Lynn Russwurm

Anyone interested in Canadian country music history undoubtedly knows the name Lynn Russwurm. Apart from having one of the most thorough collections of records and memorabilia in the country, the 82-year-old southern Ontario native has been a performer for over 60 years and has had his songs covered by country legends such as Hank Thompson, one of which, "I Cast A Lonesome Shadow," was then covered by Depeche Mode's Martin Gore. Singing My Songs is Russwurm's first collection under his name, featuring 20 tracks that showcase his skills at a genre that sadly almost no longer exists. The titles say it all: "How Can You Talk to a Heartache," "I Can't Make Love to a Memory," "Play It Long and Lonesome." With fine accompaniment by dobro, steel guitar, fiddle, stand-up bass and drums, this is country music in the classic style. It may have taken Russwurm a long time to make his own album, but with Singing My Songs, Canadian country fans can now finally celebrate this national treasure.