Paul Valdemar Horsdal, best known by his stage name Valdy, was a rising star in the 1970s in Canada’s capital. His music blended folk and country, and he rose to fame with his first single, Rock and Roll Song. More details at ottawa-trend.com.
Childhood of Ottawa’s Future Musician “Valdy”
Paul Valdemar Horsdal was born in 1945 in Ottawa. He grew up with two siblings in a creative family—his father was a photographer, and his mother was a nurse with a passion for writing. The artistic atmosphere at home naturally led Paul Valdemar to develop an interest in music at an early age. He was particularly drawn to playing the piano and guitar. As he grew older, he decided to dedicate his life to music and enrolled at Lisgar Collegiate Institute in Ottawa.
Early Music Career and Work with Different Bands
Paul Valdemar Horsdal’s music career began in the early 1960s. He was first a member of a band called London Town Criers. Soon after, he joined another group, The Prodigal Sons, but did not stay long with them either. After leaving his second band, he decided to move from Canada’s capital to Victoria, British Columbia, where he was introduced to country music.
Horsdal spent a significant portion of his life in British Columbia, even purchasing a small plot of land to engage in farming. While living in Victoria in the 1970s, he launched his solo music career, focusing on folk and country. His first official single, Rock and Roll Song, became a sensation and made him a well-known name in Canadian music.
In 1972, Paul Valdemar Horsdal released his debut album, Country Man. Throughout his career, Valdy released eighteen albums filled with energetic and heartfelt songs. Fourteen of his albums sold over 500,000 copies.
What Did Valdy Sing About?
Most of Valdy’s songs were inspired by real-life events. His music was deeply authentic, resonating with audiences on a personal level. Some of his songs also tackled global issues. For instance, his 1978 song Hot Rocks addressed nuclear waste disposal, a pressing issue at the time.
Throughout the late 20th century, Valdy wrote and performed songs that shed light on significant Canadian environmental and social concerns, including fishing industry struggles and lice infestations in British Columbia’s waterways. His truthful lyrics and folk melodies won the hearts of millions across Canada.
Television, Festivals, and Charity Work
Beyond live performances, Paul Valdemar Horsdal used television to raise awareness about environmental issues. He played an environmental activist in the TV series The Beachcombers. In the show’s later revival, he also performed his song That’s the Way It Is.
Valdy also appeared in children’s television programs, such as Today’s Special, in an episode about waste management, and was a guest on Sharon, Lois & Bram’s Elephant Show.
Throughout his career, Valdy was known not only for his musical talent but also for his kind heart and generous spirit. He participated in numerous charity concerts and music festivals, using his platform to support important causes.
For his contributions to folk music, the Ottawa-born artist received two Juno Awards in the categories of Folk Singer of the Year and Folk Artist of the Year. He also received seven additional Juno nominations, solidifying his place as one of Canada’s most celebrated folk musicians.
