In a somber turn of events, the world of rock and roll mourns the loss of a true legend. Myles Goodwyn, the iconic founding singer of the Canadian rock band April Wine, has passed away at the age of 75. The news was confirmed by his publicist, Eric Alper, marking the end of an era that saw Goodwyn leave an indelible mark on the music industry.
Goodwyn’s death, shrouded in mystery as the cause remains undisclosed, has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans worldwide. His family has, however, requested privacy during this trying time, allowing us to remember the man who was more than just a musician; he was a multi-talented artist who shaped the very essence of April Wine.
As the singer, guitarist, writer, producer, and leader of April Wine throughout its illustrious career, Myles Goodwyn was a driving force behind the band’s success. From their early days in 1969, when the band was formed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Goodwyn’s vision and talent led them on a remarkable journey through the world of rock.
Their eponymous debut album in 1971, featuring the catchy single “Fast Train,” was just the beginning. It was their second album, “On Record,” released a year later, that catapulted them to stardom. This album gave birth to their first Canadian Number One single, a cover of Hot Chocolate’s “You Could Have Been a Lady,” and a Top 20 single with their rendition of Elton John’s “Bad Side of the Moon.” The world was starting to take notice of this extraordinary band.
Despite lineup changes over the years, with all three Henman brothers eventually departing, April Wine’s success continued to soar. Their 1976 album “The Whole World’s Goin’ Crazy,” featuring the unforgettable “Like a Lover, Like a Song,” achieved platinum status. The subsequent release, “Forever for Now,” featuring the chart-topping single “You Won’t Dance With Me,” also achieved platinum acclaim.
While their initial success resonated primarily in Canada, it was the late 1970s that saw April Wine break onto the international stage. A charity concert with the Rolling Stones at El Mocambo Club in Toronto led to the release of the electrifying live album “Live at the El Mocambo” in 1977, followed by a tour with rock titans like the Stones, Styx, and Rush. The band’s 1978 album “First Glance,” featuring the hit single “Roller,” made waves on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned them gold certification outside of Canada for the first time.
Entering the 1980s, April Wine’s global recognition continued to grow. Their 1981 album, “The Nature of the Beast,” spawned their biggest U.S. hit, “Just Between You and Me.” This era also saw the release of two more albums, “Power Play” in 1982 and “Animal Grace” in 1984. After Myles Goodwyn’s relocation to the Bahamas, the band embarked on a farewell tour in 1984. Goodwyn pursued a solo career, releasing his first self-titled solo album in 1988, but eventually reunited with April Wine in 1992.
The legacy of April Wine is undeniable, with over 10 million records sold worldwide and 11 Juno Award nominations. Rolling Stone recognized their significance by ranking them at Number 47 on the list of “Greatest Canadian Artists of All Time.”
Myles Goodwyn himself received prestigious awards, including the East Coast Music Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 and the SOCAN National Achievement Award in 2002. In 2016, he shared his life story in the memoir “Just Between You and Me” and ventured into fiction with “Elvis and Tiger” in 2018. His musical journey continued with solo albums “Myles Goodwyn and Friends of the Blues” in 2018 and “Myles Goodwyn and Friends of the Blues 2” in 2019.
As we bid farewell to Myles Goodwyn, we recognize the end of an era in Canadian rock music. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless music and enduring contributions to the industry, reminding us of the profound impact he had as a musician, songwriter, and leader of April Wine. Goodwyn’s memory will be celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike, ensuring that his name and his music will continue to resonate through the ages.
