Canadian Rock Royalty

His is a distinct voice, a songwriter with storytelling qualities, and an icon in the Canadian music sky!……Burton Cummings may just be the most recognised singer in Canadian history, and a stellar song writer to boot!  Joining the Guess Who in the late sixties, Burton either penned or co-wrote most of what has become their international chart singles!  From ‘69’s “These Eyes” and “Laughing” to the iconic “American Woman”.  Can you believe that “American Woman” was released in 1970!

Burton continued with “The Guess Who” until the mid-seventies, when he embarked on a solo career.  The great song writing skills were forefront and he graced us with such gems as “Break It To Them Gently”, “Fine State Of Affairs” and the international top charter, “Stand Tall”.  The 1970’s were very good for both “The Guess Who”, and after 1975, Burton Cummings himself.   

Continuing with his solo outings, Burton hasn’t really retired from the biz…maybe slowed down a bit, but really wasn’t completely silent.  The ‘80’s and ‘90’s found him somewhat embarking on an acting career, plus he wrote music and lyrics some of which became part of film tracks.  He also came back to “The Guess Who”, as the band was reformed with some original members, in the early years of this century.  He went further with doing more collaborative work with his old musical friend Randy Bachman, all in all, making great music for all Canadian rockers to enjoy.
  

As far as the iconic part of Mr. Cummings—well, we all know that “The Guess Who” changed the face, the very nature, of the Canadian Music Industry.  His solo work is just as strong as was his time with that band.  As he progressed through the years, writing, singing and performing he became the recipient of the Order Of Canada, and not only for his musical achievements, but also for his civil activities.  He has a place on Canada’s Walk Of Fame, and is a published poet!  Singing and performing though, is his first love and Burton Cummings continues to do so—even today!  Truly a National Musical Treasure, Burton Cummings has embarked upon a tour of smaller centres across Canada.  Just one of his ways of saying thank-you to Canadians, and to spin a little musical magic for us all!  

The “In Your Backyard Tour” hits the Okanagan area later this month, see the Concert Listings below for dates and venues.  Billed as “Burton Cummings & the Burton Cummings Band” expect a night of stellar music, with all those memorable songs from “The Guess Who” and Burton’s solo years!  Timeless performances from a timeless Artist!

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Under The Lights

Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

The Blue Gator:   Zamboni Brothers:  March 12th & 13th & 14th 

Doc Willoughby’s:   Agent Orange with In The Whale:  Apr. 28th 

Dream Café:   Valdy:  Mar. 12th 

Fernando’s Pub:   Free The Cynics:  March 12th    I Am Machi & Honest Woods:  March 13th  

Minstrel Café:   Chris Antonik:   March 11th  Blue City Trio:  March 14th  The Rowdymen:  March 17th 

Whiski-jack’s Pub:  Jimmy LeGuilloux Band:  March 13th  & 14th 

Notable Concerts:    

Prospera  Place:    Counting Crows:   April 29th   Diana Krall:  May 12th     Aerosmith:   July 13th 

Kelowna Community Theatre:    Jonny Lang:   March 13th   Burton Cummings:  March 11th    Colin James:  March 28th   Whitehorse:  April 10th   Los Lonely Boys:  May 10th   April Wine:   May 11th 

Penticton Trade & Convention Centre:  Burton Cummings:  March 12th  

Performing Arts Centre (Vernon):  The Irish Rovers:   March 9th   Burton Cummings:  March 15th  

South Okanagan Events Centre:   Celtic Thunder:  March 13th-2015   Marilyn Manson:  March 28th    Def Leppard:  April 15th   Journey:   July 10th 

If you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  [email protected]  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.