“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…
Tony Bennett, who won 19 Grammys, died on Friday at age 96. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Few artists are lucky to have the type of career that was afforded beloved Italian crooner Tony Bennett. Bennett, who died Friday two weeks shy of his 97th birthday, may be best remembered for his golden standard “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” and as the peerless interpreter of the Great American Songbook,…
Nick Krewen Special to the Star January 11, 2020 He was closer to our hearts than we even realized. Make no mistake, the depth of anguish with which the music world – especially Canadians – regards the unexpected passing of Neil Peart, 67, on January 7 from glioblastoma, is immeasurable. Arguably the greatest and most influential drummer of his generation, the Hamilton-born Peart – one third of progressive power trio…
Dr. Kira Payne, recognized for her work as both a jazz saxophonist and a physician and psychiatrist, died on Saturday. Nick Krewen Music, Tues., Jan 5, 2016 The local jazz community is in mourning following the death of a woman described as a trailblazer of Toronto music performance. Dr. Kira Payne, a gifted alto and tenor saxophonist who played in such outfits as the Bobby Herriot Orchestra, Jim Galloway’s Wee…
