Canada's Centennial Song

Many works were commissioned to mark the 100th birthday of Confederation in 1967. But it was a simple 45 that took the nation's imagination - Bobby Gimby's Canada.

To those who lived through it the words and melody invoke that wonderful year that seems like only yesterday.

The song was commissioned by the Centennial Commission (a special Federal Government agency). It was written in both of Canada's official languages, English and French.

The single was the most successful single in Canada in 1967, selling a then unprecedented 270,000 copies.

In 1971, Gimby donated all royalties to the Boy Scouts of Canada, but the song only earned one cent per airplay, which is one of the lowest rates in the world. Since its release, the song has been recorded by over 30 different musicians.

Picardy (You Tube)

Here is the French version:

The Canadian Peoples Phonograph (you tube)

Enter Credit Information