Rita MacNeil’s Followers (3)

Rita MacNeil

Born

in Big Pond, Nova Scotia, Canada

May 28, 1944

Died

April 16, 2013

Website

https://www.ritamacneil.com/

Genre

Biography, Music, Canadian

Influences

Tom Jackson, Omar Sharif

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Rita was a humble, soft-spoken woman, who expanded the influence of Cape Breton music. Her big breakthrough came at 40. She won acclaim for her performance on stage at Expo ’86 in Vancouver. “I hit the ground running and I never stopped,” she said in an interview with The Canadian Press in 2004.

Rita won 3 Juno Awards in 1987 at age 42, as most promising female vocalist. She won numerous East Coast and Country Music Awards. She garnered a Gemini Award for her CBC variety show “Rita & Friends”, that ran from 1994 to 1997. Her legendary guests ranged from Corey Hart to Joni Mitchell. Rita was a Member of the Order of Canada and was awarded the Order of Nova Scotia. Her autobiography, “On A Personal Note”, was published in 1998.

Her musical repe Rita was a humble, soft-spoken woman, who expanded the influence of Cape Breton music. Her big breakthrough came at 40. She won acclaim for her performance on stage at Expo ’86 in Vancouver. “I hit the ground running and I never stopped,” she said in an interview with The Canadian Press in 2004.

Rita won 3 Juno Awards in 1987 at age 42, as most promising female vocalist. She won numerous East Coast and Country Music Awards. She garnered a Gemini Award for her CBC variety show “Rita & Friends”, that ran from 1994 to 1997. Her legendary guests ranged from Corey Hart to Joni Mitchell. Rita was a Member of the Order of Canada and was awarded the Order of Nova Scotia. Her autobiography, “On A Personal Note”, was published in 1998.

Her musical repertoire included an eclectic blend of folk, country, blues, roots, Celtic and rock. She was known for her cross-country tours with The Men Of The Deeps and homespun Christmas TV specials. Fans revere her as a Christmas staple. Rita also took some chances along the way, at one point appearing on TV’s raunchy Trailer Park Boys.

Her music spoke of the courage to rise above life’s challenges, particularly those faced by the working class. Tommy Hunter vividly remembered Rita as a guest on his show. “She had a soft spot in her heart for miners. When she sang 'Working Man,' there wasn't a dry eye. Rita could convey that kind of warmth and sincerity through her songs to the people in the audience and the viewers at home. It was evident she touched them all, from the many letters and comments we received after that show.”

One of eight children, she relocated to Toronto at age 17 in 1962. She found comfort in the fledgling women’s movement. Rita said in 2008: “All I was doing was writing songs, raising two children, and singing at festivals, colleges, and the occasional rally in support of women’s rights. What’s radical about equal pay for equal work? And trying to empower women to reach the potential they have?”

Rita said these meetings gave her strength and pushed forth her song-writing. By 1975, she was ready to independently release her first album, “Born A Woman”. “All of those songs were sung at rallies, demonstrations, or meetings we attended”.

Rita and her children Laura and Wade, lovers of cats and dogs, returned to Big Pond in 1976. In 1981, she issued “Part Of The Mystery”, financed by family and friends. Big Pond Publishing And Productions Limited was operated on a minuscule budget. Rita built a fan base through her first-rate performances and discography. She released another album, I’m Not What I Seem” in 1983.

Her breakthrough came with 1986’s “Flying On Your Own”. The album, with a portrait of Rita under one of her trademark hats, finally won her some radio play, largely on easy-listening stations in smaller Canadian cities. It was certified platinum. She released “Reason To Believe” the following year. Some reviewers discussed Rita’s move toward a rock-oriented style. Rita pointed out that she always loved rock. Audiences embraced it sound and the record quickly reached platinum status in Canada.

She kept on recording hits, with a new release coming near-annually for a decade. Her compositions on the popular Christmas album of 1988, “Now The Bells Ring” are familiar traditions in Canadian homes, on par with old standards.

Rita died from surgery complications on April 16, nearly at age 69. Flags flew at half-mast across Cape Breton and they paid tribute to their singer.

“A Mother, Grandmother, dear friend, Sister, Canadian icon.... She is a woman whose dreams became a reality, who brought joy and inspiration to so many”.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of a dear sweet woman and a gifted singer-songwriter who represented women and her beloved Nova Scotia so eloquently in her songs,” said Springhill, Nova Scotia legend, Anne Murray in a statement. ...more

Combine Editions
Rita MacNeil’s books

Average rating: 3.91 · 57 ratings · 12 reviews · 10 distinct works • Similar authors

	On a Personal Note by Rita MacNeil, Anne Simpson (With) 3.96 avg rating — 51 ratings — published 1998 — 5 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Christmas at Home with Rita MacNeil by Rita MacNeil really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 6 ratings — published 2003	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Flying On Her Own by Charlie Rhindress, Rita MacNeil 4.60 avg rating — 5 ratings — published 2008	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Rita MacNeil Songbook: Piano/Vocal/Chords it was ok 2.00 avg rating — 2 ratings — published 1997	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Rita MacNeil -- Joyful Sounds (A Seasonal Collection): Piano/Vocal/Chords by Rita MacNeil, Rita, Michael Lefferts (Editor) 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings — published 1996	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Songs from the Collection 1 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Shining Strong: Country Collection 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Higher Power: Songs of Praise 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	I'll Accept the Rose Tonight 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Music of a Thousand Nights 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

More books by Rita MacNeil…

Rita MacNeil’s Followers (3)

Rita MacNeil

Combine EditionsRita MacNeil’s books

Combine Editions
Rita MacNeil’s books