Beatles, Bob Dylan, Canada, Elton John, Emmylou Harris, Folk, Gordon Lightfoot, Guitar, JUNO, k.d. lang, Piano, Pop, Ron Sexsmith, Songwriter, Toronto, Voice February 24, 2024

‘I’m proud of the contribution that I’ve made to the Canadian songbook’: Ron Sexsmith on his Massey Hall retrospective

‘Sexsmith at Sixty’: The singer-songwriter has never had a top 40 hit, but he’s earned the admiration of some of the biggest names in the music business. by Nick Krewen Special to the Star Even Ron Sexsmith would admit he’s a bit of an anomaly. On Thursday, as he performs his career retrospective “Sexsmith at Sixty” while headlining Massey Hall for the sixth time, it’s worth noting that the mellifluously…

CMA, Country, Country Music Hall Of Fame, Country Pop, Country Rock, Grammy, Guitar, In Memoriam, Oklahoma, Piano, Producer, Songwriter, United States, Voice, Willie Nelson February 6, 2024

Controversial and popular country music star Toby Keith dies age 62

“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…

Americana, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Canada, Composer, Country, Guitar, Hamilton, Joni Mitchell, k.d. lang, Leonard Cohen, Producer, Songwriter, Toronto, United States February 4, 2024

Toronto’s legendary Matador club is gone, but Lori Yates hasn’t forgotten

The veteran singer writes about the place that played host to Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen on her new album Matador. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Who remembers the Matador? Lori Yates does — and she’s put it to song. The legendary after-hours country music watering hole at 466 Dovercourt Rd. is long gone — only the marquee remains — but Toronto singer-songwriter Yates has rekindled some…

Americana, Cinema, Country, Emmy, Grammy, In Memoriam, Nashville, Songwriter, United States, Voice, Willie Nelson January 16, 2024

The woman beside the Man in Black: documentary gives June Carter Cash her due

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…

Award Winners, Bass, Composer, Experimental, Festivals, Grammy, Jazz, Pop, Producer, Reggae, Rock, Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame, Songwriter, United Kingdom December 28, 2023

‘I’m still a student of music’ — Sting reflects on his long career ahead of his Toronto show

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…