How did Canadian music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s help define Canada as a unique nation?

Not especially. No offense, but Canada's contribution to music in such a way as to establish a Canadian identity, unique from other nations, was pretty minimal. Canada is much more influential now, and has been since the late 90's, than at any time in its history.

In the 60's, Canada's primary contribution to music was exporting its stars to America, where they became pretty Americanized in style and subject matter. These include Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Zal Yanovski, Paul Anka, Denny Doherty, Garth Hudson, Rick Danko, David Clayton-Thomas, John Kay, Andy Kim, etc. Canada also served a useful function as promised land for draft-dodging American musicians (Jesse Winchester, et. al.)

Almost every Canadian star of the 50's-70's who remained in Canada was overshadowed by American or British artists, and were seldom known outside the English-speaking world.

In the 90's, Canada became a force in indie rock, and post-rock in particular, with Quebec leading the way.

Nothing will ever beat the music from the 50s and 60s, as 8 out of every 10 records made must have been a 'hit', as for my favourites, I have far too many to mention, but I will say that Del Shannon is at the top of my list. !! xx

Prior to American Bill Haley's revolutionary comet-clocking chart-topper, Canada had already set itself up to usher in the rock 'n roll era with its hit R&B group The Four Lads. Following suit were The Crew Cuts and The Diamonds. These Three Toronto-based quartets launched the rock era in Canada by converting some American R&B tunes into rock and by creating some original selections of their own.

With all this activity in the 1950s, Canadians would never have believed what was to happen in 1957. Their first anglophone international pop superstar arrived from within the nation's capital. And he was of neither European nor African descent, but Asian. He released a single that rocketed up to Number One on both sides of Atlantic and became the second best-selling single of all-time [after Bing Crosby's 'White Christmas"]. He was Canada's first real teen-idol, scored several more chat-toppers in the late 50s, became a millionaire while still a minor, switched from rock to adult contemporary in the 60s, wrote the theme for the Tonight Show, composed Tom Jones' biggest hit, foiled Frank Sinatra's plans of an early retirement by writing his signature song, and rekindled his own singing career with several chat-toppers in the 70s. To date, he has written some 400 songs. He should be regarded as the godfather of Canadian pop. And his name is Paul Anka.

We artist that were great all around the world without leaving their own country, The Guess Who, Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, Leonard Cohen, Rush, and many many more, who still call and live in Canada.

take care

dave

This says it all;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcKl894vNcA