Heather Bishop facts for kids

Heather Bishop, born on April 25, 1949, is a Canadian singer and songwriter. She is well-known for her folk music and songs for children. Heather is also famous for her work as a champion for social justice. This means she works to make things fair and equal for everyone.

Because of her strong dedication to helping others, Heather has received many important awards. These include the Order of Canada and the Order of Manitoba. These awards are some of the highest honors a person can receive in Canada. She also has an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree.

Heather Bishop's Early Life

Heather Bishop was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. From a young age, she loved music. She started learning to play the piano when she was a child. As a teenager, she picked up the guitar. Later, she took singing lessons to improve her voice.

In 1969, she earned a university degree. In the early 1970s, Heather performed with an all-women band called Walpurgis Night. She first played the piano with them, then became a singer. In 1976, she started her solo music career at the Regina Folk Festival.

Heather Bishop's Music Career

Heather Bishop is known for her powerful and warm singing voice. In the 1980s, she became one of Canada's top performers. She made music for both adults, often with messages about fairness, and for children. Heather has been a part of the folk music scene since the late 1960s.

She has performed at many folk festivals. These include the Winnipeg Folk Festival and the Home County Folk Festival in London, Ontario. She has also been a favorite at children's festivals in Canada and the United States. You might have even seen her as a regular guest on the popular Fred Penner Show!

Starting Her Own Record Label

In 1976, Heather Bishop started her own record company called Mother of Pearl Records. This allowed her to release her own music. Her first album for children was called Belly Button: A Collection of Songs for Children. It came out in 1982.

Heather has released 15 albums in total. Some of her albums, like A Taste of the Blues (1987) and Chickee's on the Run (1997), were nominated for Juno Awards. These are very important music awards in Canada.

Heather Bishop's Activism

Beyond music, Heather Bishop is a strong voice for important causes. She works hard for social justice, which means making sure everyone is treated fairly. She supports workers' rights and cares about protecting the environment. Heather also champions rights for all people, no matter who they are. She advocates for animal welfare and works to keep children safe.

Her dedication has been recognized with many awards. She became a member of the Order of Canada in 2005. In 2001, she received the Order of Manitoba. She also earned an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Brandon University in 2011. In 2012, she was awarded Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Heather Bishop's Albums

Heather Bishop has released many albums throughout her career. Here are some of them:

• Grandmother's Song, 1979
• Celebration, 1980
• Belly Button: A Collection of Songs for Children, 1982
• I Love Women Who Laugh, 1982
• A Taste of the Blues, 1987
• Walk That Edge, 1989
• Old, New, Borrowed, Blue, 1992
• A Duck in New York City, 1994
• Purple People Eater, 1994
• Chickee's on the Run, 1997
• Daydream Me at Home, 1997
• Heather Bishop Live!, 2001
• A Tribute to Peggy Lee, 2004
• My Face is a Map of My Time Here, 2009
• The Montreal Sessions, 2016