David Bradstreet

Multi-talented musician and composer David Bradstreet was born in London, England, but moved to Canada with his family at a young age. Although he studied architecture following high school, he was more influenced by the "folk movement" of the '60s and decided to make music a full-time career. As with many other artists, Bradstreet began paying his dues by playing clubs. In 1968, he toured coffee houses and clubs across America, getting his start in New York City. He returned to Canada in 1971, where he was able to play folk festivals, university coffee houses, and small concerts. He also had the opportunity to perform on television (such as on Ian Tyson's Nashville North show). Three years of performing and writing caught the attention of several other artists, and it was in 1971 that he joined the Texas group Lazarus, who were connected with Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul & Mary) and managed by Albert Grossman. It was also in this band that he began writing and performing with Billie Hughes, which continued until Hughes' death in 1998.

By 1974, Bradstreet was ready to return to Canada and his solo career. His big break came when Valdy had a hit in Canada with Bradstreet's song "Renaissance." This led to a record deal with A&M Records, where he recorded 1977's David Bradstreet, and 1978's Dreaming in Colour. Both albums were successful in Canada, and he received a Juno Award (Canada's equivalent to the Grammy) as Best New Male Vocalist in 1977.

Bradstreet continued to perform and write, and by 1980, was ready to launch his own record label, Street Records. This allowed him to release his own material (including 1980's Black and White and 1998's Renaissance) as well as records by other musicians, including his old friend Billie Hughes and Jane Siberry. In fact he played a large role with Siberry's self-titled debut. Not only did he co-produce and co-engineer it, he also provided guitar.

Over the years he has written and performed soundtracks for a variety of television shows and movies, as well as being very successful writing and performing music for the Solitudes label, which focuses on music combined with nature sounds. He received a Juno nomination in 1998 for this work.