Vern Cheechoo facts for kids
Vern Cheechoo is a talented Cree folk and country singer from Canada. He is well-known for being nominated twice for the Juno Award for Best Aboriginal Recording. These nominations were for his solo album Touch the Earth and Sky in 2000 and for The Right Combination in 2003. The second album was a special project he recorded with his friend, Lawrence Martin.
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Early Life and Musical Roots
Vern Cheechoo grew up in Moose Factory, Ontario. Music was a big part of his family. His father, Sinclair Cheechoo, was a very skilled fiddle player. Vern's brother, Archie Cheechoo, and his sister, Thelma Cheechoo, were also musicians.
Music Career Highlights
Vern Cheechoo released his first album, Lonesome & Hurting, in 1993. To share his music, he performed as an opening act for the famous musician Bruce Cockburn. The main song from his album was even used in an episode of the TV show Northern Exposure. He also appeared on a TV music show called Ear to the Ground in 1993. Later, in 1996, he was in the movie Dance Me Outside, where he sang songs from his album.
Touch the Earth and Sky
His second album, Touch the Earth and Sky, came out in 1999. This album earned him a Juno Award nomination. Vern Cheechoo and John Switzer also won an award for Best Producer/Engineer at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards for their work on this album. They even performed a song at the awards ceremony.
The Right Combination with Lawrence Martin
Vern Cheechoo and Lawrence Martin have been friends for a long time. They even had a high school band called Veil's Universe. In 2003, they released their first album together as a duo, called The Right Combination. This album was nominated for a Juno Award. It also received nominations for Best Group or Duo and Best Country Album at the 2003 Aboriginal Music Awards.
Later Years and New Projects
Vern Cheechoo has continued to perform his music. In 2016, he had a surprise reunion show with Lawrence Martin in Timmins. While he hasn't released a new album since The Right Combination, he has been busy with other important work. For many years, he has worked as the director of lands and resources for the Mushkegowuk Council. In 2021, he shared plans to record a fourth album. This new album would be a tribute to his late wife, Karen.
Musical Family
Vern's son, Colin Cheechoo, is also a musician. Colin used to be part of a band called Breach of Trust.
Discography
- Lonesome & Hurting - 1993
- Touch the Earth and Sky - 1999
- The Right Combination - 2002
