Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame celebrates icons at 2025 Legends Induction In Toronto

PHOTO GALLERY BELOW

The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF) lit up Toronto’s Meridian Arts Centre on Oct. 17, 2025,  as its 2025 Legends event honoured musical icons Andy Kim, Jane Siberry, Ian Thomas, Gino Vannelli, and Triumph (Rik Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore), songwriters whose work has defined generations and helped shape Canada’s cultural identity on the world stage.

Peers and collaborators took the stage to honour the inductees. Revered Canadian singer-songwriter k.d. lang inducted Jane Siberry, highlighting her singular artistry and lasting influence on songwriters. “The most important thing is creating connection – for the listener and for you,” said Siberry. “Your intuition is your most trustworthy guide, and when you follow it, the flaws fall away. That’s where the magic happens.”

Murray McLauchlan inducted longtime friend Ian Thomas, recognizing his craftsmanship and enduring body of work. Tom Cochrane inducted Triumph, reflecting on the band’s trailblazing career and impact on Canadian rock. “Triumph’s songs were the fuel that powered the spectacle,” said Cochrane. “Behind the smoke bombs and lights, it was always about the songwriting – those anthems that lifted people up and became part of their lives.”

“In the end, it’s always the songs that tell the story,” added Triumph’s Rik Emmett. “The magic power of those songs is that they still speak to people about hopes, dreams, and fighting the good fight.”

Publisher Frank Davies, Chair and Founder of the CSHF, inducted Gino Vannelli. Reflecting on his 55-year journey, Vannelli said, “Songwriting isn’t about chasing fame; it’s about persistence, humility, and the daily ritual of creation. Study the greats, keep writing, and let your own voice emerge in time. That’s when you truly arrive as a songwriter.”

Ed Robertson delivered a humorous and heartfelt tribute to Andy Kim, underscoring Kim’s fearless re-invention, and lasting contribution to pop music. “All I ever wanted to do was write songs, make records, and live a life bigger than my reality,” said Kim. “A guitar and a song – that’s all I ever needed. I’m humbled and honoured to be part of Canada’s musical story.”

The evening also featured a series of moving video tributes from musical luminaries honouring the inductees. Kiefer Sutherland, Alex Lifeson, Dee Snider, and Sebastian Bach reflected on Triumph’s lasting influence and artistry, while Michael Bublé and Burton Cummings shared their admiration for Gino Vannelli’s vocal mastery and songwriting legacy. Bryan Adams and Nile Rodgers paid heartfelt homage to Andy Kim’s pop brilliance, and Peter Gabriel offered a touching message in celebration of Jane Siberry’s creative vision and singular voice.

Performances throughout the night paired some of Canada’s most exciting contemporary and legendary artists with the inductees’ timeless, classic songs. Montreal’s Clerel and RÊVE opened with Vannelli’s “Living Inside Myself,” while Alfie Zappacosta delivered a soulful rendition of “People Gotta Move.” Winnipeg folksinger Noah Derksen and rising star Sam Drysdale performed Ian Thomas’s hit “Painted Ladies”, followed by Thomas himself joining Rik Emmett and acclaimed musical director Lou Pomanti for “Right Before Your Eyes.” Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew delivered “Rock Me Gently” alongside Ed Robertson for Andy Kim, while Kirk Diamond and Kairo McLean delighted audiences with a reggae rendition of “Sugar, Sugar.” Housewife (Brighid Fry) performed a flawless version of Jane Siberry’s melodically ambitious “Mimi on the Beach,” followed by a stirring performance of “Calling All Angels” from singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk. The evening closed with JJ Wilde and Charlie Edward performing a high-voltage rendition of “Magic Power,” and Rik Emmett re-uniting with Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X for a powerhouse finale of “Lay It on the Line.”

The Toronto celebration also spotlighted the next generation of songwriters with the presentation of the CSHF 2025 Breakthrough Songwriter Award. This year’s non-Francophone recipient, Nemahsis, was honoured for her powerful songwriting and meteoric rise on the Canadian and international music scenes.

The French-language edition of CSHF’s 2025 Legends Induction Series will be held Nov. 17, 2025, at Montréal’s Espace St-Denis. The Montréal event will spotlight Francophone and Indigenous voices, honouring François Cousineau, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Michel Pagliaro, and Florent Vollant.

SOCAN congratulates all of the new inductees on their historic achievements!