Book ~ "101 Fascinating Canadian Music Facts" (2023) David McPherson

From Goodreads ~101 true stories to surprise and delight Canadian music fans.

Did you know that Serena Ryder played the quietest concert ever from the ocean floor during low tide at Fundy National Park? Or that “I’ll Never Smile Again,” the hit that launched Frank Sinatra’s career, was written by Toronto pianist Ruth Lowe? What about Canadian R&B-singer Liberty Silver playing with the Wild Bunch and opening for Bob Marley at Madison Square Gardens when she was only twelve years old? Did you know that title of the Tragically Hip 1991 album "Road Apples" is not talking about apples?

In "101 Fascinating Canadian Music Facts", author and historian David McPherson shares these and 98 other tales gathered from his more than twenty-five years working in the music industry. Music lovers and trivia buffs alike will enjoy perusing this collection of stories - gathered from coast to coast - to discover fun facts and hilarious tales from Canada’s music industry.

This is an interesting and fun book of 101 stories for music fans, especially Canadian music fans. They range from the distant past about Wilf Carter and Hank Snow to recent times about Justin Bieber and Tate McRae, from rock like April Wine and folk like Stan Rogers, and bars like Lulu's Roadhouse in Kitchener and Toronto's Horseshoe. It was amazing to find out how far the Canadian reach is.

I liked the writing style ... the stories were short and snappy. I thought they were interesting and I found myself pausing at times as I was reading to Google to learn more about what I was reading about. I had no idea what a road apple is and "bop bada baa, bop bada baa" was a code with Crowbar ... ha! Some of the stories are well-known and some not so well-known like that of Maritimers MacLean & MacLean.

Book ~ "Massey Hall" (2021) David McPherson

From Goodreads ~ Known for its intimacy and sense of occasion, a night at Toronto’s Massey Hall is magical for both audiences and performers. For many musicians, playing the hall is the surest sign that they have made it. Looking out over the crowd, performers often comment that they feel they have joined history as they stand on the stage where Sarah Vaughan, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, and so many other legends have stood.

Based on scores of interviews and meticulous research, "Massey Hall" chronicles not only the historical and musical moments of the past 127 years but also the community of artists and supporters that has built up around the hall. Covering both emerging artists such as Shakura S’Aida and William Prince and musical giants from Herbie Hancock to the Tragically Hip, this full-colour book is a celebration of music, community, and our shared cultural heritage.

Massey Hall is a performing arts theatre in downtown Toronto ... I've been to many concerts there so was interested to learn more about it.  Plus I like to learn about history.

Opening in 1894, Hart Massey wanted to build a music hall in order to fill the need for a meeting place where people from the Toronto area could meet and enjoy choral music not of a religious theme. He also wanted to construct the building in memory of his son, Charles, who loved music.  Massey also did not want the music hall to make large profits ... he wanted both rich and poor to attend events.  It closed in July 2018 for a two-year-long renovation including a new seven-storey addition and two smaller concert rooms and recently reopened.

The book covers a lot of information:

1. The House that Hart Built
2. The Early Years:  Opening Night to the Great Depression
3. The Jazz Age and Beyond
4. For Folk's Sake:  The 1960s
5. Let There Be Rock:  The 1970s
6. The 1980s
7. Canadians Take Centre Stage:  The 1990s
8. The New Millennium
9. The House of Gord - focusing on Gordon Lightfoot
10. Last Call at the Hall
11. Revitalization
12. Artist Development and Outreach
13. Legendary Leaders
14. A Beacon of Hope

There were many pictures and it was interesting to see how styles and tastes had changed over the years.  It was entertaining to hear stories about Massey Hall, especially from performers.

Book ~ "The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern: A Complete History" (2017) David McPherson

From Goodreads ~ Like the Queen Street strip that has been its home for seven decades, the Horseshoe Tavern continues to evolve. It remains as relevant today as it did when Jack Starr founded the country club on the site of a former blacksmith shop. From country and rockabilly to rock ‘n’ roll, punk, alt/country, and back to roots music, the venerable live music venue has evolved with the times and trends — always keeping pace with the music. 

Over its seventy-year history, the Horseshoe has seen a flood of talent pass through. From Willie Nelson to Loretta Lynn, Stompin’ Tom Connors to the Band, and Bryan Adams to the Tragically Hip, the Horseshoe has attracted premier acts from all eras of music. In The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern, David McPherson captures the turbulent life of the bar, and of Canadian rock. 

The Horseshoe Tavern (aka "The 'Shoe") is a bar at Queen Street W and Spadina here in Toronto.  It opened in 1947 and though it has had different owners over the years, it's still in operation today as a music venue.  The building itself dates back to 1861, when it opened as a blacksmith shop.  It originally opened as a restaurant but soon became known for its country and western concerts, hosting soon-to-be superstars such as Willie Nelson, Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lyn, Charlie Pride and Ian & Sylvia Tyson.

Over the years, the music styles have changed ... blues, folk, reggae, mod rock, punk, new wave, alternative rock, ska, surf, swing, Celtic, alternative country and more.  Iconic Canadian bands played there when they were starting out ... Bryan Adams, Blue Rodeo, the Tragically Hip, the Watchmen, Big Sugar, Wide Mouth Mason, Great Big Sea, Stompin' Tom Connors, the Band, Helix, Prairie Oyster, The Jeff Healey Band and Our Lady Peace.  Surprise concerts include the The Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams, The ‘Hip, Melissa Ethridge, Sammy Hagar and The Blues Brothers.

I enjoyed this book as I like reading about the history of Toronto, I like music and I used to go to The 'Shoe.  When I moved to Toronto in the late 1980s, it was one of the places I went to hear live music as that was the time when Amanda Marshall, The Phantoms, Jeff Healey, etc. were just starting out.  It was a dive bar but it was a fun dive bar.  I haven't been to The 'Shoe in years.  Their music focus has changed and evolved and they are bringing in bands I haven't heard of.  After reading this book, though, I want to go back and check them out again.

I liked the writing style of the book and it brought back memories of bands and bars I'd forgotten about (like The Diamond Club [now The Phoenix] and Albert's Hall).  In addition to lots of interesting information and stories about The 'Shoe, there are interviews with those involved (like the owners, performers and even the bartenders) along with pictures.  As a head's up, there is swearing.

It's a must-read for anyone who is interested in the music scene over the years here in Toronto and/or has been to The 'Shoe.