Fred J. Eaglesmith

Fred J. Eaglesmith was born, as he sings in his song "Indian Motorcycles", "in the springtime of the '57 Chevy." Growing up on a series of farms in southern Ontario, as one of nine children born into a farming family, Eaglesmith recalls spending his childhood in two places: working on the farm, or going to church. He started writing and playing music, influenced by Elvis and the sounds of roots music drifting into Ontario from far-away radio stations. He bought his first guitar with $12 he saved from his chores and hard work. When his family lost their farm, Eaglesmith, then 16, left home, hopped freight trains out west and traveled.

Fred’s new CD, Milly’s Café, is a textured collection of thoughtful and sometimes passionate songs. “18 Wheels” is a glimpse into the mind of a lovelorn trucker. “Milly’s Café” is a deceptively lighthearted Southwestern romp all about two ill-fated lovers. “Thinkin Bout Her" paints three affecting, simple portraits of men blindsided and haunted by love. This CD reached the Top Ten on the Americana charts. Eaglesmith's songs have been covered by a steadily growing list of artists: The Cowboy Junkies, Chris Knight, Dar Williams, Kasey Chambers, among others, and James King. One of his songs, “Thinkin Bout You,” is featured on the soundtrack of the new Toby Keith movie, “Broken Bridges.” Film director Martin Scorsese has used his songs, as have others including James Caan in his movie "Viva Los Nowhere." Fred has also had feature roles in several film productions. Eaglesmith won a Juno Award for Best Roots and Traditional Album - Solo, is a winner of the Canadian Independent Music Award and was a finalist in the 2006 International Songwriting Competition for his song, "Alcohol and Pills." Three tribute albums featuring covers of Eaglesmith's work have been recorded, and Fred regularly scores on critics' top ten lists on both sides of the border, in Europe and in Australia, and on Americana charts. He holds the distinction of being the only Canadian composer to hold the #1 spot on the American Bluegrass chart for his song, “Thirty Years of Farming.

” Whether you are a "Fredhead," or more of a fan of 50 Cent, if you enjoy music at all (and a good laugh), Fred Eaglesmith is not to be missed- The Courier Online