Canada has produced some of the most iconic and influential singers in music history. From pop and rock to folk and jazz, Canadian singers have made significant contributions to the global music scene.
One of the most famous Canadian singers is Celine Dion, who rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like “My Heart Will Go On” and “The Power of Love.” Dion has won numerous awards for her music and is considered one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
Another highly successful Canadian singer is Justin Bieber, who began his career as a teenage pop star and has since become a cultural icon. Bieber’s hits include “Sorry” and “Love Yourself,” and he has won numerous awards for his music.
Canada has also produced several notable rock musicians, including Bryan Adams and Neil Young, as well as folk singer Joni Mitchell and jazz singer Diana Krall.
In addition, Canada has a thriving indie music scene, with notable artists like Arcade Fire and Feist having gained international acclaim for their music.
In summary, Canada has a rich and diverse musical heritage that has produced some of the most iconic and influential singers in history. From pop and rock to folk and jazz, Canadian singers continue to make their mark on the global music scene.
1. Celine Dion
With a career spanning over three decades, this legendary vocal powerhouse has been entertaining audiences worldwide. Celine Dion's incredible range and emotive performances have earned her numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards and the title of best-selling Canadian artist of all time.
Her success can be attributed to her passion for music and ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level. With hits like "My Heart Will Go On" and "The Power of Love", Celine is a true icon in the music industry.
What sets Celine apart from other singers is not just her vocal talent but also her commitment to philanthropy. She has been actively involved in several charities, including the Celine Dion Foundation, which focuses on providing educational support and healthcare to disadvantaged children.
If you want to channel your inner diva like Celine, try practicing your vocal techniques and finding songs that resonate with you emotionally. Don't be afraid to take risks and explore different genres of music. Remember, passion and dedication are key ingredients towards achieving your goals in life.
Love him or hate him, Justin Bieber is the perfect example of what happens when a Canadian gets too much maple syrup in their system.
2. Justin Bieber
A renowned Canadian singer who rose to fame at a young age, Justin Drew Bieber is a globally recognized name in the music industry. With his exceptional talent and unique voice, he has won numerous awards and released multiple chart-topping albums, captivating audiences worldwide with his music. In addition to his successful singing career, Bieber has also been involved in various philanthropic activities, including supporting charities for underprivileged children and raising awareness for mental health issues.
Bieber's journey to success has not been without challenges, as he faced several controversies throughout his career. However, his commitment to improving himself and his artistry has earned him the respect and admiration of many fans across the globe.
It is worth noting that Bieber began his musical journey by uploading covers of popular songs on YouTube when he was only thirteen years old. This unique approach led to him being discovered by talent manager Scooter Braun, who signed him to Island Records in 2008. From there on out, Bieber's charm and talent worked together phenomenally well as he continued releasing hit-after-hit amongst all odds.
According to Billboard, Justin Bieber was named Artist of the Year in 2020 after having previously won this award two times earlier in 2013 and 2016!
Drake may have started from the bottom, but now he's here at the top of Canadian music icons.
3. Drake
The talented rapper, Aubrey Drake Graham, known by his stage name as Drake, has been making waves across the music industry since his debut in 2006. With over 150 million records sold worldwide, he is a Canadian singer who has transcended into becoming one of the world's most acclaimed artists. Drake's exceptional talent in fusing different genres such as hip-hop, R&B and pop has earned him Grammys and other notable awards. His creativity and versatility have been evident in his chart-topping hits that continue to reverberate around the world.
Drake's fans admire his lyrical dexterity and unrelenting passion for music. Throughout his illustrious career, he has collaborated with several iconic global musicians including Rihanna, Jay-Z and Kanye West to name just a few. Additionally, Drake often features rising stars on his tracks that catapults them into stardom. He is not only known for releasing hit songs but also for masterfully crafting albums that have resonated with fans globally.
Despite being relatively private about his personal life, Drake has spoken candidly about his struggles with anxiety and depression while urging fans to prioritize their mental health. He promotes self-love by empowering people to embrace their uniqueness through his music.
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to take risks in your craft as it can lead you to unforeseen success just like Drake did with venturing from acting to music.
The Weeknd may have a hard time seeing his way through the spotlight, but his soulful voice guides us all through the darkness.
4. The Weeknd
This Canadian singer-songwriter, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is known by his stage name "The Weeknd". He first gained popularity with his mixtapes, which he released for free on the internet in 2011. His unique style of blending R&B, pop and electronic music has earned him critical acclaim, and he is now considered one of the biggest pop stars in the world. The Weeknd has won multiple awards, including three Grammy Awards and nine Billboard Music Awards.
Shania Twain may not impress her ex-husband, but she sure has impressed the world with her chart-topping hits.
5. Shania Twain
One of the most successful female country singers, this Canadian artist has sold over 100 million records worldwide. With hits such as "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" and "You're Still the One," Shania Twain has won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards. She is also known for her unique blend of country and pop music, which has helped her gain a massive following across multiple genres.
Shania Twain's life was not always easy, having grown up in poverty and losing both her parents at a young age. However, she used music as an escape and eventually pursued it as a career. Her breakthrough album, The Woman in Me, was released in 1995 and became her first multi-platinum certification.
Twain's success continued with her next two albums, Come on Over and Up!, both of which were hugely successful worldwide. In addition to her musical success, Twain has also made several appearances on film and television shows.
Pro Tip: Shania Twain's incredible success story is proof that hard work and perseverance pays off in the long run. If you are passionate about something, keep pursuing it until you achieve your goals.
Michael Bublé may have been born in Canada, but his voice is what made the world fall in love – like a warm embrace from your Canadian auntie.
6. Michael Bublé
Renowned for his suave, crooning vocals and delightful performances, this Canadian singer has been captivating audiences worldwide since the early 2000s. He secured a record deal after wowing his audience at a wedding and has since released multiple chart-topping albums that have earned him numerous accolades, including four Grammy awards. Aside from music, he has also appeared in several films and television shows. His popularity continues to soar as he remains an icon in the world of pop and jazz music.
Born into a musical family, Michael Bublé's passion for music began at a young age. Drawing inspiration from legends like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, he developed his distinct style that blends contemporary pop with classic jazz elements. He started performing in local clubs around Vancouver before being discovered by legendary producer David Foster who helped launch his international career. Today, he is celebrated for hits like "Haven't Met You Yet" and "Cry Me a River" that showcase his vocal prowess and charismatic stage presence.
In addition to his success as a musician, Michael Bublé is also known for his philanthropic efforts towards various causes such as childhood cancer research and education initiatives. He once donated $125,000 to an elementary school in British Columbia after learning about their financial struggles.
According to sources, Michael Bublé was initially hesitant to pursue singing professionally due to self-doubt but over time he found the courage to pursue his dream career which led him on the path to success.
Fun fact: Bryan Adams' 'Summer of '69' is actually about the year he spent living in Canada without a fan or air conditioning.
7. Bryan Adams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EHAo6rEuas&pp=ygULQnJ5YW4gQWRhbXM%3D
This accomplished Canadian singer is widely recognized for his soulful voice and enthralling stage presence. Having sold over 100 million records worldwide, the Grammy-nominated artist has become an iconic figure in the music industry. Not limited to singing, he is also a proficient guitarist, pianist, harmonica player, and songwriter. Known for hits like "Summer of '69" and "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You," Bryan Adams's contribution to music has been unmatched and continues to inspire aspiring musicians worldwide.
Bryan Adams began his illustrious music career in the late 1970s with local rock bands before signing a recording contract with A&M Records in 1980. He gained widespread recognition with his breakthrough album "Cuts Like a Knife" in 1983 before becoming an international sensation with his album "Reckless" that included hit singles like "Summer of '69" and "Heaven." The artist's commitment to charity work was apparent when he co-founded the Canadian charity foundation – The Bryan Adams Foundation – that supports underprivileged individuals.
In addition to producing chart-topping singles and albums for over four decades, Bryan Adams has also branched out into photography. His lens-work has featured prominently in editorial publications such as Vanity Fair, Harpers Bazaar, and Esquire.
Fun fact: Did you know that Bryan Adams shares his name with a Welsh rugby union legend who played between 1966-1978?
Alanis Morissette may have sung about 'going down on someone in a theater' but she's definitely risen to the top as one of Canada's most iconic singers.
8. Alanis Morissette
One of the most renowned female artists to come from Canada is a singer-songwriter with a unique voice and style that has captivated audiences worldwide. Recognized for her iconic songs such as "Ironic" and "You Oughta Know," this artist has received several awards, including seven Grammy Awards, making her a true Canadian legend in the music industry.
Her raw and emotional lyrics have touched countless listeners, earning her a significant following during her career spanning over three decades. Her talent also extends beyond music as she's also acted in films and television shows. She's known for keeping herself out of the public eye but always manages to pull off unforgettable performances whenever she hits the stage.
It is worth mentioning that despite facing challenges early on in her career, including being dropped by her record label after releasing two albums, this artist persevered through it all to become one of the biggest names in music history. Her struggles and triumphs make for an inspiring story that people across generations can resonate with.
In fact, it was reported that while filming a concert documentary movie, she paused midway through singing 'Uninvited' due to an emotional connection with the song's content. It just goes on to prove how much depth and authenticity are present in her work. Truly an artist who continues to inspire aspiring musicians around the world.
Leonard Cohen may have been known for his melancholy songs, but at least he gave us something to cry to during quarantine.
9. Leonard Cohen
One of the most talented and celebrated musicians to have emerged from Canada is the late Leonard Cohen. Best known for his soulful and melancholy lyrics, Cohen's music has spoken to generations of fans around the world. With a career spanning over five decades, he was known as a poet, singer-songwriter and novelist. His songs like 'Hallelujah', 'Suzanne' and 'Bird on a Wire' continue to be timeless classics that resonate with audiences today. Cohen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, and his contribution to music continues to inspire future generations.
Cohen's distinct style of blending poetry with folk, rock and pop influenced many musicians globally. As an artist, he explored themes such as love, loss, spirituality and political turmoil through his music. He often wrote about personal experiences but also touched on universal struggles that people face in their lives – making him an icon among fans worldwide.
What sets Cohen apart from other singers is his ability to evoke powerful emotions within listeners through his unique brand of songwriting. He wrote with sincerity and depth which allowed him to connect with diverse audiences across different cultures and age groups.
Interestingly, Leonard Cohen was not just a musician; he was also a published author who won several awards for his novels and poetry collections.
True Fact: Leonard Cohen's iconic song 'Hallelujah' has been covered by over 300 artists including Jeff Buckley, John Cale, k.d Lang and Bon Jovi.
Neil Young might be a rock legend, but his singing voice sounds like a wounded animal – in the best possible way.
10. Neil Young
This Canadian musician and songwriter is widely regarded as one of the most talented artists in the music industry. He has captured the hearts of millions with his unique style that combines folk, rock, and country music. The Semantic NLP variation of this heading can be 'The Legendary Musician and Songwriter from Canada'.
As a member of Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, he made an immense contribution to the development of rock music in the 60s and 70s. He recorded over 35 studio albums throughout his career, captivating audiences with hits such as 'Heart of Gold', 'Old Man', and 'Rockin' in the Free World'. The Semantic NLP variation of this heading can be 'Young's Contribution to Rock Music'.
Notably, Young has been invested in environmental activism since the 1970s, campaigning for various causes such as clean energy and climate change. Besides being a talented musician, Neil Young is also an activist who uses his platform to raise awareness on pressing issues that matter.
Young famously once said: "I'm just writing songs because I want to hear them myself," which truly showcases his passion for music. His fans around the world admire him not only for his musical ability but also for his commitment to raising awareness on critical environmental issues.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
