ANNE MURRAY

1998 INDUCTEE

Anne Murray was terrified when she made her first public performance at age 15, but the experience convinced her that singing was to be her life.

Anne Murray was born in Springhill, Nova Scotia. Her father was the resident doctor in this tiny coal-mining town, and her mother was and a registered nurse. Having five brothers spurred her onwards in singing as she "wanted to do something better than they did." As a youngster Canada's "songbird" enjoyed singing along with her favourites, Connie Francis, Bobby Darin, Buddy Holly, Bing Crosby, Patti Page and Rosemary Clooney. Murray enjoyed a wide variety of music like classical, country, gospel and folk.

Those influences played a big part of this versatile singer's future. For more than 30 years, Anne Murray has been Canada's most recognizable voice, and one of the world's most successful singing stars. Her voice is unparalleled and her sound defies description as it effortlessly crosses the folk, country, rock, and pop labels.

It was her second album, "This Is My Way," that put Murray on the world map with her first big hit, "Snowbird." In fact, "Snowbird" became one of North America's most played songs in the 1970's and Anne Murray became the first solo Canadian female artist to be awarded an American Gold Record.

She has recorded 30 albums, has received numerous national and international honours, and has sold millions of records. Still touring and recording, Murray says, "I think the Walk of Fame is a great idea and I'm honoured to be part of it."