Canadian Music: From Folk Traditions to International Pop Stars

Canadian Music: Music in Canada reflects a blend of influences from Indigenous Peoples, Irish, British, and French cultures, as well as American influences due to proximity. America also influences Canadian music because they are close. Since the 1600s, Canada has had its composers and musicians. Different parts of Canada have their music scenes.

The Juno Awards and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame celebrate Canadian musicians. “O Canada” became Canada’s national anthem in 1980, but patriotic music in Canada has been around for over 200 years. Let us learn more!

Canadian Music Overview

Canadian music includes many different kinds of music. It comes from the different cultures that make up Canada, like British, French, and Indigenous cultures. Musicians in Canada play all sorts of music, from folk songs to pop songs. Some Canadian musicians are famous around the world. They make music that people in other countries like to listen to. Canadian music is always changing and growing with new styles and sounds being created all the time.

Aspect	Description
Diversity	Canadian music reflects a rich blend of influences from various cultures and traditions.
Multiculturalism	Artists draw inspiration from their diverse backgrounds, resulting in a wide range of genres and styles.
Regional Diversity	Different regions of Canada contribute unique musical traditions, from traditional folk to electronic music.
International Success	Canadian musicians, such as Drake, Justin Bieber, and The Weeknd, have achieved global acclaim, elevating the profile of Canadian music worldwide.
Evolution	Canadian music is dynamic and ever-evolving, shaped by creativity and talent, from traditional folk songs to contemporary sounds.

Canadian Music History

Canadian music history is a blend of many cultural influences. Indigenous peoples, Irish, British, and French all contributed to Canada’s musical heritage. Over time, American culture also influenced Canadian music due to their proximity. Since the 1600s, Canada has produced its composers and musicians. Different regions of Canada have their unique music scenes.

Indigenous Music

For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples in Canada had their unique musical traditions, with chanting being widely popular along with various musical instruments. They made instruments from materials like gourds, animal horns, birchbark, carved antlers, and wood. Drums were commonly made from carved wood and animal hides. However after European settlement, Indigenous peoples were discouraged from practicing their traditional ceremonies. In the 17th century, French settlers and explorers brought a love for song, dance, and fiddle playing to New France. Schools like Ecole des Ursulines introduced music into the curriculum and the earliest records of violins and organs in Canada date back to this time. Louis Jolliet, known more as an explorer, was also a classically trained musician who played various instruments. Under British rule organs were installed in churches and military bands gave concerts.

17th Century

French settlers and explorers who came to New France brought a deep love for music, dance, and playing the fiddle. Starting in the 1630s, French and Indigenous children in Quebec were taught to sing and play European instruments like violins, guitars, flutes, and drums. The Ecole des Ursulines and The Ursuline Convent, founded in 1639, were among the oldest schools in North America and the first to teach music to women. The earliest records of violins in Canada date back to 1645 and the Jesuits imported the first organ for their chapel in Quebec in 1657. The Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral, built in 1647, was the oldest Catholic church in North America and had the first choir documented in Canada. In 1667, the first formal ball in New France was organized and Louis Jolliet, known as an explorer was also a skilled musician who played various instruments. Under British rule in 1700, an organ was installed in Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, and military bands performed on the Champ de Mars. French priests like René Ménard composed music adding to the musical culture of New France.

18th Century

In the 18th century music was made in Canada’s colonies but not many pieces were saved or published. The French and Indian Wars made people poor, so they couldn’t focus on cultural things. But some part-time composers were really good. They passed on traditional songs by mouth, so they did not write them down. Only rich people could afford music lessons. Music printing was big in Europe but it didn’t start in Canada until the 1800s. Canadian composers mostly did other music jobs like leading choirs.

After the 1760s concerts became normal, and people started dancing more. They even had their own operas. There were concerts in Quebec by 1764. The programs had music by famous composers like Handel and Mozart. Canada’s first operas were written around 1790. People loved the fiddle, especially in bars. They sang “God Save the King/Queen” since British rule and by the 20th century, it was like Canada’s second anthem, after “O Canada’.

19th Century

In the early 1800s many music groups started in Canada playing dances like waltzes and polkas. The first music books printed in Canada were in 1800 and 1801. People loved folk music, and a famous poem called “A Canadian Boat Song” was written in 1804. It got popular and was published many times. People also loved dancing as mentioned in a book from 1807.

The first musical groups were formed in Halifax in 1809 and Quebec in 1820. A group called the Children of Peace in Upper Canada also made music. By 1833 there was an orchestra in Quebec. The first song in a newspaper was in 1831. Immigrants enjoyed music which they got from newspapers. In 1840, the first piano song was published in Ottawa.

Many Irish and British immigrants came to Canada between 1815 and 1850 adding to the music culture. In 1844, a music store opened in Toronto, selling pianos and music. By the time Canada became a country in 1867, people loved writing songs, especially about important events. In the 1870s, music schools opened, letting people of all classes learn music. A popular song from 1876 was “One Sweetly Solemn Thought” by Robert S. Ambrose.

“O Canada” was written in 1880 for a special day in Quebec. It was originally in French but later translated into English. In 1889, a light opera called “Leo, the Royal Cadet” was composed in Ontario.

20th Century

1. 1900–1929

Before the gramophone was invented Canadian songwriters published their works as sheet music or in local newspapers like The Montreal Gazette and Toronto Empire. Most records bought by Canadians back then were from American and British singers but some of the hit songs were actually written by Canadians. Robert Nathaniel Dett was one of the first Black Canadian composers and performed at big venues like Carnegie Hall. During World War I many Canadian-written songs became popular worldwide.

Canada’s first independent record label, Compo Company, opened in 1918. They had a big pressing plant in Quebec. The 1920s saw Canada’s first radio stations, which let Canadian songwriters share their music with more people. The Canadian Performing Rights Society was formed in 1925 to help composers and lyricists get paid for their work. The RCA Victor factory in Montreal had Canada’s first recording studio and recorded all kinds of music from jazz to classical.

2. 1930–1959

During the Great Depression in Canada, most people listened to what we now call swing or jazz, while country music was just starting to become popular. One famous Canadian musician from that time was Guy Lombardo, who led a band called The Royal Canadians. They became famous around the world and even had a #1 hit song on Billboard’s top 100. In 1932, Canada passed the Broadcasting Act to regulate radio, and in 1936, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) was created.

Even during tough times, Canadian music continued to be successful, with artists like jazz pianist Oscar Peterson and country singer Hank Snow gaining fame. During World War II, Canada produced patriotic songs, but they didn’t become big hits. Some Canadian singers, like Portia White, became famous internationally for their talent. After the war, school bands became popular, and the CHUM Chart was created to track music popularity. In 1958, Paul Anka became Canada’s first rock and roll teen idol with his hit song “Diana,” and Ronnie Hawkins became a key figure in Canadian blues and rock music.

3. 1960–1999

During the 1960s many Canadian artists had to go to the United States to build successful careers. Some of the most famous singer-songwriters of this time were Canadian, like Gordon Lightfoot and Neil Young. Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell are also well-known Canadian musicians. In 1971 the Canadian government made a rule that 30% of the music played on AM radio stations had to be Canadian. This helped Canadian artists become more popular.

In the mid-1970s FM radio stations started playing longer songs, giving musicians more freedom. Bands like Rush, Triumph, and Bryan Adams became popular around the world. Anne Murray became famous for her country music, and Stompin’ Tom Connors had a revival in the 1990s.

The Juno Awards, which started in 1975, became Canada’s biggest music awards. In the 1980s and 1990s, Canadian hip hop became popular, with artists like Maestro Fresh Wes and Snow. Music videos became important for promoting music, with the launch of MuchMusic and MusiquePlus. Canadian women, like Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, and Celine Dion, had huge success internationally, breaking records for album sales.

21st Century

In the late 20th century Canada enforced rules for radio stations to play more Canadian music. By the 21st century they had to play even more Canadian songs, leading to a rise in Canadian pop stars. In the late 1990s, programs like VideoFACT helped new artists make press kits and websites. CDs became popular, replacing vinyl records and tapes, and the internet allowed musicians to share their music directly without needing a record label.

However, the internet also hurt the mainstream music industry, with sales dropping significantly. In 2007, Canada joined discussions about the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, which could affect the music industry. In 2010, Canada made new copyright laws, making it illegal to hack digital locks but allowing people to copy music from CDs to other devices.

In the early 2000s, independent Canadian artists gained popularity in the United States and beyond. Mainstream Canadian artists like Nelly Furtado, Avril Lavigne, Michael Buble and Drake became internationally successful, dominating charts in America. In the late 2010s and early 2020s, Canada mourned the loss of Gord Downie from The Tragically Hip and Neil Peart from Rush.

Canadian Music: Timeline

Year	Event
1867	Confederation: Music-making in Canada started before Confederation. Early settlers brought their own traditions. Aboriginal peoples also performed music socially and ceremonially for centuries.
1890	Canadian piano boom begins: Canadian pianos became popular because they were strong and could handle tough weather.
1902	Oldest orchestra in Canada formed: The Société symphonique de Québec was the first orchestra in Canada.
1918	Sir Ernest MacMillan earns Oxford doctorate while interned as prisoner of war: During WWI, he was a prisoner of war in Germany and still led music performances.
1920	Robert Nathaniel Dett writes essay “The Emancipation of Negro Music”: A Canadian composer wrote a famous essay about African American music.
1923	Toronto Symphony Orchestra forms: The Toronto Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert.
1939	Claude Champagne returns to Montreal: A composer comes back to Montreal and teaches music.
1945	Hugh Le Caine invents the “electronic sackbut”: A Canadian made the first voltage-controlled synthesizer.
1960	The rise of Canadian female composers: Women composers became more important in Canada.
1962	Oscar Peterson writes “Hymn To Freedom”: A song he wrote became important during the civil rights movement.
1964	Buffy Sainte-Marie releases “Universal Soldier”
1965	Anne of Green Gables–The Musical opens in PEI
1968	Robert Charlebois releases “Lindberg”
1970	Anne Murray’s “Snowbird” is certified gold by the RIAA
1970	The Guess Who releases “American Woman”
1971	R. Murray Schafer composes No Longer Than 10 Minutes
1978	TSO becomes the first Canadian orchestra to tour China after the Cultural Revolution
1979	National Film Board releases Log Driver’s Waltz
1980	Healey Willan & Emma Albani become first Canadian musicians featured on a Canada Post stamp
1980	“O Canada” becomes official national anthem
1981	Rush releases Moving Pictures
1983	The Tragically Hip forms in Kingston
1984	Leonard Cohen releases “Hallelujah”
1985	Angela Hewitt wins Toronto International Bach Competition
1996	Canadian women dominate the GRAMMY® Awards
1997	Lilith Fair goes on tour
1999	Céline Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” wins two GRAMMY® Awards
1999	Howard Cable appointed member of the Order of Canada
2006	Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts opens in Toronto
2013	Mychael Danna wins an Oscar and Golden Globe for Life of Pi score
2014	Tanya Tagaq wins the Polaris Music Prize
2016	Yannick Nézet-Séguin named Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera
2016	Drake releases his fourth studio album, Views
2017	Canada Mosaic

Canadian Music List of Top 25 Canadian Artists

Here is the List of Top 25 Canadian Artists:

Rank	Artist	Famous Music
1	Drake	“Hotline Bling”, “God’s Plan”
2	The Weeknd	“Blinding Lights”, “Starboy”
3	Celine Dion	“My Heart Will Go On”, “The Power of Love”
4	Justin Bieber	“Sorry”, “Love Yourself”
5	Leonard Cohen	“Hallelujah”, “Suzanne”
6	Joni Mitchell	“Big Yellow Taxi”, “A Case of You”
7	Shania Twain	“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”, “You’re Still the One”
8	Neil Young	“Heart of Gold”, “Rockin’ in the Free World”
9	Bryan Adams	“Summer of ’69”, “Everything I Do (I Do It for You)”
10	Alanis Morissette	“Ironic”, “You Oughta Know”
11	Rush	“Tom Sawyer”, “Limelight”
12	Arcade Fire	“Wake Up”, “The Suburbs”
13	Nickelback	“How You Remind Me”, “Photograph”
14	Michael Bublé	“Feeling Good”, “Haven’t Met You Yet”
15	Sarah McLachlan	“Angel”, “Building a Mystery”
16	Avril Lavigne	“Complicated”, “Sk8er Boi”
17	Gordon Lightfoot	“Sundown”, “If You Could Read My Mind”
18	Anne Murray	“Snowbird”, “You Needed Me”
19	Alessia Cara	“Scars to Your Beautiful”, “Here”
20	Shawn Mendes	“Stitches”, “In My Blood”
21	Carly Rae Jepsen	“Call Me Maybe”, “Run Away with Me”
22	The Tragically Hip	“Ahead by a Century”, “Bobcaygeon”
23	Nelly Furtado	“I’m Like a Bird”, “Promiscuous”
24	Barenaked Ladies	“One Week”, “If I Had $1000000”
25	Blue Rodeo	“Try”, “Lost Together”

Conclusion

Canadian music has a diverse history with many influences. From indigenous traditions to modern pop stars, Canada has produced a wide range of talented musicians. Despite challenges like changes in technology and the music industry, Canadian artists continue to succeed both at home and internationally.

Iconic figures like Neil Young, Celine Dion, and Drake have left a lasting impact on music worldwide. Canadian music remains vibrant and continues to evolve, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the country.

FAQs on Canadian Music: From Folk Traditions to International Pop Stars

What type of music is traditional in Canada?

Maritime is traditional music in Canada.

What are some early influences on Canadian music?

Indigenous traditions, European settlers such as the French and British and later American culture have all contributed to the diverse influences on Canadian music.

Who are some famous Canadian musicians?

Canada has produced many famous musicians, including Neil Young, Celine Dion, Drake, Justin Bieber, The Tragically Hip, and many more.

How has technology affected Canadian music?

Technology has had a significant impact on Canadian music, from the introduction of the gramophone to the rise of the internet.

What is the culture of Canadian music?

Canadian music has diverse influences from the Indigenous Peoples, to the Irish, British and French, each contributing to the musical heritage of Canada. Our neighbours down south, the United States of America, have also influenced mainstream musical development today due to their proximity and close relations.