Big Sugar (band) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Big Sugar
Big Sugar at Kitchener Blues Festival 2016
Background information
Origin	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres	Rock, reggae, alternative rock, acoustic rock, progressive rock, reggae rock, blues rock, stoner rock
Years active	1988 (1988)–present
Labels	Bread & Butter Productions, eOne Entertainment, Universal, A&M, Hypnotic Records, Silvertone Records, Capricorn Records
Associated acts	Molly Johnson, Bourbon Tabernacle Choir, Alkaline, Grady, Sit Down, Servant!!, Truth and Rights Revue, The Human Rights, Snakes of Central Texas, Culture Shock, Don't Talk Dance, Mr. Chill and The Witnesses
Members	Gordie Johnson Ben Lowe Joe Magistro Root Valach
Past members	Terry Wilkins Al Cross Walter 'Crash' Morgan† Paul Brennan Lloyd 'Mojah' Benn Kelly Hoppe Garry Lowe† Tony 'Raffa' White† Stich Wynstonh Stephane Beaudin Christopher Friendlyness Hatton Chris Gormley Chris Colepaugh Rey Arteaga Big Ben Richardson

Big Sugar is a cool band from Toronto, Canada. It was started in 1988 by Gordie Johnson. He is the lead singer, main guitarist, and writes most of their songs. Between 1996 and 2016, Big Sugar was one of the top-selling Canadian bands. They were known for their unique sound, mixing rock, reggae, and blues.

The Band's Journey and Sound

How Big Sugar Started

Big Sugar began with Gordie Johnson, bassist Terry Wilkins, and drummer Al Cross. Before Big Sugar, they played together for other artists. In 1991, they released their first album, also called Big Sugar.

Finding Their Unique Sound

In 1993, Terry Wilkins left the band. Big Sugar then recorded the album Five Hundred Pounds. They had help from guest musicians, like Kelly Hoppe, who played harmonica and saxophone. Kelly and Gordie were old friends. Kelly brought a blues and R&B feel to the band.

In July 1994, Garry Lowe joined as the new bassist. Garry was from Jamaica and played reggae music. Gordie loved Garry's bass sound. He said it was the sound he wanted for Big Sugar. It was a mix of blues and rock with a reggae beat. Their album Five Hundred Pounds sold well even without much radio play. People loved their live shows!

New Members and Big Hits

In 1995, Big Sugar released two mini-albums, Dear M.F. and Ride Like Hell. Their drummer, Stich Wynston, was replaced by Walter "Crash" Morgan. Sadly, Walter passed away on stage during a show. Other drummers helped the band finish their tour. Later, Paul Brennan joined as the new drummer.

Paul played on their very successful album, Hemi-Vision, released in 1996. This album helped them become even more popular. They even recorded a French version of their song "Open Up Baby" for radio stations in Quebec. For their next album, Heated (1998), they recorded a French version of every song. These French songs were later put on an album called Chauffe à bloc.

In 1999, Lloyd 'Mojah' Benn joined as a new rhythm guitarist. That year, Big Sugar opened for The Rolling Stones! They also played at Woodstock '99.

Exploring New Sounds

In 2000, the band released a dub album called Extra Long Life under the name Alkaline. They even toured as an eight-person band with a horn section. In 2001, they released Brothers and Sisters, Are You Ready?. They also released a full French version of this album. The English album ended with a powerful version of "O Canada". This became their special version of the national anthem.

Taking a Break and Coming Back Strong

Big Sugar took a break, but they reunited in 2010. In 2011, they released the album Revolution Per Minute. This album included keyboard player DJ Friendlyness and drummer Stephane Beaudin. Gordie Johnson also started other music projects during this time.

In 2014, Big Sugar released Yard Style. This album had unplugged versions of their songs. It was recorded live with many musicians sitting in a circle, like a jam session. Sadly, in June 2014, Tony 'Raffa' White, a drummer who played with them, passed away.

Their next album, Calling All The Youth, came out in 2015. Gordie's wife, Alex Johnson, who was also their manager, joined the band on percussion and backing vocals.

Changes and Tributes

In 2017, Kelly Hoppe and DJ Friendlyness left the band. Rey Arteaga, a master of Afro-Cuban Congas, joined. This made Big Sugar a band with lots of percussion and guitars, but no keyboards or horns.

On July 7, 2018, Garry Lowe, their amazing bassist, passed away. Big Ben Richardson, who played bass with Gordie in another band, returned to play with Big Sugar. Chris Colepaugh joined on drums.

On Garry Lowe's birthday in December 2018, Big Sugar played a special tribute concert in Toronto. Many famous Canadian musicians joined them to celebrate Garry and Big Sugar's music.

In 2020, Big Sugar released a new album called Eternity Now. It even featured Alex Lifeson from the band Rush on one song! During the time when everyone was staying home, Gordie Johnson performed online concerts for his fans.

In 2021, Gordie started a solo acoustic tour called "One Man Big Sugar Show". In 2022, Big Sugar started touring again. Garry Lowe's son, Ben Lowe, joined as the new bassist. Joe Magistro also joined as the drummer.

Awards and Achievements

Big Sugar and Gordie Johnson have won many awards for their music.

Music Awards

• Big Sugar was nominated for five Juno Awards, which are like the Canadian Grammys. They were nominated for Best New Group, Rock Album of the Year, Group of the Year, and Best Video.
• In 1995, they won the Edison Award, one of the oldest music awards in the world.
• In 1998, they won a songwriting award from SOCAN for their song "The Scene".

Special Recognition

• In 2003, the famous Gibson guitar company released a special Gordie Johnson Signature Series guitar!
• In 2007, the Canadian Organization of Campus Activities (COCA) put Big Sugar into its Hall of Fame.
• In 2010, Gordie Johnson was added to the Canada South Blues Society Hall of Fame.
• In 2017, Big Sugar received the Road Gold Award. This award is for Canadian artists who sell at least 25,000 tickets on their tours in Canada.

Images for kids

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  Big Sugar performing live