Claude McKenzie facts for kids

Claude McKenzie (born 1967 in Schefferville, Quebec) is a talented Canadian singer and songwriter. He is an Innu person from Maliotenam, Quebec. Claude was one half of the very popular folk music duo called Kashtin. This group was one of the most successful musical groups in First Nations history.

Claude McKenzie's Musical Journey

Claude McKenzie started his solo music career after Kashtin. His first solo album was called Innu Town. It came out in 1997.

A New Start with Pishimuss

A few years later, Claude was in a car accident. He was seriously hurt. After recovering, he released his second album in 2004. It was named Pishimuss. This word means "Little Moon" or "December".

Inniu: A Rebirth in Music

In 2009, Claude McKenzie made a big return to music. He had spent two years "rediscovering his talent." He released a new album called Inniu. This word means "He is reborn."

A producer from Montreal, Ulysse Personne, helped Claude with this album. Ulysse suggested that Claude record with his former Kashtin partner, Florent Vollant. Ulysse also helped Claude write the only French song on the album, "Nous." There is also an English song called "Away."

Most of the songs on Inniu are in the Innu language. This is a native language spoken in Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador. Claude's previous albums with Kashtin also featured songs in Innu.

Discography

Claude McKenzie has released several albums and singles. Here are some of his works:

Albums

Singles