Myles Goodwyn, the iconic founding singer of the Canadian rock band April Wine, passed away at the age of 75, as confirmed by his publicist Eric Alper. The cause of his death has not been disclosed, and the family has requested privacy during this time.
Myles Goodwyn was a multi-talented artist, serving as the singer, guitarist, writer, producer, and leader of April Wine throughout its long and illustrious career. He played a pivotal role in shaping and guiding the band from its early days until his recent retirement from performing. Despite stepping away from the stage in March, Goodwyn continued to contribute to the band by assisting in their management and songwriting for their upcoming album.
April Wine, a legendary rock group, was formed in 1969 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The original lineup included vocalist/guitarist Myles Goodwyn, guitarist David Henman, drummer Ritchie Henman, and bassist Jimmy Henman. Shortly after their formation, the band relocated to Montreal. Their eponymous debut album was released in 1971, featuring their initial single, “Fast Train.” However, it was their second album, “On Record,” released a year later, that marked a significant milestone for the band. This album produced their first Canadian Number One single, a cover of Hot Chocolate’s “You Could Have Been a Lady,” and a Top 20 single with their rendition of Elton John’s “Bad Side of the Moon.” Over time, the band underwent lineup changes, with all three Henmans eventually departing.
April Wine achieved platinum status with their 1976 album “The Whole World’s Goin’ Crazy,” thanks to the hit “Like a Lover, Like a Song.” Their subsequent release, “Forever for Now,” featuring the chart-topping single “You Won’t Dance With Me,” also went platinum.
While their success initially resonated primarily in Canada, April Wine’s international breakthrough occurred in the late 1970s. Their charity concert with the Rolling Stones at El Mocambo Club in Toronto led to the release of the live album “Live at the El Mocambo” in 1977 and a subsequent tour with the Stones, Styx, and Rush. The band’s 1978 album “First Glance” included the single “Roller,” which made an impression on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also their first album to earn gold certification outside of Canada.
Entering the 1980s, April Wine’s global recognition continued to grow. Their 1981 album “The Nature of the Beast” produced their biggest U.S. hit, “Just Between You and Me.” They released two more albums during this era, “Power Play” in 1982 and “Animal Grace” in 1984. Afterward, Myles Goodwyn relocated to the Bahamas, and the band embarked on a farewell tour in 1984. Subsequently, Goodwyn pursued a solo career, releasing his first self-titled solo album in 1988, before eventually reuniting with April Wine in 1992.
Throughout their career, April Wine achieved remarkable success, selling over 10 million records worldwide and earning 11 Juno Award nominations. Rolling Stone recognized the band’s significance by placing them at Number 47 on the list of “Greatest Canadian Artists of All Time.”
Myles Goodwyn received several prestigious awards, including the East Coast Music Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 and the SOCAN National Achievement Award in 2002. In 2016, he published his memoir, “Just Between You and Me,” and followed it up with a work of fiction in 2018 titled “Elvis and Tiger.” Additionally, he released solo albums “Myles Goodwyn and Friends of the Blues” in 2018 and “Myles Goodwyn and Friends of the Blues 2” in 2019.
The passing of Myles Goodwyn marks the end of an era in Canadian rock music, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music and enduring contributions to the industry. His impact as a musician, songwriter, and leader of April Wine will be remembered and celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike.
