Don Freed facts for kids

Donald Freed (born 1949 in New Westminster) is a Canadian singer-songwriter. He is well-known for his songs about life on the prairies of western Canada. Many of his songs focus on the province of Saskatchewan.

Don Freed's Musical Journey

Don Freed was born in New Westminster, British Columbia. He grew up in Saskatoon. His family has Métis heritage.

Don started his music career in 1966. He even appeared with the famous singer Johnny Cash in a 1969 movie. In the film, Don sang two songs for Johnny Cash. Johnny Cash was impressed and helped Don get an audition with a record company. Don later signed with Capitol Records. He recorded an album for them in 1972, but it was never released.

In 1975, Don toured western Canada. He opened shows for another blues legend, Lightnin' Hopkins.

Songs About Prairie Life

In the early 1980s, Don recorded several albums. These albums became popular in western Canada. Some of his well-known albums include Off in All Directions and Pith and Pathos. Many of Don's songs describe life on the prairies. These songs have even been used in high school lessons across Saskatchewan.

Don has worked with many talented musicians. Colin James made some of his first recordings with Don. He also collaborated with Jane Siberry and actress Linda Griffiths. Don even co-wrote a song called "Crazy Cries of Love" with the famous singer Joni Mitchell. This song appeared on her album Taming the Tiger.

Working with Children and First Nations Culture

In the early 1990s, Don changed his musical focus. He started to promote Métis and First Nations culture. He especially focused on working with children.

Don began teaching songwriting to children in northern Saskatchewan. His work was featured on national news by CBC Newsworld. It even earned an article in the American Billboard magazine. Don has released several albums that feature his collaborations with children. One album, Mystery Boyz, was created with young people at a youth center.

In 1999, Don co-wrote a book called Sasquatch Exterminator. This book came with a CD. It was designed to help children learn Aboriginal languages. The Gabriel Dumont Institute helped produce this project.

In recent years, Don has continued his songwriting workshops. He has brought them to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. He has also held workshops in the Northwest Territories and Yukon. Don's most recent CD, The Valley of Green and Blue, was released in 2005. This album celebrates his Métis heritage.

Don Freed's Albums

Here is a list of albums Don Freed has released:

• 1972 - Unreleased album for Capitol Records
• 1981 - Off in All Directions
• 1982 - Pith and Pathos
• 1989 - On the Plains (released only on audio cassette)
• 1992 - Live ARR! (released only on audio cassette)
• 1993 - Young Northern Voices
• 1996 - Singing About the Métis
• 1998 - Inner City Harmony: A Class Act
• 1999 - Borderlands
• 1999 - Sasquatch Exterminator (CD and book)
• 2000 - Mystery Boyz
• 2001 - Our Very Own Songs (a 2-CD set by Don Freed and the Kids of Northern Saskatchewan)
• 2005 - The Valley of Green and Blue

Early copies of Off in All Directions came with a comic book. It was called Scratchatune Comics. This comic book featured stories based on Don's songs. The name "Scratchatune" comes from Don's music company. It is a fun play on the name Saskatoon.

Don also released a cassette single called "Saskatchewan" in 1988.