Even with the spotlight from the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony fading, the energy and excitement from the “Légendes” series in Montréal is just getting started—and this event is sure to echo through Canada’s music culture all year long! On November 17, 2025, the Studio Cabaret at Espace St-Denis transformed into ground zero for celebrating the songwriters, storytellers, and musical trailblazers whose work has defined generations. If you missed it, here’s why this celebration is about so much more than music—it’s a shout-out to the heart and soul of what makes Canadian sound unique.
Every year, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame rounds up some of the best and brightest, honouring creators who’ve left a serious mark—far beyond our borders. This edition featured a lineup of legends: Michel Pagliaro, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Florent Vollant, and François Cousineau. Between heartfelt speeches, star-studded tribute videos (hello Tom Cochrane and Jimmy Fallon!), and live performances ranging from classic anthems to modern indie hits, the night captured the true spirit of what songwriting means in Canada: connection, creativity, and community.
Why does it matter? Canadian songwriters aren’t only shaping playlists—they’re shaping culture. This Hall of Fame isn’t just a trophy cabinet. It’s a movement dedicated to telling the stories behind favourite tracks, giving credit to the voices who often work behind the scenes. Whether it’s Pagliaro’s gritty rock classics, the McGarrigle sisters’ timeless harmonies, Cousineau’s sweeping ballads, or Vollant’s bridge-building through Indigenous language and sound, these artists prove that songs can build identity and bring people together.
And here’s a fun fact for everyone cheering from BC: Many of Canada’s most celebrated songwriters have west coast roots or influences, showing that the Lower Mainland’s music DNA runs deep—even in national moments like this. Vancouver indie fans, you’re part of a legacy every time you stream a homegrown track, catch a band at The Commodore, or share local lyrics on social. Evolution 107.9’s playlists aren’t just about what’s new—they’re a shout-out to the tradition these “Légendes” built, with that same Canadian energy running through every riff.
Looking ahead, the Hall of Fame is stepping up its game for future creators too. New initiatives, mentorship, and even songwriter grants mean more support for the next wave. If you’re writing songs in your bedroom or busking on Granville, there’s a place for your voice in this ongoing story. Because every anthem, folk tune, rock banger, and heartfelt ballad has started with a creator who believed Canadian music could matter—not just here, but everywhere.
In the end, while the confetti might be swept up at Espace St-Denis, this celebration doesn’t stop. Pull up your favourite McGarrigle album. Queue Pagliaro’s hits. Or better yet—head out to a local show, support rising songwriters, and be part of the story. Because every day can be a songwriter celebration if you want it to be, and those legends? They’re proof that Canadian music is always worth turning up loud.