![]() ![]() ![]() In 1981, she issued “Part Of The Mystery”, financed by family and friends. Rita and her children Laura and Wade, lovers of cats and dogs, returned to Big Pond in 1976. “All of those songs were sung at rallies, demonstrations, or meetings we attended”. By 1975, she was ready to independently release her first album, “Born A Woman”. Rita said these meetings gave her strength and pushed forth her song-writing. What’s radical about equal pay for equal work? And trying to empower women to reach the potential they have?” Rita said in 2008: “All I was doing was writing songs, raising two children, and singing at festivals, colleges, and the occasional rally in support of women’s rights. She found comfort in the fledgling women’s movement. One of eight children, she relocated to Toronto at age 17 in 1962. It was evident she touched them all, from the many letters and comments we received after that show.” Rita could convey that kind of warmth and sincerity through her songs to the people in the audience and the viewers at home. When she sang 'Working Man,' there wasn't a dry eye. “She had a soft spot in her heart for miners. Tommy Hunter vividly remembered Rita as a guest on his show. Her music spoke of the courage to rise above life’s challenges, particularly those faced by the working class. Rita also took some chances along the way, at one point appearing on TV’s raunchy Trailer Park Boys. She was known for her cross-country tours with The Men Of The Deeps and homespun Christmas TV specials. Her musical repertoire included an eclectic blend of folk, country, blues, roots, Celtic and rock. Her autobiography, “On A Personal Note”, was published in 1998. Rita was a Member of the Order of Canada and was awarded the Order of Nova Scotia. Her legendary guests ranged from Corey Hart to Joni Mitchell. She garnered a Gemini Award for her CBC variety show “Rita & Friends”, that ran from 1994 to 1997. She won numerous East Coast and Country Music Awards. Rita won 3 Juno Awards in 1987 at age 42, as most promising female vocalist. “I hit the ground running and I never stopped,” she said in an interview with The Canadian Press in 2004. She won acclaim for her performance on stage at Expo ’86 in Vancouver. Rita was a humble, soft-spoken woman, who expanded the influence of Cape Breton music. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |