David McPherson is a Waterloo, Ontario-based author, freelance writer, and communications consultant. Ever since attending his first rock concert in 1989 (The Who) and buying his first LP (Freeze Frame by The J. Geils Band), music has become “the elixir of his life.” With more than 18,000 songs on my iPod, and an ever-growing vintage vinyl collection, it’s a joy to discover new music; he loves sharing these discoveries with his wife and two children. After watching his first show [The Old 97s] at the Horseshoe Tavern more than twenty years ago, he was in love with this iconic venue. David’s first book: The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern: A Complete History chronicled the history of this Toronto institution; it was published in 2017. Since, he has published two more books: Massey Hall (2021) and 101 Fascinating Canadian Music Facts (2023).
A regular contributor to Words + Music, GRAMMY.com and the Globe & Mail, over the years, his writing has appeared in countless publications including: Zoomer!, Sharp, No Depression, Paste, American Songwriter, Bluegrass Unlimited, Exclaim! and Canadian Musician. As president and chief creative officer of McPherson Communications, David helps clients get the words right. Clients, past and present, include: Osler Bluff Ski Club, the University of Waterloo, Westmount Golf & Country Club and TELUS International.
A veritable compendium of interesting facts and back stories from some of Canada’s best talent! Anyone who doubts we have a vibrant music culture need only refer to any one of these recollections. There’s the story of the song and its artists, plus the backstory which surprises and informs. Who doesn’t want a good back story? It’s where all the juicy tidbits float to the surface. ― Lorraine Segato, musician from The Parachute Club
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 12-year-old Liberty Silver singing in a reggae band that opened for Bob Marley at Madison Square Garden? Did you know that the title of the Tragically Hip’s 1991 album, Road Apples, is not talking about apples?
In 101 Fascinating Canadian Music Facts, author and historian David McPherson shares these and 97 other tales gathered from his more than 25 years working in the music industry. Music lovers and trivia buffs alike will enjoy perusing this collection of stories — collected from coast to coast — to discover surprising facts and hilarious tales from Canada’s music industry.
amazon.ca/101-Fascinating-Canadian-Music-Facts/dp/1459751582
For more on David McPherson visit davidmcpherson.ca