From Juno and Canadian Country Music Award winner George Canyon comes a heartfelt and candid memoir charting his humble beginnings in rural Nova Scotia, the hard-won success he found under the bright lights of Nashville, Tennessee, and all the life lessons he learned on and off the road that ultimately led him home.

Today, George Canyon is a Platinum Award–winning country musician, known for hits such as “Good Day to Ride,” “I Want You to Live,” and songs that tell stories about family, love, faith, and having a good drink every now and then.

But growing up in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, among his close-knit family of grandparents, aunts, and uncles, George wanted nothing more than to be an astronaut. He was always drawn to music, whether it was the hymns he belted out from the church pew or the old guitar he strummed his first notes on at the tender age of five, but it was possibility of a life in the stars that drove him.

First, though, he had to learn to fly a plane on Earth, so as soon as he turned twelve, he joined the Air Cadets, following a rich family tradition of serving one’s country. Just two years later, George’s big dreams of being a pilot came crashing to the ground when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a disease that meant a lifetime of measuring his food, testing his sugar levels, and taking insulin. And with limited treatment options available in the 1980s, the diagnosis ruled out the air force. Devastated as he was, deep down George knew that there was a greater plan for his life.

When a snap decision to audition for a musical led to an offer to join a local country band, everything changed: George found his calling. It would be years of hard work and sacrifice—touring dive bars across the country and working multiple jobs—but with the unwavering support of his family and his deep sense of faith, George got his big break in 2004 when he landed a spot on Nashville Star, a singing competition TV show. From there, he was catapulted onto the world stage.

With his natural gift for spinning a good tale and his signature humour and honesty, George recounts his musical journey from small-town Nova Scotia to the big city of Nashville, Tennessee, and how his life came full circle when he returned to Canada—this time, to the wide plains of Alberta. At its heart, this memoir is a love song to a way of life that’s rooted in family, faith, and place, and a reminder to never give up on your dreams.

George Canyon is an award-winning Canadian country and western singer-songwriter. Born in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, he got his big break as the runner-up on the second season of Nashville Star in 2004 and with the subsequent release of his debut album, One Good Friend, which went Platinum. In total, he has recorded twelve studio albums, won numerous awards, including two Junos and seven Canadian Country Music Awards, and been nominated for many others. Over the years, he has collaborated with musical greats such as Richard Marx and Kenny Rogers and been inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame; he is also the anthem singer for the Calgary Flames. In addition to his musical career, George is a spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and a Colonel Commandant of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. In 2012, he was recognized with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in honour of his ongoing work with the Air Cadets and other charities. Above all, he is a proud father and devoted husband. He lives in Alberta.

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“An inspirational read for anyone, especially those who need the motivation to pursue their dreams—at all costs. From George’s struggles to his stardom, he remains grounded, humble, and kind. Sure, he may cheer for the wrong Alberta NHL team, but I have always admired George as an artist and family man. After reading this book, I have a new level of respect and admiration for him.”
— BRETT KISSEL, platinum-selling artist, Juno and CCMA Award winner

“I’ve always respected George as a performer, peer, and friend. This memoir gave me new insight into his artistry, his relationships, and his motivations. It’s a remarkable read, and if anyone is facing obstacles in their life and they’re looking for inspiration and guidance, I would highly recommend this book!”
— CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON, singer-songwriter, multiple Juno, CCMA, and ACM Award winner

“An incredible life story. From overcoming the challenges of Type 1 diabetes to fulfilling his dreams of becoming a real-life cowboy and country music star, George Canyon is one of Canada’s finest, and My Country is an awe-inspiring memoir.”
— JOHNNY REID, multiplatinum-selling artist, Juno and CCMA Award winner