Commonwealth_ Sarah McLachlan, Tom Cochrane, and other notable artists were celebrated at their induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, a night that honored not only their contributions to music but also the sacrifices inherent in the creative process. Tom Cochrane spoke candidly about the demands of songwriting, acknowledging how the pursuit of his craft had taken valuable time from loved ones. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his daughters for their understanding and patience throughout his career. Despite the challenges, Cochrane emphasized the beauty that often emerges from these sacrifices, suggesting that the creation of songs can be akin to a small miracle. “Songs have a beginning and an end – like lives,” he reflected. “And like the people we love, we don’t forget them.”
The night was filled with performances that spanned the range of emotions and demonstrated the lasting impact of each inductee’s work. The inductees’ iconic songs played throughout the evening, with fans getting up to dance as artists like Sam Roberts, Metric, and Lights joined in, paying tribute in their own unique ways. Husband-and-wife duo Whitehorse delivered a somber yet evocative acoustic-electric version of McLachlan’s “Sweet Surrender,” capturing the intimate and poignant quality of her music. The energy shifted as Brett Emmons of the Glorious Sons performed a raw, impassioned version of Cochrane’s “Big League,” his barefoot performance conveying both vulnerability and power.
Nelly Furtado shared how Sarah McLachlan was an early inspiration during her career, particularly through her experience on one of the Lilith Fair tours. Furtado also praised McLachlan’s tireless charity efforts, noting her role in raising funds for numerous causes over the years. The evening hit a particularly emotional note when McLachlan and Furtado teamed up to deliver a beautiful duet of “Angel,” with Furtado standing near McLachlan’s piano, their voices blending harmoniously. Amid the tributes and heartfelt reflections, there were also plenty of moments of levity. The induction of Blue Rodeo songwriters Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor was particularly filled with humor. Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies appeared in a video message, humorously likening Cuddy and Keelor to being as inseparable as maple syrup and pancakes. When Greg Keelor stepped up to the podium with a thick notepad of handwritten notes, he kept the crowd laughing by assuring them that his speech wasn’t as long as it appeared. He then spotted Sarah McLachlan in the audience, seated beside her daughter Taja, and quipped, “I once said, way back, that when I die, I want Sarah McLachlan to sing at my grave. So I think I will die in my seat tonight.”
Country artists Tim Hicks and Tenille Townes honored Blue Rodeo with an aptly themed tribute, both dressed in blue Hicks in a blue jean jacket and Townes in blue leather pants as they performed a gritty version of “Til I Am Myself Again.” Toronto singer Ahi added his own touch to the festivities with a blues-infused rendition of “Try” that garnered praise from Jim Cuddy, who expressed his appreciation when he took the stage for his induction speech.
Cuddy remarked on the overwhelming nature of the celebration, thanking his wife, actress Rena Polley, for her unwavering support through the years. The personal reflections from the artists throughout the night made it clear that behind every great song lies a story not just of creativity, but of resilience and the support of loved ones.
Another standout performance came from French-Canadian chanteuse La Zara, who represented France at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. She delivered a powerful version of Quebec singer Diane Tell’s 1981 hit “Si J’etais un Homme” (“If I Were a Man”). In her acceptance speech, Tell reflected on her early days as a songwriter, recalling how she wrote around 50 songs before she was out of her teens, performing them “for anyone who cared to listen.” She spoke of songwriting as an invaluable part of her life, emphasizing how important it was for her to “own my music and protect it from the industry.” “Those songs are my anchor,” she added, underlining the personal connection she has to her work. To close out the evening, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts joined Cochrane on stage for an energetic rendition of “Life is a Highway.” Halfway through the performance, the rest of the evening’s artists joined them on stage, creating a joyful, celebratory atmosphere as they rocked out together, bringing the night to a memorable conclusion. The gathering of such influential songwriters and performers underscored the power of music to connect, uplift, and inspire both the creators and their audiences.
