Laura Vinson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laura Jeannette Vinson
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| Born | May 23, 1947 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Origin | Brule, Alberta, Canada |
| Died | July 17, 2025 |
| Genres | folk, country, indigenous |
| Occupation(s) | singer-songwriter |
| Labels | Royalty Records, independent |
Laura Vinson (May 23, 1947 – July 17, 2025) was a famous Canadian singer and songwriter. She was well-known for her country music in the 1970s and 1980s. Later in her career, she focused on creating music that celebrated her First Nations and Métis heritage.
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Early Life and Heritage
Laura Vinson had a rich family history. Her ancestors were French, English, Cree, Iroquois, and Cherokee. This mixed Indigenous and European background is also known as Métis.
She was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and grew up in the small community of Brule. An interesting fact is that she was a descendant of Tête Jaune, an important fur trader who helped explore western Canada in the early days.
Musical Journey
Starting Her Career
Laura's music career began with her performing folk music and rock music. In 1973, she decided to focus on country music and formed a band called Red Wyng.
Country Music Success
She quickly became a popular country singer and released several albums with Royalty Records. She had many hit songs that people loved, including "Sweet Mountain Music," "Sun Always Shines," and "In My Dreams."
Celebrating Indigenous Roots
A big change in Laura's music happened in 1989. She performed on a TV show called Indian Time, which featured Indigenous music from across Canada.
After this experience, she decided to focus on making music about her own heritage. With her new band, Free Spirit, she created albums that shared the stories and sounds of First Nations and Métis cultures.
Awards and Recognition
Laura Vinson's talent was recognized with many award nominations. The Juno Awards are Canada's most important music awards, much like the Grammy Awards in the United States.
She was nominated for several Juno Awards, including:
- Most Promising Female Vocalist (in 1980 and 1981)
- Country Female Vocalist of the Year (in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1985)
Albums by Laura Vinson
Over her long career, Laura Vinson recorded many albums. Here is a list of her work:
- First Flight (1978)
- High Fashion Queen (1980)
- Hootch, Heartache and Hallelujah (1981)
- Adios Mexico (1984)
- Many Moons Ago (1986)
- The Spirit Sings (1989)
- Rise Like a Phoenix (1991)
- Voices on the Wind (1995)
- Point of the Arrow (1999)
- It Reminds Me (2000)
- Mossbag Lullaby (2006)
- Warrior (2013)
