k.d. lang

2005 National Arts Centre Award

Over the last 20 years, singer/songwriter k.d. lang has emerged as one of Canada's most popular entertainers, acclaimed for her strong, pure vocals, edgy, rock-inflected music, and warm rapport with her audience. She has lent her compelling voice to an astonishing range of material, from straight-up country to playful cow-punk tunes to sultry adult contemporary pop, and attracted a loyal and diverse, multi-generational following. She has recorded more than 13 albums, and collaborated with such legendary artists as Roy Orbison, Tony Bennett, and Elton John. Her most recent album, Hymns of the 49th Parallel, released in 2004, is a proud tribute to her favourite Canadian songwriters and to her own musical heritage.

k.d. lang was born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1961 and grew up in the small town of Consort. Heavily influenced by the music of Patsy Cline, she studied music at Red Deer College, where she starred in a play based on Cline's life. After graduating, she formed a band called the Reclines. Her debut album, A Truly Western Experience (1984), attracted attention across Canada and in the U.S.

lang's discography includes Shadowland (gold album, featuring the Country Top 40 hit "I'm Down To My Last Cigarette"); Absolute Torch and Twang (Grammy Award, Best Female Country Vocal Performance); Ingenue (adult pop, featuring the Top 40 hit "Constant Craving"; platinum in USA, UK, and Australia, double-platinum in Canada, Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance); Even Cowgirls Get The Blues (disco/film soundtrack); and A Wonderful World (duets with Tony Bennett).

In May 2004, k.d. lang embarked on a six-month symphony orchestra tour of North America, performing a career-spanning set with a local orchestra serving as her "back-up band" at each venue. She toured Australia and New Zealand in early 2005.

Awards and honours include a Juno Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist (1985) and two Grammy Awards.