Ottawa is a truly beautiful city that has inspired many generations of talented singers. Some of them formed bands, while others chose a solo career. Ottawa Trend presents a closer look at some of the most renowned musical artists from the city.
Alanis Morissette
It is only fitting to start this list with Alanis Morissette—one of the most famous Canadian singers and songwriters. Born in Ottawa, she achieved international fame. How has Alanis Morissette’s music and public perception evolved? The following milestones illustrate her journey:
- In Canada, she was known as a teenage pop star and won a Juno Award.
- She transitioned to a raw alternative rock style. Her international debut, Jagged Little Pill (1995), became a massive success, selling over 16 million copies in the U.S. and 33 million copies worldwide.
- Alanis earned the title of “Queen of Alt-Rock”.
- She ventured into acting and activism and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canada’s Walk of Fame.
- In addition to Juno Awards, she has won Grammy Awards and MTV Music Video Awards.
Childhood and Love for Music
At the age of six, Alanis started learning piano, jazz, and ballet. By the age of nine, she was already writing her own poetry. Just two years later, she used her music to entertain patients in hospitals and community centres. At 12, she appeared in the Nickelodeon children’s series You Can’t Do That on Television.
In interviews, she has spoken about struggling with anorexia and bulimia during her teenage years.
Despite the challenges, her dedication to music paid off. One of her recordings was played on Ottawa radio, earning her early recognition in her hometown.
In 1999, despite her ongoing music career, she made her film debut in Dogma alongside Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. She later took on various acting roles in TV shows, musicals, and theatrical productions.
Kathleen Edwards
Kathleen Edwards was born in Ottawa in 1978. Her father was a deputy minister of foreign affairs. She began studying classical violin at the age of five. As a teenager, she lived in South Korea and Switzerland. Instead of pursuing higher education, she started performing in local clubs.
One of the most interesting points in her career came in 2014, when she took a break from music. Instead, she and her manager, Rick Tremblay, opened a café in Stittsville called Quitters.
Musical Career
Her music is a blend of alternative country and folk, complemented by her strong vocals and instruments like the guitar, violin, and bass. Some of her most notable albums include:
- Failer – her debut album
- Asking for Flowers and Back to Me – both reached the Billboard 200 and made it into the Top 10 songs
- Voyageur – her fourth album, which reached the Top 100 and Top 40 charts in the U.S.
- Building 55
Paul Anka
Paul Albert Anka, born in Ottawa, gained fame in the late 1950s for his pop hits. As a songwriter, he contributed major hits for Michael Jackson and Tom Jones.
Anka was born into a family of Syrian and Lebanese immigrants who had moved to Canada and opened a restaurant in Ottawa. Local artists were regular patrons of the establishment and loved it.
As a teenager, he developed a passion for music, learning to play the guitar and piano. He also formed a vocal group called The Bobbysoxers with like-minded friends.
Paul Anka’s Career Hits
In 1957, Anka took a bold step and traveled to New York City. His original performance of Diana impressed industry executives, and he was quickly offered a recording contract. The song became a massive hit, selling over 20 million copies worldwide. This was just the beginning. His most popular songs include:
- Lonely Boy (1959)
- Put Your Head on My Shoulder (1959)
- Puppy Love (1960) – inspired by his love for Annette Funicello
Beyond music, Anka also starred in several teen films. He is widely recognized as a songwriter, and he even wrote the theme song for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
His ability to master different musical styles is admired by many. In 2013, he published his autobiography, My Way, co-written with David Dalton.
Bruce Cockburn
Bruce Cockburn, an incredibly talented singer from Ottawa, is a member of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is not only a musician and singer but also an activist whose career deserves recognition. He gained popularity in both English and French Canada.
In an interview, Cockburn revealed that he dropped out of Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1965. He preferred writing and singing alone rather than performing with a band.
6 Notable Songs in Bruce Cockburn’s Career
- Going to the Country – the first song to gain recognition. He wrote the lyrics while traveling to Montreal, and it became a musical compass for his journey.
- Sunwheel Dance (1972) – his first instrumental piece.
- All the Diamonds in the World – his first Christian-themed song.
- Wondering Where the Lions Are – unexpectedly became a hit in 1984, elevating his career.
- Get Up Jonah (1996) – a song about taking risks and accepting an invitation from the cosmos.
- Forty Years in the Wilderness (2017) – a follow-up to Get Up Jonah, reflecting on acceptance and transformation.
Eternia
The final artist on this list is Eternia, an Ottawa-born rapper and songwriter. Her introduction to hip-hop came from her brother. Before that, she learned to play the piano, guitar, and flute.
At 15, she dropped out of school but later returned to complete her education and study journalism. She discovered hip-hop in the mid-1990s and quickly found her calling in rap.
Within a decade, she had made a name for herself and became one of Canada’s best songwriters and performers in the genre.
Eternia is not only a musician but also an advocate for mental health awareness and gender equality. She actively participates in social projects and mentorship programs.
These artists all hail from Ottawa, but their music is known far beyond their hometown. Their journeys serve as inspiration—proving that talent and hard work can lead to international recognition. Their stories remind us that with dedication, success is within reach.
