Bobby Gimby Canada’s pied-piper and in 1967 wrote the smash hit “Ca-na-da”

On my walk through the cremation gardens near the Yonge Street gates of Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto, I came upon the grave of a man whose song once united a nation—Bobby Gimby, Canada’s beloved “Pied Piper.”

Born in Cabri, Saskatchewan, Gimby was a talented trumpeter, orchestra leader, and singer-songwriter. He moved to Toronto in 1944, where he formed his own band and quickly became a familiar name in Canadian music circles.

But it was 1967, Canada’s Centennial year, that made him a national icon.

To celebrate the country’s 100th birthday, Gimby wrote the spirited anthem “Ca-na-da,” using the voices of schoolchildren to sing the infectious chorus. The song captured the hearts of Canadians from coast to coast. Over 50 recordings of “Ca-na-da” were made, and more than 250 school choirs and bands across the country recorded their own versions. It topped the Canadian music charts throughout the Centennial year, becoming an unofficial soundtrack for national pride.

In an act of generosity and patriotism, Gimby donated the original manuscript and all future royalties for the song to Scouts Canada in 1971.

For his contributions to Canadian culture, he was named a Member of the Order of Canada.

Robert “Bobby” Stead Gimby passed away in North Bay, Ontario, on June 20, 1998, at the age of 79. While his music may now play softly in the background of our history, its joyful echo still lingers—especially in the hearts of those who sang along in 1967.

1918-1998

My recent find at the Salvation Army Thrift Shop. An album by the Craddock Kids singing  CANADA written by Bobby Gimby.