The Essence Of Robert Priest Shines Through with the Release of “I Won’t Go Without You”

Thu Jan 15, 2026
The Essence Of Robert Priest

Creative and Graphic Designs for Robert Priest:  Allen Booth

When speaking with poet and songwriter Robert Priest, you can’t help but think: wow — what a gentle, sweet, and interesting person, with an amazing head of hair. Over coffee, the kind words begin, the conversation shifts from light banter to the bizarre and the dark, and I sit back and listen — deeply intrigued by this poet’s mind as I jot down notes.

Often referred to as the People’s Poet, Priest’s body of work — fourteen books of poetry and eight CDs of music — beautifully captures the rainbow of emotions that comprise the human spirit. He has long had his share of admirers among the literati. Toronto Poet Laureate Lillian Allen, for instance, calls him “one of my favourite poets ever.”

“He is the people’s poet,” she says, “because he speaks to people about real-life situations and isn’t afraid to say what he feels. He is generous and has always supported other poets and artists, especially those who are breaking the rules.”

Birdsong New Music Foundation hosts HOT! HOT! HOT! Fundraiser at The Duke

Thu Jul 10 2025
D.M. Lafortune with Platinum Award winning producer Greg Kavanagh in studio

As the summer blossoms, the charity is hosting a Mid- Summer fundraiser party - in Toronto at The Duke Live, (1225 Queen St. East.) The event promises to be full of great music, dance and loving support hosted by Canadian TV personality Michael Williams and Birdsong Foundation founder Margaret Konopacki. All songs performed are original songs created by Birdsong Artists subsidized by the Birdsong Foundation.

The line-up includes Poet and artist Robert Priest, D.M. Lafortune, Dustin Harder (a.k.a. Prairie Soul), Arif Jinha, Jordan Gow, Ashley Bell, Jhmal King, Dianne Samuels (a.k.a Bird of Paradise) and Bryant Didier with the Birdsong Village Band.

Voices Travel the WInd - Hey Na Na Na Ney 
Song by Dustin Harder - Produced by Birdsong New Music Foundation
Music Producer: Bryant Didier

Bravo Robert Priest on a great live performance and a jazzy fantastic new release!

Fri Feb 23 2024
Robert Priest

“People Like You And Me”

The older audience magic hour seems to be Sundays two and six, the new Hugh’s Room Live was packed. It’s a classic neighborhood church 296 Broadview Avenue in Toronto.

Very simple stage , bar no food, chairs. Nice balcony.

Classic coffee house vibe with no coffee or tea?

Love the pews on the side, on the stage no place to hide.

Went to see my old friend Robert Priest, backed by some of the greatest musicians in the city to launch his new record “People like you and me!”

I have long since been a fan of Robert Priest poetry, he made poetry accessible to everyone who wanted to pick up a pen or perform poetry live.

Today at Hugh’s room backed two bands first a more traditional folk duo that changes into more jazz ensemble , including guitarists Bob Cohen ,David Hines and special guest Alison Young on saxophone and guitarist supreme Kevin Breit. The performance flowed well and Robert’s trumpet playing was a wonderful surprise addition to the jazz feel of his latest release.