The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF) is proud to announce LEGENDS presented by RBC — a 2025 series of induction events honouring nine iconic songwriters whose music has helped define Canada’s cultural landscape and shape the international soundscape for generations.
This year’s inductees – François Cousineau, Andy Kim, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Michel Pagliaro, Jane Siberry, Ian Thomas, Triumph, Gino Vannelli, Florent Vollant – represent a rich cross-section of Canadian music history, from chart-topping hits and folk traditions to rock anthems, studio cabaret, and groundbreaking Francophone and Indigenous voices. Though their styles and languages vary, they’re united by a shared legacy of creativity, cultural contribution, and storytelling that resonates far beyond the stage. Together, they exemplify the depth, diversity, and enduring impact of Canadian songwriting.
“This year’s LEGENDS embody the values that define Canadian songwriting: artistic courage, cultural contribution, and storytelling that transcends genre and language,” says Nick Fedor, Executive Director, Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. “The Legends Series is more than an awards show; it’s a national stage for celebrating legacy, inspiring the next generation, and elevating the role of the songwriter in our cultural identity.”
Following its successful 2023 debut, LEGENDS returns to celebrate generational songs and songwriters with inductions into the Class of 2025. These intimate, exclusive events will once again honour Canada’s rich musical legacy, in celebrations that will take place at the Meridian Arts Centre in Toronto on Oct. 17, 2025, and Espace St-Denis in Montréal on Nov. 17, 2025.
Each evening will feature live tributes and special guest performances from emerging and sought-after artists, while also shining a spotlight on the Breakthrough Songwriter Award – an initiative that recognizes and amplifies Canada’s most exciting emerging songwriting talent. This year’s nominees will be announced soon, joining past honourees, such as Jessie Reyez, Mustafa, Lowell, and Charlotte Cardin.
The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame continues to invest in the future of Canadian music through initiatives like the Legends Series, Song & Score Day, and special Hall of Fame Masterclasses presented by RBC – each designed to connect generations of music creators. Taking place in tandem with the LEGENDS Induction events, these programs feature educational sessions, artist panels, and rare opportunities to engage with iconic and emerging songwriters. Full details will be announced soon.
Inductees – LEGENDS Series Toronto (Oct. 17, 2025)
- Andy Kim – The composer of “Sugar, Sugar” and “Rock Me Gently,” Kim built a career on fearlessness and re-invention, from Brill Building beginnings to Canadian icon.
- Ian Thomas – With hits like “Painted Ladies” and “The Runner,” Thomas is a genre-spanning craftsman who’s written for America, Santana, and Bette Midler.
- Triumph – The hard-rock trio from Mississauga defined Canadian arena rock with “Magic Power” and “Fight the Good Fight,” and re-defined the concert experience.
- Jane Siberry – A poet of song, Siberry has defied category for four decades, with a catalogue spanning the mystical and the intimate.
- Gino Vannelli – With his blend of soul, jazz, and pop, Vannelli earned international acclaim and broke barriers as a genre-defying singer-songwriter.
Inductees – LÉGENDES Series Montreal (Nov. 17. 2025)
- Kate & Anna McGarrigle – Beloved for their vocal harmonies and timeless songwriting, the McGarrigles brought Québécois folk to international acclaim.
- François Cousineau – A towering figure in Québec culture, Cousineau’s work spans chanson, cinema, theatre, and television, shaping the province’s sound for more than 50 years.
- Michel Pagliaro – A pioneer of bilingual rock, Pagliaro broke ground with Gold records in both French and English, and remains a force of raw poetic power.
- Florent Vollant – A trailblazer in Indigenous music, Vollant’s solo work and Kashtin legacy continue to uplift Innu language and voices across generations.