Canadian Music Books & Stories

Sundown: The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
by Ric Mixter

Explores the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy and Gordon Lightfoot’s famous song, connecting the historic shipwreck with its enduring place in music.

The Canadian Pop Music Encyclopedia
by Jaimie Vernon

A wide-ranging guide to the artists, bands and personalities who helped shape Canadian popular music, from familiar stars to lesser-known performers.

Canuck Rock: A History of Canadian Popular Music
by Ryan Edwardson

A lively history of Canadian popular music, exploring the artists, industry and cultural forces that helped define Canada’s evolving musical identity.

Canadian Folk: Portraits of Remarkable Lives
by Peter Unwin

A collection of engaging portraits celebrating the musicians, storytellers and colourful personalities who helped shape Canada’s rich folk music tradition.

Rockin’ in Time: A Social History of Rock and Roll
by David P. Szatmary & Lynsay Ripley

Explores rock and roll through its social and cultural history, with special attention to Canadian artists, songs, venues and their influence.

The Encyclopedia of Canadian Rock, Pop & Folk Music
by Rick Jackson

A comprehensive reference to Canadian rock, pop and folk, documenting the artists and groups that contributed to the development of Canada’s diverse musical landscape.

The Canadian Pop Music Encyclopedia
by Jaimie Vernon

A wide-ranging guide to the artists, bands and personalities who helped shape Canadian popular music, from familiar stars to lesser-known performers.

Oscar Peterson: The Will to Swing
by Gene Lees

A compelling portrait of Oscar Peterson’s journey from Montreal to international jazz stardom and the musicianship that defined his extraordinary career.

Reckless Daughter: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell
by David Yaffe

An intimate portrait of Joni Mitchell’s life, creative evolution and fiercely independent artistry behind one of Canada’s most influential musical careers.

My Effin’ Life
by Geddy Lee

Geddy Lee reflects on family, friendship, fame and more than four decades making music with legendary Canadian rock band Rush.

I’m Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen
by Sylvie Simmons

A richly detailed biography tracing Leonard Cohen’s journey from Montreal poet and novelist to one of Canada’s most celebrated songwriters.

Testimony: A Memoir
by Robbie Robertson

Robbie Robertson recalls his remarkable journey from Toronto to international fame with The Band, sharing stories of music, friendship and life alongside some of rock’s legendary figures.

This Wheel’s on Fire: Levon Helm and the Story of The Band
by Levon Helm with Stephen Davis

Levon Helm recounts the remarkable story of The Band, from its early years on the road to international acclaim and its place in rock history.

Tales from Beyond the Tap
by Randy Bachman

Randy Bachman shares entertaining stories from decades in music, offering behind-the-scenes memories of legendary artists, remarkable encounters and his own adventures in Canadian rock.

Waging Heavy Peace: A Hippie Dream
by Neil Young

Neil Young reflects on his life, music and creative journey, sharing personal stories from an extraordinary career that helped reshape rock and folk music.graphy.

Playing the Changes by Colin James

Colin James reflects on four decades of music, sharing candid stories from his journey through blues and rock, life on the road, collaborations and experiences that shaped one of Canada’s most enduring musical careers.

Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass
by Geddy Lee

Geddy Lee celebrates the history and artistry of the bass guitar, exploring rare instruments and the musicians who helped shape its distinctive sound.

Leonard Cohen: Canadian Poets
by Michael Gnarowski

An introduction to Leonard Cohen’s poetry, exploring the literary voice and themes that established him as an important Canadian writer before and alongside his celebrated music career.

The Never-Ending Present: The Story of Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip
by Michael Barclay

The story of Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip, exploring their music, cultural impact and extraordinary place in Canada’s musical identity.

The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern: A Complete History
by David McPherson

The story of Toronto’s legendary Horseshoe Tavern, tracing the artists, performances and unforgettable moments that made the Queen Street venue a landmark of Canadian music.

High Adventure: Tales of Canadian Rock & Roll Survival
by Ritchie Henman

A firsthand journey through Canadian rock and roll, filled with stories of touring, recording and surviving the unpredictable music business during a remarkable era.

Joni Mitchell Reflects on 50 Years of Blue
NME

Joni Mitchell reflects on the 50th anniversary of her landmark album Blue, sharing memories of a recording that became one of her defining artistic achievements.

Gordon Lightfoot at 80: Still Going Strong
Los Angeles Times

A revealing conversation with Gordon Lightfoot at 80, reflecting on songwriting, performing and the remarkable career that made him one of Canada’s most enduring musical voices.