Grandly
Canyon
Anika
Van Wyk
Calgary Sun
July 4, 2006
By
george, the gentleman cowboy still exists. Okotoks cowboy
and Canadian Country Music Associations’ entertainer
of the year George Canyon does not fall into the ego-driven
trappings of the entertainment business.
LOCAL STAR ... George Canyon's new album Somebody Wrote Love
is in stores July 4.
Canyon, whose career was revived after placing second on the
U.S. reality series Nashville Star, is a dedicated family
man whose new album Somebody Wrote Love is filled with songs
about being a better man.
“I
have to work at that in my own life … being a better
father and husband. Being on the road in this business is
trying. So it’s something I work at everyday,”
Canyon tells the Sun.
Canyon
has always put his family before everything. He sacrificed
his career when he moved them from Alberta to Nova Scotia
to be close to his dying father (they have returned to ranch
in the Calgary area). And whenever he discusses his musical
accomplishments he always uses ‘us’ — giving
his wife Jen credit as well.
“I
worship the ground she walks on. And Jen and I know even when
we’re apart that our family is first.”
The
new album also includes a loving tribute to his daughter Madi,
Madi’s Song (The Man She Thinks I Am).
His
seven-year-old is loving the attention and proudly takes the
stage when Canyon sings the song.
“It’s
an amazing feeling as a father. She’ll always have that
song.”
Canyon
is such a gentleman, he was even concerned about including
the light-hearted tune Drinkin’ Thinkin’ on the
CD he co-produced. He didn’t want people to think he
was promoting alcohol. “As far as I know, I have a good
sense of humour … and the song is makin’ fun of
drinking.
“You
can’t judge a book by a cover (or song title) and (if
they mistake the message) then they must not have listened
to my music before.”
Helping
motivate Canyon to appreciate what he has was a recent trip
to Afghanistan. “I have a completely different perspective
now,” he says after praising the bravery and upbeat
attitudes of the Canadian soldiers.
Speaking
with a Kabul father, his age, who also had a son and daughter,
really impacted Canyon.
“I’m
not near a smart enough man to be in politics … but
talking to him that slapped me upside the head.
“I
can’t imagine living like that. Borders should have
nothing to do with freedom.”
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