Over the course of a long and illustrious career spanning almost 50 years, the pride of Lynn Lake, Manitoba, Tom Cochrane has achieved a level of success known to few recording artists.
Starting out as a folk-based singer/songwriter playing the coffeehouses of Toronto’s famed Yorkville scene in the early 70’s, Tom joined forces with rock group Red Rider in 1978 as their lead singer and main songwriter. Together as Red Rider and later as Tom Cochrane & Red Rider, they released a total of nine albums with hits, “Lunatic Fringe”, “Victory Day”, “Human Race”, “Boy Inside the Man”, “White Hot” and the chart topper, “Big League”.
Tom launched his solo career with the release of the anthemic hit “Life Is A Highway” from the breakthrough album Mad Mad World. This record sold over one million copies in Canada alone and another six million copies worldwide, giving it certified Diamond Status in Canada and earning him a Grammy nomination in the United States.
A Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee, Cochrane, both with Red Rider and as a solo artist, has won eight JUNO awards. His legacy as a Canadian icon has been cemented with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and a 322 kilometer section of Manitoba’s provincial highway named “Tom Cochrane’s Life Is A Highway”.
Over the course of his career as a solo artist and with Red Rider, he has released 21 albums and has toured constantly, rooting his place in the hearts, minds, and ears of audiences with his engaging performances while playing his multitude of crowd-pleasing hits. He continues to tour with members of Red Rider as well as a solo artist, captivating and charming people everywhere.
Tom’s unwavering work on behalf of humanitarian causes and organizations is as equally noteworthy as his musical achievements. He has been a long-time supporter of World Vision as well as of Amnesty International and War Child. Tom also spearheaded a CBC televised benefit concert for tsunami relief in Asia raising over $4
million in pledges. Tom has always been generous with his time and talent and continues to donate to various charities and causes in Canada and around the world. He most recently visited Nepal to advocate for improvements to child welfare. For his artistic and humanitarian contributions, he was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada and is also a recipient of the Order of Manitoba. He is also honorary colonel in the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 409 “Nighthawks” Tactical Fighter Squadron, as well as an honorary doctorate holder from Brandon University in Brandon, Manitoba. He has numerous industry honours including the 2013 Allan Waters Humanitarian Award and the Canadian Music Industry Humanitarian Award.
Tonight we are pleased to present to you, Tom Cochrane, songs and stories, The Duo.