Canadian History for Kids: Bryan Adams

He has been Waking Up the Neighbours, for over 30 years!

Canadian singer songwriter Bryan Adams has a #1 Billboard hit with his single, Can’t Stop This Thing We Started, November 20th, 1991. This Canadian History for Kids, Sketches of our Canada, looks at life of Canadian rock star Bryan Adams.

This Canadian History for Kids article begins when Adams was born in Kingston, Ontario, to parents who had emigrated from England in the 1950s. After his parents divorced in 1973, Adams and his mother returned to settle in Vancouver, British Columbia.

In 1978, at the age of 18, Adams met Jim Vallance introduced by a mutual friend in a Vancouver music store. Vallance was the former drummer for Vancouver based rock band Prism. It was the beginning of a partnership which still exists today.

This Canadian History for Kids article continues later in 1978 when Adams signed to A&M records for one dollar. Some of the first demos written in 1978 have surfaced over the years, most notably “I’m Ready”.

Adams’s self-titled debut album was released in February 1980. Most of the album was recorded from 29 October up until 29 November 1979 at Manta Studios in Toronto and co-produced by Adams and Vallance. The album was certified gold in Canada in 1986.

Adams also co-wrote songs for other bands during this time including Billboard charted songs like “No Way to Treat a Lady” for Bonnie Raitt, Don’t Let Him Know for Prism, Teacher Teacher for 38 Special, Edge Of A Dream for Joe Cocker, Bonnie Tyler and many more.

Cuts Like a Knife, which was released in January 1983, was Adams’s breakout album due mainly to the lead singles. “Straight from the Heart” was the most successful song, reaching number ten on the Billboard Hot 100.

His live performances and concerts are well recognized, making him one of the most exciting live acts in the world. He has used his concerts to benefit others over the years. Some examples are The Prince’s Trust, Live Aid and The Concert for Freedom for Nelson Mandela, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, NetAid/London and others.

Awards have been numerous with a Grammy, an American Music Award, countless industry and songwriting awards including three Academy Award nominations for his music and lyrics in film soundtracks.

And that’s this weeks Canadian History for Kids, Sketches of our Canada.
 

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