Aired on Treasure Island Oldies – Jun 29, 2025
When it comes to singing/songwriting talents, Canada has had a lot to celebrate over the years.
One such talent was born in Big Pond, Cape Breton, N.S. in 1944. Despite being born with a cleft lip and partial cleft palate, she started singing at an early age.
Upon getting married, she moved to Toronto with her husband. However, the marriage failed, resulting in her becoming a domestic, cleaning hotel rooms, while also singing in pubs and bars, trying to earn enough to provide food for her and her two children.
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Eventually rising to national prominence in the 80s and 90s, she became one of Canada’s most beloved country and folk singers known for her heartfelt lyrics, warm stage presence, and deep connection with the working-class.
She wrote her own songs, many of them deeply rooted in the struggles and resilience of everyday people. Her recording, “Flying On Your Own” was about her life alone with her two children.
One of her most touching and enduring songs was released in 1989. It soon became a fan favorite for its tender expression of love, vulnerability, and second chances. With her signature blend of country, folk, and Celtic influences, Rita MacNeil delivered the ballad with a sincerity that resonated with listeners across generations.
Beyond its radio success, the song became a staple of her live performances and a reminder of her gift for storytelling through song. It captured the themes that defined her career: perseverance, compassion, and the power of hope.
Known as Cape Breton’s First Lady Of Song, Rita MacNeil’s contributions to the Canadian music scene earned her multiple Juno Awards, the Order of Canada, and a lasting place in the country’s cultural history.
And her song, “I’ll Accept the Rose” remains one of her most cherished compositions, a beautiful testament to her legacy as a singer who gave voice to the quiet strength of everyday people. And it’s this week’s Tom Locke moment in time.
YouTube listing of the song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXTOLfP-g38
This “Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.
