101 true stories to surprise and delight Canadian music fans.

Did you know that Serena Ryder played the quietest concert ever from the ocean floor during low tide at Fundy National Park? Or that “I’ll Never Smile Again,” the hit that launched Frank Sinatra’s career, was written by Toronto pianist Ruth Lowe? What about 12-year-old Liberty Silver singing in a reggae band that opened for Bob Marley at Madison Square Garden? Did you know that the title of the Tragically Hip’s 1991 album, Road Apples, is not talking about apples?

In 101 Fascinating Canadian Music Facts, author and historian David McPherson shares these and 97 other tales gathered from his more than 25 years working in the music industry. Music lovers and trivia buffs alike will enjoy perusing this collection of stories — collected from coast to coast — to discover surprising facts and hilarious tales from Canada’s music industry.

David McPherson is president and chief creative officer of McPherson Communications — a writing and public relations consulting business. He is a regular contributor to Words + Music, Hamilton Magazine, and No Depression. Over the years his writing on music has also appeared in Paste, American Songwriter, Canadian Musician, Exclaim!, and Chartattack.com. He lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

David McPherson's profile page

A veritable compendium of interesting facts and back stories from some of Canada’s best talent! Anyone who doubts we have a vibrant music culture need only refer to any one of these recollections. There’s the story of the song and its artists, plus the backstory which surprises and informs. Who doesn’t want a good back story? It’s where all the juicy tidbits float to the surface.

Lorraine Segato, musician from The Parachute Club

David McPherson brings our musical history alive in a book that is informative, funny and, above all, fascinating.

Richard Crouse, CTV News