Canadian musicians who were born in 1951
Here are 24 famous musicians from Canada were born in 1951:
Doug Bennett
Doug Bennett (October 31, 1951 Toronto-October 16, 2004 Calgary) was a Canadian singer, musician and songwriter.
His most well known albums: Slugcology 101: A Decade of Doug and The Slugs, Tomcat Prowl and Animato. Genres related to him: Rock music, Alternative rock and Canadian rock.
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Terry O'Reilly
Terry O'Reilly (June 7, 1951 Niagara Falls-) is a Canadian ice hockey player.
He played for the Boston Bruins for over a decade, serving as the team captain from 1983 to 1985. O'Reilly was known for his physical style of play and his willingness to defend his teammates. After retiring from playing, he moved on to coaching and eventually became a broadcast analyst for the Bruins. Outside of hockey, O'Reilly is also an avid golfer and has participated in several charity golf tournaments. In 2016, he was inducted into the Boston Bruins Hall of Fame.
During his playing career, Terry O'Reilly amassed an impressive record of 606 points and 2,095 penalty minutes in 891 games. He was a member of the Bruins' "Lunch Line" along with Peter McNab and Stan Jonathan, which was known for their hard-nosed play and physical style. O'Reilly was also a key player in the Bruins' 1978 and 1979 Stanley Cup runs.
As a coach, O'Reilly led the Bruins to a 52–32–6 record during the 1986–87 season, earning him the Jack Adams Award for NHL Coach of the Year. O'Reilly went on to serve as head coach of the New York Rangers and later became an analyst for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and NESN.
O'Reilly is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly his work with the Cam Neely Foundation, which supports cancer research and treatment. In 2002, he and his wife founded the Terry O'Reilly Family Foundation, which supports organizations that provide aid to children with disabilities and their families. O'Reilly currently resides in Kingston, Massachusetts with his family.
O'Reilly was born in Niagara Falls, Canada, and began playing hockey at a young age. He was drafted by the Bruins in 1971 and played his entire NHL career with the team. O'Reilly was a fan favorite due to his tough-guy persona on the ice and his dedication to the Bruins organization.
As a coach, O'Reilly had a successful tenure with the Bruins, leading the team to the playoffs in three of his four seasons as head coach. He also served as an assistant coach for the Rangers and later became a coach in the minor leagues.
In addition to his work in hockey and philanthropy, O'Reilly is also an author. He has written several books, including "Terry O'Reilly: The King of Madison Avenue," which chronicles his successful career in advertising. O'Reilly is also a frequent speaker and commentator on topics related to leadership, teamwork, and communication.
Despite retiring from coaching, O'Reilly remains an active participant in the hockey community. He continues to work with the Bruins as a broadcaster and ambassador for the team, and is widely respected for his contributions to the game both on and off the ice.
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Daniel Lanois
Daniel Lanois (September 19, 1951 Hull-) also known as Lanois, Daniel or Dan Lanois is a Canadian record producer, musician, songwriter, guitarist, audio engineer, singer and film score composer.
His albums include Acadie, For the Beauty of Wynona, Shine, Cool Water, Here Is What Is, Steel, Purple Vista, Santiago, The Maker and Belladonna. Genres he performed: Folk music, New Wave, Art rock, Ambient music, Alternative rock, Folk rock, Pop rock, Experimental rock, Acoustic music, Rock music, Blues and Blues rock.
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Charles de Lint
Charles de Lint (December 22, 1951 Bussum-) a.k.a. Charles Henri Diederick Hoefsmit de Lint, Samuel M. Key, Wendelessen or de Lint, Charles Henri Diederick Hoefsmit is a Canadian author, novelist, writer, poet and musician.
His albums include Old Blue Truck.
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Ben Mink
Ben Mink (January 22, 1951 Detroit-) also known as Mink, Ben or Benjamin Mink is a Canadian guitarist, songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist, teacher and film score composer.
Discography: Alice.
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Willie P. Bennett
Willie P. Bennett (October 26, 1951 Toronto-February 15, 2008 Peterborough) a.k.a. Bennett, Willie P. or William Patrick "Willie P." Bennett was a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician and mandolinist.
His albums: Collectibles, Hobo's Taunt, Blackie and the Rodeo King, Heartstrings, Take My Own Advice, Tryin' To Start Out Clean and The Lucky Ones. Genres related to him: Alternative country, Folk music, Bluegrass and Country.
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Janina Fialkowska
Janina Fialkowska (May 7, 1951 Montreal-) a.k.a. Janina Fialkowska, OC is a Canadian pianist and musician.
Her albums include Chopin Piano Concertos, Transcendental Liszt, Liszt: Piano Concerti, La Jongleuse - Salon Pieces and Encores, Fialkowska Plays Szymanowski, Pieces for Piano Solo, , Piano Concertos, and Mozart: Concertos Nos. 13 & 14.
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Lillian Allen
Lillian Allen (April 5, 1951 Jamaica-) a.k.a. Allen, Lillian is a Canadian writer, poet and musician.
Her albums include Revolutionary Tea Party and Conditions Critical. Genres she performed: Reggae.
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Billy Newton-Davis
Billy Newton-Davis (April 26, 1951 Cleveland-) also known as Billy Newton Davis is a Canadian singer-songwriter, singer, dancer and musician.
Discography: All U Ever Want, Spellbound, Love is a Contact Sport and Outta My Life.
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Brent Carver
Brent Carver (November 17, 1951 Cranbrook-) is a Canadian actor.
He trained at the National Theatre School of Canada and started his career in the theatre. He won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his role in "Kiss of the Spider Woman" in 1993. Carver also received critical acclaim for his performances in "Parade," "The Wild Party," and "Fiddler on the Roof." In addition to his work on stage, he appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Street Legal." Carver was known for his powerful and emotional performances, and his contributions to the Canadian theatre community were celebrated throughout his career. He passed away on August 4, 2020, at the age of 68.
Carver was born in Cranbrook, British Columbia. After completing his training at the National Theatre School of Canada, he started his career in the theatre, performing in a variety of productions across Canada. He became widely known for his performances in both musicals and dramas.
In addition to his Tony Award-winning performance in "Kiss of the Spider Woman," Carver received numerous other award nominations and wins throughout his career. He won a Dora Mavor Moore Award for his role in the Canadian premiere of "Parade" and received a Gemini Award nomination for his portrayal of Lewis Carroll in the television movie, "The Secret World of Og."
Aside from acting, Carver was also an accomplished singer and recorded several albums throughout his career. He was a member of the Canadian Opera Company and performed in several operas throughout his career as well.
Carver's passing in August 2020 was mourned by many in the Canadian theatre community, who praised his talent and contributions to the industry.
He was also known for his mentorship of young actors and helping to shape the next generation of performers. Carver was openly gay and often played LGBTQ+ characters on stage, breaking barriers in the theatre industry with his authentic portrayals. He was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and was also involved in various charitable organizations, including organizations that supported HIV/AIDS research and treatment. Despite his success and fame, Carver remained humble and grounded, often saying that he was "just a guy from Cranbrook." His legacy as one of Canada's greatest actors lives on through his performances and the impact he had on the theatre community.
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Michel Rivard
Michel Rivard (September 27, 1951 Montreal-) a.k.a. Beau Dommage is a Canadian guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor, film score composer and screenwriter.
Discography: Québec, Bonsoir... mon nom est toujours Michel Rivard et voici mon album quadruple, Simple! (En spectacle intime), Bonsoir ... Mon nom est Michel Rivard et voici mon album double, Confiance, De Longueuil à Berlin, Le goût de l'eau... et autres chansons naïves, Maudit Bonheur, Michel Rivard and Méfiez-vous du grand amour. Genres he performed include Folk rock.
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Karen Young
Karen Young (June 19, 1951 Montreal-) is a Canadian singer and film score composer.
She grew up in Toronto and began performing in the 1970s with the band "The Beavers." In 1978, she released her first solo album, "Karen Young."
Young became popular in the disco era with her hit song "Hot Shot," which reached #67 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978.
Aside from music, she has also composed scores for several films and television shows, including the Canadian film "Stella" (1990) and the TV series "La Femme Nikita" (1997-2001).
In 1992, Young was diagnosed with breast cancer and took a hiatus from music. She later returned to performing and in 2018, released her album "Dreamers," which features original songs as well as covers of classic jazz standards.
Young has collaborated with several acclaimed musicians throughout her career, including jazz pianist Oliver Jones and saxophonist Richard Beaudet. She has also performed at international music festivals such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal.
In addition to her music and film work, Young has been involved in social and humanitarian causes. She has worked with organizations such as the Canadian Breast Cancer Network and the Friends of the Earth environmental group. She was also a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, recognizing her contributions to Canadian society.
Overall, Karen Young has had a successful and varied career as a musician and composer, with a focus on jazz, disco, and film scores. She continues to be active in the music industry and to support social causes.
Young's music has been praised for its combination of energy and sensitivity, blending elements of jazz, pop, and disco. Her versatility as a performer and composer has enabled her to work across a range of genres, from dance music to film soundtracks. In addition to her solo work, she has also collaborated with other artists on several projects. One notable example is her work with the Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn, with whom she recorded a duet of his song "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" in 1995.
Aside from her musical accomplishments, Young is also known for her activism on behalf of women and the environment. She has spoken publicly about her own experiences with breast cancer and has used her platform to raise awareness about the disease and advocate for better healthcare for women. She has also been active in environmental causes, particularly in her work with Friends of the Earth. Through her music and her activism, Karen Young has earned a reputation as a pioneer and a trailblazer, breaking barriers and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
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Nick Gilder
Nick Gilder (December 21, 1951 London-) also known as Nick Glider, Gilder, Nick or Nicholas George Gilder is a Canadian singer, guitarist and singer-songwriter.
His albums: The Best of Nick Gilder: Hot Child in the City, City Nights / Frequency, You Know Who You Are, Longtime Coming, Rock America, City Nights, Nick Gilder, Body Talk Muzik, Frequency and Stairways. Genres: Glam rock and Rock music.
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Kevin MacMichael
Kevin MacMichael (November 7, 1951 Saint John-December 31, 2002 Halifax) also known as Kevin Scott MacMichael was a Canadian musician and singer-songwriter. His child is called Cadence MacMichael.
Genres he performed include Rock music.
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Lisle Ellis
Lisle Ellis (November 17, 1951 Campbell River-) is a Canadian composer.
He is widely known for his work in the field of contemporary jazz and has played a key role in the development of the new music scene in Vancouver. Ellis was primarily a bassist before branching out as a composer and has contributed to over 80 recordings as a sideman. He studied at the Vancouver Community College Music Program before going on to study privately with renowned bassist and composer Dave Holland. In addition to his work as a musician, Ellis is also a respected educator and has taught at various institutions including the Banff Centre for the Arts and the Vancouver Community College.
Ellis has collaborated with many prominent figures in the jazz world, including saxophonist John Zorn, pianist Paul Plimley, and drummer Andrew Cyrille. He has performed at numerous renowned festivals, such as the Berlin Jazz Festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Ellis has received critical acclaim for his unique approach to the bass, incorporating extended techniques and unconventional playing styles. He has also been recognized as a composer, receiving multiple commissions and awards for his pieces. Ellis continues to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz and remains an active member of the Vancouver music scene.
In addition to his work in jazz, Lisle Ellis has also explored other genres, such as free improvisation, modern classical music, and electronic music. He has collaborated with various artists outside of the jazz world, including performance artist Laurie Anderson and experimental musician Otomo Yoshihide. Ellis has also been involved in multimedia projects, incorporating video and visual art into his performances.
Ellis has received numerous awards for his contributions to the Canadian music scene, including the Freddie Stone Award for Excellence in Music Teaching in British Columbia and the Alcan Arts Award. He has also been a recipient of grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and the British Columbia Arts Council, which have enabled him to further his musical experimentation and research.
Aside from his musical pursuits, Ellis is also an avid cyclist and has participated in the annual Ride to Conquer Cancer, a fundraising event for cancer research. He is also involved in environmental causes and has supported organizations such as Greenpeace and the Sierra Club.
Despite his many accomplishments, Ellis remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to explore new musical territories and inspire others through his innovative approach to music.
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Carole Laure
Carole Laure (August 5, 1951 Shawinigan-) also known as Laure, Carole, Carol Laure, Carole Lord or Carole Champagne is a Canadian singer, actor, film director, film producer and screenwriter. She has two children, Tom Furey and Clara Furey.
Her discography includes: Western Shadows, Alibis, Sentiments naturels and She Says Move On.
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Tim Bachman
Tim Bachman (August 1, 1951 Winnipeg-) also known as Bachman, Tim or Timothy Gregg Bachman is a Canadian guitarist.
Genres related to him: Rock music.
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Shari Ulrich
Shari Ulrich (October 17, 1951 San Rafael-) a.k.a. Ulrich, Shari, Sharon Ulrich or Sharon (Shari) Ulrich is a Canadian singer, songwriter, musician, film score composer, presenter, actor, music teacher and multi-instrumentalist.
Related albums: Every Road, The View From Here, The Best of Shari Ulrich, Long Nights, 'Live' at Cates Hill, Find Our Way, You're Makin Me Nervous, The One and Only, Talk Around Town and One Step Ahead.
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Richard Darbois
Richard Darbois (December 7, 1951 Montreal-) also known as Richard Denis or Richard Guimond-Darbois is a Canadian actor and voice actor.
He began his acting career on stage before transitioning to film and television. Darbois has appeared in numerous Canadian and American productions, including the films "The High Life," "Head in the Clouds," and "The Art of War," as well as television shows such as "The Adventures of Tintin," "Street Legal," and "The Little Flying Bears."
Darbois has also made a name for himself as a prolific voice actor, providing the French voice for iconic characters such as Harrison Ford's Han Solo in the "Star Wars" films, Michael J. Fox's Marty McFly in the "Back to the Future" trilogy, and Bruce Willis' John McClane in the "Die Hard" series. He has also lent his voice to various animated shows and films, including "The Simpsons," "Angry Birds," and "Ice Age."
Throughout his career, Darbois has won multiple awards for his acting and voiceover work, including a Gemini Award and an ACTRA Award. He continues to work in the film and television industry today.
Darbois was born and raised in Montreal, where he discovered his passion for acting at a young age. He studied at the National Theatre School of Canada before joining the prestigious Stratford Festival, where he performed in a variety of plays. He later moved to Toronto to pursue screen acting and quickly found success in the Canadian film and television industry.
In addition to his acting work, Darbois is also a skilled musician and composer. He has written music for several films and television shows, including the series "La Femme Nikita."
Darbois is known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his performances. He is particularly admired for his work in voiceover, which has earned him a devoted following in his native Quebec and beyond.
Outside of his acting career, Darbois is also an advocate for environmental causes and has worked with several conservation organizations over the years. He is committed to using his platform to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the planet for future generations.
Darbois is fluent in both French and English, which has allowed him to work in both Canadian and American productions. He has also dubbed the voices of foreign actors in several films, including Jackie Chan in "Rush Hour" and "Shanghai Noon" and Robert Downey Jr. in "Iron Man." Darbois has been recognized for his contribution to the film industry by being inducted into both the Quebec and Canadian Film and Television Halls of Fame.
Despite his success, Darbois remains grounded and committed to giving back to his community. He volunteers his time with various charities and non-profit organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. In 2018, Darbois received the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement, which recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Canadian culture.
Darbois continues to work in the film and television industry and remains a beloved figure in Quebec and beyond. His talent and dedication to his craft have cemented his place as one of Canada's most talented actors and voice actors.
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John Lefebvre
John Lefebvre (August 6, 1951-) is a Canadian lawyer, entrepreneur and singer-songwriter.
He is best known as the co-founder of NETeller, an online payment processing company that became popular in the early 2000s. After successfully building the company and taking it public, Lefebvre became involved in philanthropic work, primarily focused on environmental and social justice causes. In addition to his business pursuits, Lefebvre is also a talented musician, having released several albums and performed at various music festivals. He currently resides in Vancouver, Canada.
Lefebvre grew up in Montreal and obtained a Bachelor of Civil Law degree from McGill University. He went on to work as a lawyer before co-founding NETeller with his friend and business partner Stephen Lawrence in 1999. Under Lefebvre's leadership as CEO, the company became widely used by online gambling websites and quickly grew in popularity, making it one of the largest payment processing companies in the world.
However, in 2007, NETeller was charged by the US government with money laundering related to online gambling transactions. Lefebvre pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years of house arrest and community service. After serving his sentence, he turned his focus to philanthropy and has since supported various environmental initiatives, such as the Rainforest Foundation and Tides Canada.
Additionally, Lefebvre's passion for music has led him to pursue a second career as a singer-songwriter. He has released several albums and often performs at venues in Vancouver and beyond. Offstage, he continues to engage in charitable work and is involved in various organizations that promote environmental sustainability and social justice.
Lefebvre is also a published author, having written a memoir titled "All's Well That Ends Well: The Life of a Casino Netpreneur". The book chronicles his journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges he faced while building NETeller. Lefebvre's personal experiences have also led him to support drug policy reform, specifically the legalization of cannabis. In 2013, he co-founded the "Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy" and has been an advocate for drug law reform since. In recognition of his philanthropic work, Lefebvre was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. Despite his legal troubles and tumultuous business history, Lefebvre's dedication to social and environmental causes has made him a respected figure in Canada and beyond.
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Denis Gougeon
Denis Gougeon (November 16, 1951 Granby-) also known as Gougeon, Denis is a Canadian composer and music educator.
He studied music at Laval University, and later went on to earn a doctorate in composition from the Université de Montréal. He has been on the faculty at Université de Montréal, and has also taught at McGill University and at the Cégep de Drummondville. Gougeon has received numerous awards for his work, including the Calixa-Lavallée Award in 2005 and the Quebec Order of Arts and Letters in 2015. He is known for his innovative approach to composition, blending elements of contemporary classical music with traditional styles from around the world. In addition to his work as a composer, he has also been active as a conductor, and has served as the artistic director of the Société de musique contemporaine du Québec.
Gougeon's compositions have been performed by several prominent orchestras and ensembles, including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. He has also collaborated with other artists, such as choreographer Edouard Lock and poet Nicole Brossard, to create multidisciplinary works that combine music with dance and spoken word. Gougeon's music is noted for its complexity, rich use of harmony and timbre, and powerful emotional impact. Some of his most famous works include "Mikroscope", "Cantate pour douze solistes", and "L'oiseau d'Amérique". In addition to his accomplishments as a composer and educator, Gougeon is also a respected commentator on music, having written numerous articles and given lectures on various aspects of musical theory and history.
He has also served as a jury member for many prestigious music competitions, including the International Society for Contemporary Music’s World Music Days, the International Gaudeamus Music Week, and the Canadian Music Centre's Young Composer Competition. Gougeon is deeply involved in the promotion of contemporary music in Canada and has been instrumental in establishing organizations like the Société québécoise de recherche en musique and the Canadian Music Centre's Quebec Chapter. He has also been awarded the Prix Denise-Pelletier, Quebec's highest cultural honor, in recognition of his contributions to the arts. Gougeon's influence on the Canadian music scene has been significant, both through his compositions and his leadership in promoting contemporary classical music.
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Brian Greenway
Brian Greenway (October 1, 1951 Hawkesbury-) a.k.a. Greenway, Brian is a Canadian musician, singer-songwriter and guitarist.
His most recognized albums: Serious Business. Genres he performed include Rock music and Hard rock.
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Danny Brooks
Danny Brooks (December 16, 1951 Mount Dennis-) also known as Daniel G. P. Middlebrook is a Canadian songwriter, author and singer.
Genres he performed: Gospel music and Blues.
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John Witmer
John Witmer (February 1, 1951-July 3, 2004) was a Canadian songwriter and singer.
Genres related to him: Blues.
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