When I heard
Winnipeg Sun
When readers chose Manitoba’s top five musicians, I couldn’t help but grin — followed swiftly by pondering.
How on earth did they manage to narrow it down?
Having hosted radio shows in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Toronto, let me share my insight: Manitoba isn’t merely an integral component of Canada’s musical landscape—it stands as its very core. The roster of artists hailing from this region is nothing short of astounding. Personally, I hold great admiration for musicians like William Prince and JP Hoe, not to mention Crash Test Dummies; the list goes on endlessly. Indeed, I strongly believe that our illustrious array of talents could easily populate an entire museum exhibit.
Simply examine the proof: Crash Test Dummies, Chantal Kreviazuk, Randy Bachman, Tom Cochran (whose formative years were notably spent here), The Watchmen (whom I recently watched perform live at the IBAM President’s dinner last week), Doc Walker, Streetheart, McMaster & James, Sierra Noble, Eagle and Hawk, along with Fresh I.E.; they’re all hailing from Winnipeg or have significant connections to Manitoba. This list only begins to cover the wealth of musical talent our province has contributed globally.
I hope Winnipeg acknowledges these numerous gifted individuals. Perhaps implementing a “Walk of Fame” or naming new streets after these impressive Manitobans who deserve our pride could achieve this.
Let’s now explore the Top Five musicians selected by Winnipeg Sun readers as their favorites:
1. Harlequin
Founded in 1975 in Winnipeg, Harlequin stormed onto Canada’s rock music scene in the late ’70s and early ’80s. The band’s initial members—George Belanger, Glen Willows, Gary Golden, Ralph James, and David Budzak—hit the ground running with their first release.
Victim of a Song
reached platinum status, and their subsequent release
Love Crimes
achieved platinum status with their hit song “Innocence.” Known for their dynamic shows and memorable choruses, Harlequin amassed a loyal fan base throughout Canada, the United States, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. To this day, they remain active in recording studios and on stage tours, proudly representing Manitoba’s music scene.
2. Bif Naked
Raised in Winnipeg after being born in New Delhi, Bif Naked emerged as one of Canada’s most distinct rock figures. Following her education at John Taylor Collegiate and the University of Winnipeg, she gained prominence nationally with her debut album.
I Bificus
Her unfiltered, emotionally charged lyrics combined with her punk flair resonated strongly with listeners, turning tracks such as “Spaceman” and “Moment of Weakness” into rallying cries. Outside of her musical pursuits, Bif Naked’s story as a cancer survivor, writer, and advocate adds to her inspiring presence beyond just the recording booth.
3. The Guess Who
Should you be seeking a group that brought Winnipeg into the limelight on the world music scene, look no further than The Guess Who. Established back in 1965, this ensemble surged to worldwide recognition with their hit “American Woman” — marking the first time a song from Canada reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Hits such as “These Eyes” and “No Time,” along with the exceptional skills of Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman, propelled them to become pioneers among Canadian rock bands. Their induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame underscores their significance as icons representing Manitoba’s rich musical history.
4. Ash Koley
A relatively recent addition to the lineup yet equally worthy, Ash Koley — the alternative pop pair hailing from Winnipeg — have been making waves since 2004. Comprising vocalist Ashley Koley and multi-talented musician Phil Deschambault, they deliver an offbeat and invigorating blend inspired by iconic artists such as ABBA and Peter Gabriel. The track “Don’t Let Your Feet Touch Ground” catapulted them into stardom, bolstered by extensive media coverage during events like the 2010 Winter Olympics. As they continue to grow artistically, Ash Koley stands out as pioneers representing the fresh crop of musical talents emerging from Manitoba.
5. Neil Young
Raised in Winnipeg after being born in Toronto, Neil Young has strong ties to this region. He began his musical journey with The Squires in Winnipeg during the early 1960s before achieving worldwide recognition—initially with Buffalo Springfield, later as a solo performer and alongside his iconic group, Crazy Horse. Among his notable works are albums like
Harvest
and
After the Gold Rush
Are seen as crucial elements of music history. Referred to as the “Godfather of Grunge,” Young’s impact covers various musical styles, age groups, and geographical boundaries. His support for environmental issues and artists’ rights further solidifies his position as one of the most significant musicians to have hailed from Manitoba.
It’s undeniable that after reviewing this list, Manitoba’s influence on music stands out as not just notable but overwhelmingly substantial.
It’s time, Winnipeg. We need a Manitoba Musicians Walk of Fame right here. The artists from our province deserve a space where their contributions are honored forever, ranging from the icons of classic rock to today’s innovative pioneers. Instead of merely talking about our pride, let’s demonstrate it.
Manitoba embodies the essence of Canadian music. It’s important we ensure everybody recognizes this.
