Formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Years Active: 1973-2014 (with breaks)
After leaving The Guess Who at the height of their success, Randy Bachman was looking for something new. After starting a band called Brave Belt that didn't do very well, came the seeds of BTO. There were three Bachman brothers in the original lineup in 1973, Randy, Tim and Robbie, along with C. Fred Turner. Twelve of the band's singles made the US Billboard Top 100 chart, three making the Top 20 and once having a number 1 hit in "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet". Their last studio album was released in 1984, but they have reunited for many tours since then.
First US Charted Single: "Blue Collar" to # 68 in 1973
First US Charted # 1: "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" in 1974
First Canadian # 1: "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" in 1974
Formed in Toronto, Ontario
Years Active: 1988-present
In Toronto, at a TV station called CityTV, there was a little video booth where one could record whatever they wanted for a couple of minutes known as Speakers' Corner. (A late night TV show would broadcast the safe for television entries). Five buddies from the East end of the city decided to sing in the little booth. This was around 1990. The Barenaked Ladies had a bit of a cult following until then in the city, but after that appearance, they became much bigger in all of Canada. That performance, along with the success of their "bootleg" cassettes, led them to a record contract. In the States, they charted 9 times, but ran "One Week" all the way to number 1 in 1998. Even after dropping lead singer Stephen Page in 2009, they remained an important part of Canadiana.
First US Charted Single: "The Old Apartment" to # 88 in 1996
First US Charted # 1: "One Week" in 1998
First Canadian # 1: "It's All Been Done" in 1998
Formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Years Active: 1988-present
Known around Canada for the lead singer's deep baritone voice, the Crash Test Dummies had a few hits early in their existence. "Superman's Song" was the first in 1991which reached # 4 on the Canadian charts and made an appearance on the US chart as well. But their biggest hit in the US was "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm", yep, a song about humming! That song went to # 4 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1993.
First US Charted Single: "Superman's Song" to # 56 in 1991
Formed in Burlington, Ontario
Years Active: 1990-present
The used to be known as Rainbow Butt Monkeys, one of my favourite band names, but changed their name to Finger Eleven in 1996. They have had moderate success in the States on the Alternative and Mainstream Rock charts, but made it to # 6 on the Top 100 chart with their song "Paralyzer". They have had four # 1 songs on the Canadian Rock chart, none of which I know...
First US Charted Single: "One Thing" to # 16 in 2003
First Canadian # 1: "One Thing" in 2003
Formed in Ottawa, Ontario
Years Active: 1963-'75; 1986-present
"Signs, signs, everywhere are signs, blocking up the scenery, breakin' my mind". A one hit wonder?? Kind of, in the States. "Signs" hit # 3 in 1971, but they had many songs on the Canadian charts, including "Absolutely Right" and "I'm A Stranger Here". Never had a number 1 song, but they are still a staple on any Classic Rock radio station across the land.
First US Charted Single: "Signs" to # 3 in 1971
Formed in Newmarket, Ontario
Years Active: 1983-present
Glass Tiger got a lot of play in the Great White North. They started to rise at the perfect time, the music video age, and they flooded the music shows with them. The first song to enter the Canadian chart, "Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone)" in 1986, went to # 1. They had some success in the States, but kept on charting hits in Canada until 1993.
First US Charted Single: "Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone)" to # 2 in 1986
First Canadian # 1: "Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone)" in 1986.
Formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Years Active: 1965-'75; 1977-present
One of the most popular and successful bands to come out of Canada, The Guess Who is usually mentioned in the "Best Bands Of All Time" conversation in both our country and the States. Their greatest era took place in the late '60's and early '70's when both Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman were responsible for most of their songs. They have released 19 albums, but not a studio one since 1995, and have had a number of big hits in both countries. Songs like "No Time", "These Eyes", "Laughing" and especially "American Woman" made them a force to be reckoned with. They scored 9 Top 20 hits in the States, 7 Top 10's and 2 number 1's; "American Woman" and "No Sugar Tonight". They have had five number 1 tunes in Canada.
First US Charted Single: "Shakin' All Over" to # 22 in 1965
First US Charted # 1: "American Woman" in 1970
First Canadian # 1: "Shakin' All Over" in 1965
Formed in Toronto, Ontario
Years Active: 1963-present
I know the name of the band, but I couldn't tell you what they sing. The generation before mine certainly knew, though. They had a few television shows in the '70's and '80's on the CBC which were quite popular. Since 1966, they have released about 30 albums and have had songs on the Canadian charts 17 times. Their biggest hit, "The Unicorn", made it all the way to # 7 on the US Billboard Top 100 in 1968.
First US Charted Single: "The Unicorn" to # 7 in 1968
Formed in Calgary, Alberta
Years Active: 1979-present (with breaks)
Look at that picture! Awesome!! Loverboy had a bit of success in the States, but they were always bigger in Canada, thanks to MuchMusic and the age of music videos. The highest position they achieved in the US was # 9 with "Lovin' Every Minute Of It" in 1985, but they did have 13 songs make the Billboard Top 100. In Canada, they did a little better, but never had a number 1 hit. Believe it or not, Loverboy have released three albums in the 2000's, one as recently as 2014.
First US Charted Single: "Turn Me Loose" to # 35 in 1980
Formed in Montreal, Quebec
Years Active: 1977-'93; 2010-present
If it wasn't for "The Safety Dance" I doubt we'd ever know who Men Without Hats were. I believe they are the epitome of the one-hit wonder. Sure, they had other songs on the charts, both in Canada and the States, but only because of the success of their first hit. "The Safety Dance" made it to # 11 in Canada, but all the way to # 3 in America. You can still hear it, in it's many re-dubbed mixes, all over the place; in movies, on TV and the radio. Good for them, I guess...
First US Charted Single: "I Like" to # 84 in 1982
Formed in Hanna, Alberta
Years Active: 1995-present
I don't get it, but I also can't deny it; Nickelback is one of the biggest bands to ever come out of Canada. I know, right?! They have sold more than 50 million records worldwide, so some folks like them. In the States they have had 9 Top 20 hits, 6 of which were Top 10, and one number 1 in "How You Remind Me". In their native land, they have reached the Top 20 only seven times. I don't like them personally, but it is quite obvious others do.
First US Charted Single: "How You Remind Me" to # 1 in 2001
First US Charted # 1: "How You Remind Me" in 2001
First Canadian # 1: "Someday" in 2003
Formed in Calgary, Alberta
Years Active: 1964-'77; 1992-present
Of course The Stampeders came from Calgary! They had one really big tune in 1971, "Sweet City Woman", which made it to # 8 on the Billboard Top 100, but hit # 1 on three charts in Canada - the regular chart, the Country chart and the Adult Contemporary chart. The band would have more success in Canada through the years but really only hit their mark in America with that one song.
First US Charted Single: "Sweet City Woman" to # 8 in 1971
First Canadian # 1: "Sweet City Woman" in 1971
Formed in Toronto, Ontario
Years Active: 1967-'76; 1980-present
Here's another band that I had no idea was from Canada. I listened to a lot of Steppenwolf when I was younger and getting into Classic Rock and the innovators of Heavy Metal music. "Born To Be Wild" was one of the most influential rock songs to come out of the 1960's. It coined the term "heavy metal" and, along with the film the song was in "Easy Rider", created a "look" and style for millions of people in the late '60's. Even with the great success of that song, it never made it to number 1 on the Billboard chart. But the band did go on to chart another dozen songs in the States, always chasing the success of their first.
First US Charted Single: "Born To Be Wild" to # 2 in 1968
Well, those are all the Canadian bands that made it to the Top 20 on the US Billboard Top 100 chart, but other Canadian bands definitely deserve a mention here:
54-40 - From Vancouver, B.C. - They had 15 songs make the Canadian chart but never charted in the States. To date they have released 13 albums
Anvil - From Toronto, Ontario - The heavy metal band has released 16 studio albums but never charted any songs. They have been cited as on of the influences of more popular bands such as Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax.
April Wine - From Halifax, Nova Scotia - Its always been my joke that if you don't know who sings a certain rock song from the 1970's or 1980's, 50% of the time it's April Wine! They charted 7 times in the States, but dominated Canadian radio with 32 songs making the charts. Their highest showing in Canada was one of their first, "You Could Have Been A Lady" which made it to # 2 in 1971.
The Band - From Toronto, Ontario - The Band first got together as a backing band for Ronnie Hawkins. They went out on their own and became one of the most influential bands ever. They were listed at number 50 of Rolling Stone's Top 100 Bands Of All Time and have won a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2008. Never had a Top 20 single in the States...
Billy Talent - From Mississauga, Ontario - I don't really know anything they sing, but they have definitely had successes. Nominated for 22 Juno Awards, winning 7 of them. I thought Billy Talent was a guy, not a band...
Blue Rodeo - From Toronto, Ontario - Much beloved in Canada, Blue Rodeo never cracked the Top 20 in the States. They have released 15 studio albums from 1987 to 2016. 28 of their songs have charted on the Canadian singles chart, but not one in the US.
Chilliwack - From Vancouver, B.C. - They had a bit of success in America, charting 7 times on the Billboard Hot 100. Their highest ranked song was in 1981 when "My Girl (Gone, Gone, Gone)" made it to # 22. It was also their biggest hit in Canada, # 3.
Cowboy Junkies - From Toronto, Ontario - It was a cover of a Velvet Underground song that got Cowboy Junkies noticed. "Sweet Jane" made it to # 5 on the US Modern Rock chart in 1989. Much more success in their native Canada, but never a # 1 song.
D.O.A. - From Vancouver, B.C. - These guys started their sound at precisely the right time. In 1978, disco music was dying and hardcore punk was being invented. D.O.A. is usually mentioned in the same breath as punk innovators Black Flag, Bad Brains and The Germs. They have released 16 studio albums through multiple band member changes.
Doug And The Slugs - From Vancouver, B.C. - Another Canadian band that never broke out in the States. They had 10 songs hit the Top 100 here in Canada.
Downchild Blues Band - From Toronto, Ontario - Many have cited Downchild as the pre-eminent Blues band in Canada, playing hundreds of festivals from 1969 on. The leader of the band, Donnie Walsh, has be known as the "father of Canadian Blues". They were the inspiration of The Blues Brothers who included fellow Canadian Dan Aykroyd.
A Foot In Cold Water - From Toronto, Ontario - If the States never knew the joy of hearing "(Make Me Do) Anything You Want", well, that's their loss! A staple of Canadian rock radio.
Full Tilt Boogie Band - From Stratford, Ontario - On April 4, 1970, the Full Tilt Boogie Band shot to fame when they backed up Janis Joplin at the Fillmore West studios in San Francisco. Unfortunately, their union lasted only a few months, but its this band you hear on Joplin's posthumous album Pearl.
Goddo - From Scarborough, Ontario - Another staple of Canadian rock radio, never cracking the charts in the States. Highest Canadian chart position came in 1981 with "Pretty Bad Boy", hitting # 28.
Great Big Sea - From St. John's, Newfoundland - Purely Canadian made easy rock, Great Big Sea has had 4 Platinum albums in Canada. Their biggest hit was "When I'm Up (I Can't Get Down)" when it rose to # 6 in 1997.
Harlequin - From Winnipeg, Manitoba - Another band heard pretty much only in Canada, they had three semi-big songs in the early 1980's; "Innocence", "Thinking Of You" and "Supersticious Feeling".
Hedley - From Abbottsford, B.C. - A small amount of success in the States, Hedley has had a # 1 song in Canada, "On My Own", and nine other Top 10 hits.
Helix - From Halifax, Nova Scotia - A hard rock band that is known best for their 1984 song "Rock You" that charted on the US Mainstream Rock chart.
Honeymoon Suite - From Niagara Falls, Ontario - They had good success in the mid to late '80's with charting songs "New Girl Now" (# 57), "Feel It Again" (# 34) and "What Does It Take" (# 52).
Klaatu - From Toronto, Ontario - The song "Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft" was released in 1976 by this Canadian band. It made it to # 62 on the US chart. The Carpenters sang a version that went to # 32 the very next year.
Lighthouse - From Toronto, Ontario - Juno Award winner for Best Canadian Group in 1972, 1973 and 1974, Lighthouse had a fairly big hit with "One Fine Morning" which made it to # 24 on the US Billboard Top 100 in 1971. "Sunny Days" was their next biggest success.
Martha And The Muffins - From Toronto, Ontario - Also known as M+M, their biggest hit definitely came in 1980 when they released "Echo Beach", which charted on the US Dance chart.
Max Webster - From Sarnia, Ontario - Kim Mitchell first gained fame as the lead singer and guitarist of Max Webster, a band that was together from 1973-1982. Their songs include "Hangover", "High Class In Borrowed Shoes", "Diamonds Diamonds", "A Million Vacations" and "Paradise Skies".
The Northern Pikes - From Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Known in the States for one song, "She Ain't Pretty" which went to # 86 in 1990, they have charted at least 10 other songs here in Canada.
Our Lady Peace - From Toronto, Ontario - Their first studio album, Naveed, looked like it was going to be a big hit here and abroad. The album failed to chart in the States, but their next few made a good dent. The only had three songs make the US Billboard Top 100, but had # 1 songs in Canada with "Clumsy" in 1997 and "Somewhere Out There" in 2002.
The Parachute Club - From Toronto, Ontario - "Rise Up" was a huge song in Canada in 1983, but it failed to make a dent in the States. They had six other songs hit the Canadian chart, but they are always remembered for "Rise Up"...and the video for it.
Payola$ - From Vancouver, B.C. - Paul Hyde and Bob Rock made a name for themselves as the Payola$ when they released "Eyes Of A Stranger" in 1982. It went to # 4 on the Canadian chart but only charted on the US Mainstream Rock chart (# 22).
Platinum Blonde - From Toronto, Ontario - The New Wave scene in the early 1980's really helped this band make a name for themselves. They only had one song chart in the US, "Somebody Somewhere" reached # 82 in 1986, but their biggest hit came the previous year with the Canadian # 1 "Crying Over You". One of the guys in the band went to high school with my wife, so, there's that.
Prism - From Vancouver, B.C. - They had a few songs make the US Top 100 chart, the highest being # 39 with "Don't Let Him Know". But their everlasting place in my heart is because of their first single, "Spaceship Superstar", which is so bad it's good! Bryan Adams used to write songs for them, before he was THE Bryan Adams.
The Pursuit Of Happiness - From Toronto, Ontario - Their biggest song, "I'm An Adult Now", made it to # 6 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart in 1990 (re-issue). Other than that TPOH were strictly for Canadian ears.
The Rankin Family - From Mabou, Nova Scotia - Not my cup of tea, but they certainly have had success in Canada. From 1992 to 2013 they have been nominated for 16 Juno Awards, winning 6 of them including 1994's Group Of The Year. Never charted in the States.
Red Rider - From Toronto, Ontario - The vehicle for Tom Cochrane, Red Rider charted songs in Canada from 1980 to 1989, their biggest reaching # 2 in 1989 with "Good Times". Although never cracking the Top 40 in the States, their song "Lunatic Fringe" is played a lot on rock radio there.
Rheostatics - From Etobicoke, Ontario - A mix of New Wave, Punk and Pop, the Rheostatics never really achieved chart success, but were known as one of Canada's most influential groups of the '80's and '90's. Their album Whale Music from 1992 is commonly cited as one of the best Canadian albums ever.
Rush - From Toronto, Ontario - In the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame, possibly the greatest rock trio to ever play, but it took a while for most to notice. Never had a Top 20 song in the States, their highest being "New World Man" which made it to # 21 in 1982. In Canada, "New World Man" was their only # 1. They have released 19 studio albums and 11 live albums, and they are ours, ALL OURS!!
Saga - From Oakville, Ontario - They have released 22 studio albums since 1978, but are probably remembered for only a few songs; "Wind Him Up", "On The Loose", "The Flyer" and "Scratching The Surface", all released before 1984.
Slik Toxic - From Toronto, Ontario - Their album Doin' The Nasty was a big success in Canada in 1992, winning them a few MuchMusic Video Awards. They didn't last much longer, but I had to include them because my cousin was in the band!
Sloan - From Halifax, Nova Scotia - I love Sloan! They're melodic, rocking, funny, the perfect mix. They don't hit the charts a lot, but had a # 6 song in Canada in 1996 with "Everything You've Done Wrong". They have been nominated for 10 Juno Awards, winning one.
Spirit Of The West - From Vancouver, B.C. - "You'll have to excuse me, I'm not at my best. I've been drunk for a month, I've been drunk since I left". Never even charted in Canada...but we all know it!
Spoons - From Burlington, Ontario - Pretty big in Canada during the infancy of the music video age, but never caught on in the States. "Romantic Traffic", "Nova Heart", "Old Emotions" and "Tell No Lies"...you know 'em.
Sum 41 - From Ajax, Ontario - They have released only six studio albums, but have become the Canadian punk darlings of the world, selling more than 30 million records worldwide. They were nominated for a Grammy in 2012 and have been nominated for 8 Juno Awards, winning two.
The Tea Party - From Windsor, Ontario - Seven albums, lots of single, but never charted on any of the US charts. Their only # 1 song came on the Canadian Alternative chart with "Heaven Coming Down" in 1999.
Teenage Head - From Hamilton, Ontario - A very popular punk band in the late '70's and early '80's, their biggest hit was probably "Let's Shake" from 1980.
Three Days Grace - From Norwood, Ontario - Popular in the States right out of the gate, this Alternative Rock/Metal band has achieved gold status down south a few times. They have reached number 1 on the US Mainstream Rock chart an incredible 12 times!
Toronto - From Toronto, Ontario - Hit the Top 100 in the US with their hit "Your Daddy Don't Know" in 1982. The same song got to # 5 in Canada.
The Tragically Hip - From Kingston, Ontario - Another band that Canada can call their own. The Hip never achieved the success in the States that they should have, only charting four songs on the US Mainstream Rock chart. In Canada, they had seven Top 10 hits including one # 1 in "Ahead By A Century" in 1996. In 2017, the band was appointed to the Order Of Canada, one of our nation's highest honours. They are the winners of 16 Juno Awards.
Triumph - From Mississauga, Ontario - In my opinion, the second best rock trio ever! Triumph had a string of hits in the 1980's, selling Gold and Platinum level albums in both Canada and the States. They had six Top 100 songs in the US including "Hold On" (# 38), "Lay It On The Line" (# 86), "Magic Power" (# 51) and "Somebody's Out There" (# 27).
Trooper - From Vancouver, B.C. - Their biggest song came in the form of "Raise A Little Hell", the only song to hit the US Top 100, peaking at # 59 in 1978. They had five Top 20 hits in Canada.
Voivod - From Jonquiere, Quebec - They have influenced many bands that came after them, but thrash metal/speed metal Voivod never gained chart success. One of their albums, 1989's Nothingface, made it to # 114 on the Billboard 200 chart. Metallica's Jason Newsted played with Voivod after leaving Metallica.
Walk Off The Earth - From Burlington, Ontario - They have had moderate chart success in their young careers, mostly in Canada, but people always seem to be talking about them. They have been nominated for 8 Juno Awards, winning Group Of The Year in 2016.
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