News

Among the Canadian soldiers who served and sang during World War II were two future Canadian Country Music Hall Fame inductees from the London region — Earl Heywood and Gordie Tapp. Another Canadian country star, Hank Rivers, also wrote songs about army life and entertained fellow recruits in training camps, or on board troop ships waiting in harbour before heading out to battle. Heywood, Tapp and Rivers — who had family in London — all had major careers in country music and CCMA recognition after the war. In Country stars, Canadian soldiers we remember how those careers began when the world was at war — lest we forget. Researching and writing for this episode of The Best London Country Music Podcast. Ever were Western University public history Prof. Michelle Hamilton and director of its public history program and Lorraine Tinsley, a graduate of the program.

If you enjoyed this episode of the Best London Country Music Podcast, Ever, be sure to check out more episodes on londonmusicoffice.ca, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Best London Country Music Podcast. Ever is grateful to the Canadian Country Music Association and 2021 London host organizing committee. Thank you to Western University’s Public History Program, Tourism London, London Music Office, Jonathan Holiff, Purple Hill Country Opry, Forest City London Music Awards and FCLMA London Music Hall of Fame, Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, Rocklands Talent and Longview Advertising, London Public Library, CBC and our wonderful team of researchers and writers. Here's to the 2021 CCMA Country Music Week. The Best London Country Music Podcast. Ever is hosted, produced, recorded, and mastered by Zahra Habib, with additional production support from Guillermo Gucciardi. The podcast was Executive Produced by CCMA 2021 London Host Organizing Committee Legacy members Harina Mokanan and James Stewart Reaney. The podcast showcases diverse, inclusive voices and creators across the London community. The Best Country Music Podcast. Ever is a testament to the remarkable talents of our researchers, historians, editors, and radio hosts.