With Canadian country artists making their way in Nashville more and more often, the industry in Canada shows no signs of slowing down. In fact the future of country music looks bright and fans can't wait to see what's going to come next.
Canadian Country's Early Days
Canadian country music has gained most of its popularity within the past 20-30 years, however, artists from Canada were making country music in America in the early days of country music itself. One of the first Canadian artists to make a splash in Nashville was Wilf Carter, who is often thought of as the father of Canadian country music and whose career spanned three decades.
A few years after the beginning of Wilf's career, another Canadian talent emerged, Hank Snow, the Singing Ranger began his illustrious career in 1936 and once even persuaded the Grand Ole Opry to allow Elvis Presley on the stage. These two country icons inspired an entire generation of Canadian artists including Ian and Sylvia Tyson, Caroll Baker, Stompin' Tom Connors, Dick Damron, Stu Davis, Tommy Hunter, Gordon Lightfoot, Rita McNeil, Bob Nolan (founding member of the Sons of the Pioneers), Ronnie Prophet and Gordie Tapp.
The Canadian Country Music Association
Founded in 1976, the Academy of Country Music Entertainment brought a new credibility to the Canadian country music industry. The first award show was held in 1982 and honored Family Brown, Terry Carisse and Caroll Baker as its first winners. Over the next decade they would honor acts like Dick Damron, Marie Bottrell, Ronnie Prophet, the Mercey Brothers, Anita Perras, Ian Tyson, K.D. Lang, Gary Fjellgaard, George Fox, Michelle Wright, Prairie Oyster and Rita McNeil.
During this time there were other artists who were making a name for themselves like Blue Rodeo, Lisa Brokop and The Rankin Family. The organization changed its name to the Canadian Country Music Association in 1987.
Shania Twain's Influence
Shania Twain has sold more records than any other Canadian country artist ever. Her success in the 1990s proved that Canadians could reach superstar status and Canadian artists started believing they could make major waves in Nashville.
Since then artists like Paul Brandt, Terri Clark, The Wilkinsons, Emerson Drive, Doc Walker, Jason McCoy, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Aaron Lines, The Road Hammers, George Canyon, Jessie Ferrell, Johnny Reid, Aaron Pritchett, Corb Lund, Deric Ruttan and Adam Gregory have enjoyed successful music careers, with many of them moving to Nashville to make their dreams come true.
Canada's Future Country Stars
With the steady stream of talented artists heading south to country music's epicenter, the future looks bright. No doubt established stars will continue to delight audiences for years to come. However, at the moment there is a new crop of artists beginning their journey. Who knows, the next Canadian star could be Victoria Banks, Crystal Shawanda, Gord Bamford, Jo Hikk, Dean Brody, Jason Blaine, The Higgins, Shane Yellowbird, Tara Oram, Tebey or Steven Lee Olsen.
Regardless of who steps into the spotlight, Canada will continue to be incredibly proud of the skilled singers, songwriters and musicians who represent the true North strong and free.
Sources:
Wikipedia-Canadian Country Singers
Wikipedia-Canadian Country Music Association
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