School Bus Rock – Canada 01

A selection of music created by Canadian musicians.

A number of the playlists I have created do contain many tunes created by Canadian musicians but there many, many more that can be enjoyed. Canada used to be quite the hot bed for musicians. Bars around the country hosted numerous cover bands as well as many bands playing their own material. The scene was a training ground for many of the huge Canadian musicians we know today. Sadly, corporations have decimated the music industry for the purpose of corporate profits.

NOTABLE ARTISTS

Helix

Helix had a massive hit with Rock You in the mid 80s, but the notable thing about them is their connection to this area. The lead singer, Brian Vollmer, grew up in Listowel!

Ray Lyell and The Storm

Ray Lyell is notable in my books because he now lives in my hometown of Dunnville, Ontario. Actually, he is friends with a number of my friends I grew up with and it seems he goes to the same church I used to go to as a kid. He and at least one member of The Storm used to work the bar scene in band called Tracey Kane. Upon reading his Wikipedia page I find that there is a connection with Helix!

Stompin’ Tom Connors

Stompin’ Tom Connors is probably the most Canadian musician to date and that is what makes him notable! His songs are about life in Canada. Hockey, working on tobacco farms and tomatoes were just some of the topics he sung about. Hockey is very Canadian! Tobacco farms in Southern Ontario used to be big employers for temporary farm work with decent pay. People would travel to the farms and live in bunkhouses during the tobacco picking season. The western part of Southwestern Ontario was known for big tomato farms supplying companies like Campbells and Heinz.

NOTABLE TRACKS

Crash Test Dummies – Superman’s Song

Klaatu – Calling Occupants (Of Interplanetary Craft)