Famous Canadian Folk Singers

Leonard Cohen was a multi-talented Canadian artist known for his work as a singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist. His career began in the 1950s and 1960s as a poet and novelist before transitioning to music in 1966. He released several albums that explored themes such as faith, mortality, love, and societal issues. Cohen's music evolved over the years, incorporating different styles and influences. He achieved critical acclaim with iconic songs like "Hallelujah" and continued to create music up until his passing in 2016.

Gordon Lightfoot Jr. was a Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his international success in folk, folk-rock, and country music. He is credited with defining the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 1970s, earning the title of Canada's greatest songwriter. Lightfoot achieved chart success with hits like "If You Could Read My Mind," "Sundown," and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." His songs, covering themes of trains, shipwrecks, and love, have been covered by renowned artists and earned him recognition as a national treasure in the music industry.

Joni Mitchell is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and painter known for her influential contributions to folk, pop, and jazz music. With a career spanning decades, Mitchell's innovative songwriting and distinctive voice have earned her numerous accolades, including eleven Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is celebrated for albums like "Blue" and "Court and Spark," which showcase her complex compositions and unique vocal style. Mitchell's impact on the music industry is profound, solidifying her as a legendary figure in the realm of female recording artists.

Buffy Sainte-Marie is an accomplished American singer-songwriter, musician, and social activist known for her diverse repertoire encompassing themes of love, war, religion, and mysticism. She has received numerous awards and honors for her music and contributions to education and social activism. Notably, she co-wrote the Academy Award-winning song "Up Where We Belong" for the film An Officer and a Gentleman. Throughout her career, Sainte-Marie has been dedicated to addressing issues affecting Indigenous peoples in the United States and Canada, founding initiatives like the Cradleboard Teaching Project to promote understanding of Native American culture.

Bruce Cockburn is a renowned Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his diverse musical styles ranging from folk to jazz-influenced rock. His thought-provoking lyrics often touch on themes such as spirituality, human rights, environmental issues, and personal relationships. With a prolific career spanning five decades, Cockburn has released 34 albums containing over 350 songs. His impact on the music industry is evident through his 22 Canadian gold or platinum certified albums and over one million albums sold in Canada. Additionally, in 2014, he shared his experiences in his memoir, Rumours of Glory.

Stompin' Tom Connors was a prominent Canadian country and folk singer-songwriter, known for his deep connection to his native country. With a focus on Canada, he penned over 300 songs and released nearly 50 albums, selling close to four million copies in total. His music has left a lasting impact on Canadian culture, with songs like "Sudbury Saturday Night", "Bud the Spud", and "The Hockey Song" becoming iconic. The latter is a staple at NHL games, including those of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.

Martha Wainwright is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician with seven acclaimed studio albums. Known for her captivating live performances, she has garnered critical acclaim for her unique talent. Beyond music, she has showcased her acting skills in various film projects, including Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator and HBO's Olive Kitteridge. Additionally, Wainwright owns and manages Ursa, a multifaceted establishment in Montreal that serves as a cafe, concert venue, bar, and recording space, further showcasing her diverse talents and contributions to the arts scene.

Gale Garnett is a talented Canadian singer who gained fame in the United States for her Grammy-winning folk song "We'll Sing in the Sunshine," which she wrote herself. Following her successful music career, Garnett transitioned into writing and acting. She has established herself as an accomplished author and actress, showcasing her diverse range of talents and creativity. Throughout her professional journey, Garnett has continued to captivate audiences with her artistic endeavors and remains a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Ron Sexsmith is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for his prolific career in music. He gained recognition when he was named songwriter of the year at the 2005 Juno Awards. Sexsmith started releasing his own music at a young age and has produced seventeen albums throughout his career. His talents were highlighted in the 2010 documentary Love Shines, showcasing his dedication to his craft. Sexsmith's professional life is characterized by his consistent output of heartfelt and introspective songs that have resonated with audiences worldwide.

Basia Bulat is a renowned Canadian folk singer-songwriter recognized for her unique performances with an autoharp. With a distinct style and soulful voice, she has captivated audiences worldwide. Through her music, Basia has established herself as a talented and innovative artist, blending traditional folk elements with contemporary influences. She has garnered critical acclaim for her emotive lyrics and captivating melodies, solidifying her reputation as a prominent figure in the folk music scene. Basia's professional journey is characterized by artistic integrity, creativity, and a deep connection with her audience.

Ron Hynes was a renowned folk singer-songwriter from Newfoundland and Labrador, celebrated for his iconic composition "Sonny's Dream". His musical legacy extended globally, with numerous artists recording his songs. Hynes achieved significant recognition when "Sonny's Dream" was ranked as the 41st greatest Canadian song of all time on CBC Radio One's series 50 Tracks: The Canadian Version in 2005. Throughout his career, he captivated audiences with his soulful storytelling and profound lyrics, solidifying his place as a legendary figure in the folk music scene.

Jian Ghomeshi is a multi-talented Canadian broadcaster, writer, musician, and producer. He gained initial recognition as a vocalist and drummer in the folk-pop band Moxy Früvous during the 1990s. Transitioning to television and radio in the 2000s, Ghomeshi hosted various programs for CBC, including Q, which he co-created and hosted for several years. His career faced controversy in 2014 with allegations of sexual assault and harassment, leading to a trial in 2016. Despite some legal outcomes, Ghomeshi continued his work in online ventures and writing.

Ruth Moody is an Australian-born soprano singer-songwriter known for her role as a member of the Canadian folk trio The Wailin' Jennys. With a career spanning several years, Moody has established herself as a prominent figure in the folk music scene, captivating audiences with her emotive vocals and poignant songwriting. Her contributions to The Wailin' Jennys have garnered critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, solidifying her reputation as a talented musician and performer in the industry.

Bahamas, also known as Afie Jurvanen, is a Canadian musician recognized for his soulful folk and indie rock sound. With a career spanning over a decade, he has released multiple albums that have received critical acclaim and commercial success. Bahamas is known for his introspective lyrics, smooth vocals, and intricate guitar work. He has collaborated with various artists and has toured extensively, captivating audiences with his captivating performances. His music has garnered a loyal following and continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.

Oscar Brand was a prolific Canadian-born American folk singer-songwriter, radio host, and author known for his extensive contributions to music and culture. Over the span of 70 years, he composed around 300 songs, released nearly 100 albums, and wrote various short stories. His musical repertoire ranged from patriotic songs to social commentary, showcasing his versatility across different genres. Brand's legacy is further solidified by his record-breaking tenure as the sole host of a long-running folk music show on WNYC Radio in New York City.

Harry Hibbs was a Canadian musician known for traditional Newfoundland music. He began his music career after a career-changing accident at a manufacturing plant. Hibbs joined the Caribou Show Band and was signed to Arc Records, releasing his first album in 1968. He appeared on various television programs and recorded 26 albums, some of which went gold. In 1978, he opened his own nightclub in Toronto. Hibbs received posthumous recognition for his contributions to Canadian folklore music, including the Harry Hibbs Award for Perseverance.