When Sarah McLachlan, Tom Cochrane and members of Blue Rodeo were inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame on Saturday, they took the time to recognize that writing great music often comes with enormous challenges.
“Writing is often a lonely and isolating task,” McLachlan told the audience in a speech at Toronto’s Massey Hall.
“But for me it’s also extremely cathartic.”
Sarah MacLachlan speaks at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony at Massey Hall in Toronto on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Paige Taylor White/The Canadian Press
Her sentiments were shared by Cochrane, who acknowledged that songwriting takes precious time away from those around its creators. He thanked his daughters for waiting for him.
however life is a highway The author suggested that the creative process often produces miracles.
“Songs, like life, have a beginning and an end,” he said. “And like the people we love, we don’t forget them.”
Tom Cochrane delivers his acceptance speech at the Canadian Composers Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Massey Hall in Toronto on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Paige Taylor White/The Canadian Press
Famous tunes from all the inductees highlighted the evening’s show, which had fans dancing in their seats as Sam Roberts, Metric and Lights joined others in giving emotional tributes.
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Husband and wife duo Whitehorse performed a brooding acoustic-electric interpretation of McLachlan. sweet surrender Barefoot Brett Emmons of Glorious Sons lent his voice to Cochrane’s wailing version. big league.
Nelly Furtado shared how McLachlan inspired her early in her career during one of her Lilith Fair tours. She also praised McLachlan’s tireless efforts in raising funds for various charities.
The two ended with a harmonious duet. angel Furtado stands near McLachlan’s piano.
In addition to deeper reflections on the struggles of creation, the night also offered some good humor, especially regarding the induction of Blue Rodeo songwriters Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor.
In a video message, Barenaked Ladies’ Ed Robertson likened the two to being as inseparable as maple syrup and pancakes.
Keelor continued the joke as he took the podium holding a thick notepad with his handwritten notes of his speech. He assured the crowd that it was not as long as it seemed.
Soon after, he pointed out McLachlan, who was watching from the crowd next to his daughter Taja.
“I once said that when I die, I want Sarah MacLachlan to sing at my grave,” he said.
“So I think I’m going to die in my seat tonight.”
Country artists Tim Hicks and Tenille Townes literally paid colorful tribute to Blue Rodeo.
When they hit the stage to sing a growl Until I’m myself again, Both were wearing blue clothes. Hicks wore a jeans jacket and Townes wore blue leather pants.
Toronto singer Ahi invites a country rock band to sing a bluesy song. try hard Cuddy was praised as she began her induction speech.
The Blue Rodeo frontman said all the celebrations were overwhelming in some ways. He thanked his wife, actress Rena Polley, for her unwavering support.
“Every time we go to a concert or play her a record, I am still amazed by her passion. Is that really true even after 40 years? “It’s really amazing,” he said.
Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor perform together at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Massey Hall in Toronto on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Paige Taylor White/The Canadian Press
Another highlight of the evening included French-Canadian anthem La Zara representing France at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. She was one of the performers who toasted the occasion with a sizzling rendition of Quebec singer Diane Tell’s 1981 song. if i were a manThis translates to “If I were a man.”
In acknowledging her honor, Tell recalled writing about 50 songs when she was just a teenager and singing them “for anyone who would listen.”
She has said that songwriting was so valuable to her in her life, and that the lyrics she wrote were so important to her that even in her early days she felt “the urge to own my music and protect it from the industry.”
“Those songs are my anchor,” she added.
Gary LeVox of the Nashville band Rascal Flatts joined Cochrane on harmonica to close out the evening. life is a highway. During the song, all of the evening’s performers returned to the stage and danced together.
“You always hope and pray that one of your songs will be timeless,” LeVox said of attending Cochrane’s induction.
“And those great songs pay off.”
© 2024 The Canadian Press
