Her biggest songs included 1987’s “Flying on Your Own,” which Anne Murray released as a U.S. MacNeil was voted Entertainer of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards in 19. She died at age 68 on Tuesday evening (April 16) as a result of complications from surgery.ĭuring her career, she recorded 24 albums, had more than a dozen hits, starred in a national television series, earned three Juno Awards and was named a member of the Order of Canada. It is a big part of my life - the concerts, the touring, the letters and the joy the audience gives back to me when the music touches a chord with them.Beloved Canadian country-folk singer and songwriter Rita MacNeil will be buried in her hometown on Cape Breton Island on Monday. "Music is timeless and ageless," noted the legendary singer, "the passion I feel for what I do can't be put aside with a number and a year. I caress you, oh, Cape Breton, in my dreams Rita's quick wit and sly sense of humour was a hallmark of her live shows and was in evidence when she was featured in an episode of the Trailer Park Boys.Ī mother to Laura (Dana) and Wade (Lori), a grandmother, a dear friend, and a sister, Rita was a Canadian icon - a woman who had a dream that became a reality - who brought joy and inspiration to so many. In 1986 she opened up Rita's Tea Room in her hometown of Big Pond, which in the past few years enjoyed frequent visits from Rita herself. She was a Member of the Order of Canada, was awarded the Order of Nova Scotia and is the recipient of five honorary doctorates. She won 3 Juno's, as well as numerous East Coast Music Awards, Country Music Awards, and a Gemini for her CBC variety show 'Rita & Friends' that ran from 1994 to 1997. Over the course of her career, Rita recorded more than 24 albums which sold in the millions. "Flying on Your Own" followed in 1987 and in 1989, her Juno performance with Cape Breton's Men of the Deeps of "Working Man", brought the house down. In 1987 she won her first Juno Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist. It was here that the world discovered Rita MacNeil. It wasn't an easy life, as depicted in her autobiography "On A Personal Note"(released in 1998), but with determination and a passion for writing songs and singing, Rita pushed beyond a profound shyness and found her way to a stage at Expo 86 in Vancouver. "Working Man", "Flying on Your Own", Reason to Believe", "I'll Accept The Rose Tonight" and "Home I'll Be", are just a few of the songs that endeared Rita to fans in Canada, the U.K and Australia.īorn in Big Pond, Cape Breton on May 28th, 1944 to Neil and Catherine (Rene) MacNeil, Rita was one of eight children. Rita died last evening (April 16th) from complications following surgery, at the age of 68.Ī gentle soul with a heart of gold and the voice of an angel, Rita's music spoke of her love of home and family, the courage to rise above life's challenges and the hardworking men and women that tie this country together.
Sydney, NS (April 17, 2013) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cape Breton's first lady of song, Rita MacNeil.
0 kommentar(er)
