“Most people think I’m a redneck patriot. I’m O.K. with that,” the musician from Oklahoma once said. He won a slew of awards and 32 chart-topping hits By Nick Krewen Special to the Star For the first decade of his career, country music superstar Toby Keith philosophically commiserated with the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield: he felt he got no respect. That changed by the end of his life, at least…
New documentary ‘June’ celebrates country music matriarch who had a career apart from her famous husband, Johnny Cash. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Over his career, country music legend Johnny Cash always had some interesting Canadian ties. Who can forget those Johnny Cash bank machines, ATM forerunners that the Man in Black was hired by Canada Trust to flog in a TV, radio and print advertising campaign? But there was…
The solo artist and former Police frontman on his history with Toronto, his “unlikely pairing” with Shaggy and his ongoing love of touring. By Nick Krewen Whether it was with The Police or on his own as a solo performer, Sting has always had a special relationship with Toronto. The man born Gordon Sumner in Wallsend, England – and who will be appearing at Budweiser Stage on September 5 – has…
The duo of ShoShona Kish and Raven Kanatakta Polson-Lahache are sharing their experiences and stirring things up through their music. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Canadian contemporary Indigenous music is enjoying an all-time high in visibility and much of that has to do with the band Digging Roots. Formed in 2004 and led by the “life partner” duo of ShoShona Kish and Raven Kanatakta Polson-Lahache, the group is…
Otis Williams looks back as the musical “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” returns to Toronto. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Sixty-three years on, Otis Williams is still at the helm of one of the greatest Motown acts of all-time, The Temptations. Not only does the tenor and baritone vocalist continue to tour with the group into its seventh decade as its only original member, but…
