Dave…Ian Thomas is top 20. Since forming in 1999 with core members Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning, the duo recruited the best of Toronto’s indie scene to perform on their ambient record and a burgeoning super-group was born that included drummer Justin Peroff, Charles Spearin, violinist Jessica Moss, Bill Priddle, Evan Cranley and Amy Millan from The Stars, Jason Collette and most famously Metric’s Emily Haines and Leslie Feist. And because the Guess Who feature is so poor, I won’t read the rest. With his distinctive and charming voice and wonderful melodic sense, he’s gained many famous admirers including Elvis Costello and Elton John. Technically one-half Canadian, Rufus Wainwright is the progeny of Kate McGarrigle (one-half of the signing folk sensation The McGarrigle Sisters) and 60s folk sensation Loudon Wainwright III, along with his sister Martha. With one of rock’s most productive and enduring solo careers, Young has created his own songbook of standards and continues to be a political force for action. In his famous studio in Hamilton, Ontario, he produced records for Canadian artists such as Martha and the Muffins and Ian and Sylvia.
Drake should be much higher on this list. From co-founding Canadian record label OVO (October’s Very Own) Sound to coining the city’s unofficial nickname, “The 6”, Drake is Canada’s biggest hypeman. Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the most important record producer to emerge in the 80s”, Lanois is one of Canada’s distinguished producers-composers and has worked with the likes of Brian Eno (Apollo: Atmospheres And Soundtracks), Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan, Emmyous Harris and is the man behind U2’s Joshua Tree and The Unforgettable Fire. The best bands and artists from Canada. He’s been putting out music for over SIXTY years. Saw nothing about Jan Arden.. one of the my favourite of all Canadian artists. Her achievements prove otherwise!
Where are The Spoons? While the band is 80 per cent Canadian (with one Arkansan in drummer Levon Helm), they remain one of the most influential acts in 60s rock and their … … Oh well, I’ll just take “Mari-Mac” on an “Excursion Around The Bay,” give her some “French Perfume,” drink some “Old Black Rum,” say hello to “Jack Hinks,” and go “Donkey Riding” with ” on “A Boat Like Gideon Brown.” , great big sea redneck,really…the only possible way for great big sea to be a redneck is without sunscreen in july.