Myles Goodwyn – Canadian Rock Legend & April Wine Icon
Myles Goodwyn stands as one of Canada’s most revered and accomplished rock songwriters. From his humble beginnings in rural Nova Scotia to creating some of Canadian rock’s most enduring anthems, Myles Goodwyn’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary. As the founding member, lead vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of April Wine, Myles Goodwyn shaped five decades of rock history with his distinctive voice and masterful songwriting. Even as health challenges tested his resilience in his final years, this Canadian rock icon continued to inspire generations with his unwavering dedication to music and his remarkable legacy that includes over 10 million records sold worldwide.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Discover the albums that earned Myles Goodwyn legendary status! 🎵 Browse our complete collection of April Wine classics and experience the music that made him a Canadian icon!
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Myles Goodwyn was born on June 23, 1948, in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada, into a family of modest means. As the oldest of three boys, Myles Goodwyn grew up absorbing the country sounds that filled his childhood home, including Eddy Arnold, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Patsy Cline, and Hank Williams. The young Myles Goodwyn was raised in Waverley, Nova Scotia, a small community where music would become his sanctuary.
At the tender age of eleven, tragedy struck when Myles Goodwyn lost his mother to cancer. This devastating loss profoundly shaped the future rock legend, driving him toward music as a form of solace and expression. Myles Goodwyn turned to his guitar, teaching himself Hank Snow songs and singing in his church choir. In his 2016 memoir “Just Between You and Me,” Myles Goodwyn reflected on this pivotal period, stating: “Music was my salvation.”
During his teenage years, Myles Goodwyn would often escape to a large white granite rock embedded at the summit of a forested hill overlooking Lake William. There, alone with his guitar and thoughts, the introspective young musician developed the songwriting sensibility that would later define his career. This period of isolation and musical exploration proved crucial in shaping Myles Goodwyn’s artistic vision.
By his mid-teens, Myles Goodwyn was already performing in local bands, honing his craft and developing his distinctive vocal style. He played in a group called the Termites with future April Wine founding member Jim Henman, gaining valuable experience that would serve him well. These early performances in Nova Scotia’s small-town venues gave Myles Goodwyn his first taste of connecting with audiences through rock and roll.
💡 Did You Know?
Myles Goodwyn was called “unequivocally Canada’s greatest rock and roll songwriter” by music historians. His songwriting prowess combined country, blues, and hard rock influences into a signature sound that defined Canadian rock for decades. The introspective nature he developed as a child, spending time alone atop that granite rock, became the foundation for over 50 years of prolific songwriting that produced hundreds of songs and more than 20 studio albums.
April Wine Formation: A Montreal Gamble (1969)
In late 1969, Myles Goodwyn joined forces with three cousins from the Henman family, David Henman on guitar, Ritchie Henman on drums, and Jim Henman on bass, to form a new rock band. David Henman christened the group “April Wine,” choosing the name simply because the two words sounded good together. Little did Myles Goodwyn know that this decision would launch one of Canada’s most successful rock bands.
The newly formed April Wine quickly realized that their Halifax base offered limited opportunities for growth in the music industry. Myles Goodwyn and his bandmates made a bold decision to send a demo tape to Aquarius Records in Montreal. When managers Terry Flood and Donald K. Tarlton sent back a rejection letter, Myles Goodwyn and April Wine mistook it for an invitation, a fortunate misunderstanding that would change everything.
On April 1, 1970, Myles Goodwyn and April Wine arrived in Montreal with nothing but their instruments and $100 in cash. Through sheer determination and undeniable talent, Myles Goodwyn managed to convince Flood and Tarlton to give the band a chance. The managers were persuaded to sign April Wine to a recording contract, a gamble that would pay off beyond anyone’s expectations.
By spring 1970, Myles Goodwyn and April Wine were recording their self-titled debut album for Aquarius Records. The album immediately established Myles Goodwyn as a composer of note, with the track “Fast Train” receiving substantial airplay throughout Canada. This early success proved that Myles Goodwyn’s songwriting talents were exactly what the Canadian rock scene needed.
Early Success and Chart Breakthroughs (1971-1974)
April Wine’s sophomore album, “On Record,” released in 1972, marked a major breakthrough for Myles Goodwyn and the band. The album reached the Top 40 on Canadian charts and yielded two significant hit singles that demonstrated Myles Goodwyn’s ability to select and arrange compelling material. A cover of Elton John’s “Bad Side of the Moon” became a top 20 Canadian hit, while their version of Hot Chocolate’s “You Could Have Been a Lady” soared to number two in Canada and even charted in the United States.
The success of “You Could Have Been a Lady” proved pivotal for Myles Goodwyn and April Wine, establishing them as a band capable of crossing over to international markets. While Myles Goodwyn hadn’t written these early hits, his production sensibility and vocal delivery transformed them into April Wine signatures. The band’s interpretation of these songs showcased Myles Goodwyn’s understanding of what made a great rock song.
In fall 1971, founding member Jim Henman departed, and Myles Goodwyn brought in Montreal native Jim Clench to replace him on bass. This lineup change marked the beginning of April Wine’s most creative period. Early in 1973, with only Myles Goodwyn and Jim Clench remaining from earlier lineups, the two faced the critical decision of either disbanding or rebuilding April Wine.
Myles Goodwyn chose to forge ahead, auditioning new members and bringing in drummer Jerry Mercer and guitarist Gary Moffet. This revitalized April Wine became tighter and flashier, perfectly suited to showcase Myles Goodwyn’s evolving songwriting. The result was their third album, “Electric Jewels,” which remains a fan favorite and represents the first album to fully showcase Myles Goodwyn’s songwriting prowess.
💡 Did You Know?
Myles Goodwyn and April Wine were pioneers in theatrical rock presentations in Canada. Their 1974 tour called “The Electric Adventure” was the first Canadian tour to use dramatic lighting and pyrotechnic displays as an integral part of the show. This innovative approach, spearheaded by Myles Goodwyn’s vision for April Wine as a complete entertainment experience, influenced numerous artists including country superstar Garth Brooks, who cited April Wine’s stage production as an inspiration for his own elaborate concerts.
The Classic Lineup Era: Rock and Roll Domination (1975-1981)
The period from 1975 to 1981 represented the golden age for Myles Goodwyn and April Wine. With the stable lineup of Myles Goodwyn on lead vocals and guitar, Jim Clench on bass, Jerry Mercer on drums, Gary Moffet on guitar, and later the addition of Brian Greenway, April Wine achieved unprecedented success. Myles Goodwyn was writing at the peak of his powers, crafting anthems that would define Canadian rock.
The 1975 album “Stand Back” marked a turning point, with Myles Goodwyn fully established as the band’s principal songwriter. Produced by April Wine themselves at Tempo Studios in Montreal, the album captured Myles Goodwyn’s unique blend of hard rock power and melodic sensibility. Songs like “Oowatanite” and the title track showcased Myles Goodwyn’s ability to write both radio-friendly singles and deeper album cuts.
“The Whole World’s Goin’ Crazy” followed in 1976, giving Myles Goodwyn and April Wine their first number-one album on Canadian charts. The record featured classics like “Tonite Is a Wonderful Time to Fall in Love,” demonstrating Myles Goodwyn’s versatility as a songwriter who could deliver both hard-charging rockers and romantic ballads with equal effectiveness.
By 1978, Myles Goodwyn had steered April Wine toward international recognition with “First Glance.” The album’s success in both Canada and the United States proved that Myles Goodwyn’s songwriting had universal appeal. Songs like “Roller” became staples of rock radio, with Myles Goodwyn’s distinctive voice and guitar work creating an unmistakable sonic signature.
The 1979 album “Harder…Faster” represented a commercial and artistic peak for Myles Goodwyn. The record spawned the massive hit “I Like to Rock,” which became one of Myles Goodwyn’s most enduring compositions and April Wine’s signature anthem. The song perfectly encapsulated Myles Goodwyn’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach to rock and roll, with its memorable chorus and driving rhythm becoming an anthem for rock fans worldwide. “Say Hello” provided another hit, cementing Myles Goodwyn’s status as one of rock’s premier hitmakers.
Ready to add these classics to your collection? 🎸 Explore our curated selection of Myles Goodwyn and April Wine albums featuring vinyl, CDs, and special editions of these legendary recordings!
The Nature of the Beast: Peak Achievement (1981)
In 1981, Myles Goodwyn delivered what many consider his masterpiece: “The Nature of the Beast.” Recorded at Le Manoir Studios in Shipton-on-Cherwell, England, following April Wine’s 1980 European tour, the album represented everything Myles Goodwyn had learned about songwriting and production over his career. Co-produced with Mike Stone, who had engineered several Queen classics, “The Nature of the Beast” captured Myles Goodwyn and April Wine at the absolute peak of their powers.
“The Nature of the Beast” became April Wine’s commercial high-water mark, achieving Platinum certification in the United States and reaching number 24 on the Billboard 200 album chart. For Myles Goodwyn, this represented validation that his songwriting could compete on the world stage. The album bristled with energy across its track listing, showcasing the full range of Myles Goodwyn’s compositional abilities.
The album’s lead single, “Just Between You and Me,” became Myles Goodwyn’s biggest American hit, reaching number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. The power ballad showcased a different side of Myles Goodwyn’s writing, proving he could craft emotionally resonant material alongside the hard rockers for which he was known. The song’s success opened new audiences to Myles Goodwyn’s talent as a songwriter who understood both power and subtlety.
“Sign of the Gypsy Queen,” written by Lorence Hud but masterfully arranged and performed by Myles Goodwyn and April Wine, became another significant hit from the album. Myles Goodwyn’s vocal performance on this track demonstrated his ability to inhabit a song completely, making it an April Wine signature despite not having written it. The song reached number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased Myles Goodwyn’s production instincts.
Other standout tracks on “The Nature of the Beast” included the harmonized rockers “All Over Town” and “Tellin’ Me Lies,” along with the metallic anthems “Caught in the Crossfire” and “Future Tense,” all penned by Myles Goodwyn. The proto-thrash track “Crash and Burn” represented perhaps the heaviest song Myles Goodwyn ever wrote, demonstrating his willingness to push April Wine’s sound into new territories.
International touring in support of “The Nature of the Beast” elevated Myles Goodwyn and April Wine to headliner status. They toured the United States and Europe, opening for major acts like Rush, Styx, the Rolling Stones, and Blue Öyster Cult before headlining their own arena shows. Myles Goodwyn had successfully guided April Wine from Halifax club band to international rock stars, a journey that took over a decade of relentless work and dedication to the craft of songwriting.
💡 Did You Know?
Myles Goodwyn and April Wine played the first Monsters of Rock Festival at Castle Donington, England in 1980, sharing the bill with Saxon, Scorpions, Judas Priest, and Rainbow. This landmark performance, occurring just before the recording of “The Nature of the Beast,” demonstrated Myles Goodwyn’s success in breaking April Wine into the European market. The exposure from this festival helped establish Myles Goodwyn as an international rock figure and set the stage for the massive success of “The Nature of the Beast” the following year.
Career Transitions and Challenges (1982-1988)
Following the massive success of “The Nature of the Beast,” Myles Goodwyn faced the challenge of maintaining April Wine’s momentum. The 1982 album “Power Play” featured solid material including hits like “Anything You Want You Got It” and “Enough is Enough,” both written by Myles Goodwyn. However, the album couldn’t quite match the commercial heights of its predecessor. Myles Goodwyn had been working against deadlines for three consecutive years with no significant break, and creative fatigue was beginning to show.
The accompanying Power Play tour was the largest April Wine had ever attempted, incorporating the most elaborate stage production Myles Goodwyn and the band had used. Despite the spectacle, Myles Goodwyn realized he needed time away from the relentless pace of recording and touring. After 18 months of working on “Power Play,” Myles Goodwyn was exhausted both creatively and physically.
April Wine released “Animal Grace” in 1984, but by this time, Myles Goodwyn had moved to the Bahamas and the band was fracturing. The album saw limited success despite containing some strong Myles Goodwyn compositions. The pressure of maintaining international stardom while dealing with the music industry’s changing landscape took its toll on Myles Goodwyn and the entire band.
In 1984, April Wine announced a farewell tour across Canada. For Myles Goodwyn, this marked the end of an era that had consumed his adult life. The tour was successful enough to spawn a live album, “One for the Road,” but Myles Goodwyn was ready for a break from April Wine. The band still owed Capitol Records one final album, leading to 1985’s “Walking Through Fire,” recorded in Nassau with Myles Goodwyn and session musicians.
During this hiatus period, Myles Goodwyn released his first self-titled solo album in 1988 on Aquarius Records in Canada and Atlantic Records in the United States. The solo work allowed Myles Goodwyn to explore musical directions outside the April Wine framework, though it didn’t achieve the commercial success of his work with the band. For Myles Goodwyn, the solo album represented artistic freedom but also highlighted how much of April Wine’s success was tied to the band dynamic he had created.
Band Reunion and Later Career (1992-2022)
In late 1988, Myles Goodwyn moved back to Montreal and began receiving inquiries about a possible April Wine reunion. The demand for April Wine remained strong, particularly in Canada, and Myles Goodwyn had been discussing reunion possibilities with former bandmates. By July 1992, Myles Goodwyn led April Wine back to the stage for their first concert in eight years, playing to a sold-out Manitoba audience.
The reunion proved that Myles Goodwyn’s songs had staying power. Throughout that summer, April Wine played sold-out shows across Canada, with audiences singing along to every Myles Goodwyn composition. The band was welcomed home triumphantly, and Myles Goodwyn realized that April Wine’s music had become part of Canadian cultural identity. The demand south of the border remained strong as well, allowing Myles Goodwyn to tour internationally again.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Myles Goodwyn continued leading April Wine, releasing several albums on independent labels including “Attitude” (1993), “Frigate” (1994), “Back to the Mansion” (2001), and “Roughly Speaking” (2006). While these albums didn’t match the commercial success of April Wine’s classic period, they demonstrated that Myles Goodwyn remained a vital songwriter capable of creating quality rock music.
Myles Goodwyn diversified his creative output during this period, publishing his memoir “Just Between You and Me” in 2016. The autobiography provided fans with intimate insights into Myles Goodwyn’s journey from small-town Nova Scotia to rock stardom. In 2018, Myles Goodwyn published his second book, “Elvis and Tiger,” a work of fiction that showcased his storytelling abilities beyond songwriting.
In 2018, Myles Goodwyn released “Myles Goodwyn and Friends of the Blues,” a departure from his rock roots that earned him an East Coast Music Award for Blues Recording of the Year in 2019. This project allowed Myles Goodwyn to explore the blues influences that had always informed his rock songwriting. The follow-up, “Myles Goodwyn and Friends of the Blues 2” (2019), won the same award in 2020, proving Myles Goodwyn’s versatility as a musician.
In 2022, Myles Goodwyn demonstrated his social consciousness with the song “For Ukraine,” written in support of Ukrainian citizens during the war. The track earned Myles Goodwyn the Singapore International Festival of Arts award for Best Social Impact Music/Art 2022. This late-career achievement showed that Myles Goodwyn remained engaged with current events and committed to using his platform for positive purposes.
💡 Did You Know?
Myles Goodwyn received approval from the original songwriter Lorence Hud to record “Sign of the Gypsy Queen,” which became one of April Wine’s signature songs. This professional relationship demonstrated Myles Goodwyn’s respect for fellow songwriters and his ability to recognize great material. Hud’s original version had been a Canadian hit in 1972, but Myles Goodwyn’s powerful interpretation in 1981 introduced the song to a new generation and made it a rock radio staple that continues to receive airplay decades later.
Health Journey and Retirement from Touring (2014-2023)
By 2014, Myles Goodwyn began expressing his desire to retire from April Wine’s demanding touring schedule, citing health concerns. For decades, Myles Goodwyn had battled alcohol abuse, which finally caught up with him in 2008 when he collapsed from internal bleeding and nearly died. After months of rehabilitation, Myles Goodwyn committed to sobriety and began working on his memoir to document both his triumphs and struggles.
Diabetes became an increasing challenge for Myles Goodwyn in his later years. The condition made touring progressively more difficult, and Myles Goodwyn recognized that he needed to find a successor if April Wine was to continue. For eight years, Myles Goodwyn searched for the right person to take over his vocal and guitar duties, auditioning multiple candidates but finding none that met his exacting standards.
In December 2022, Myles Goodwyn officially announced his retirement from touring with April Wine, passing the torch to Marc Parent as lead vocalist and guitarist. Parent had actually been offered the position eight years earlier by Myles Goodwyn but had declined due to family obligations. When Myles Goodwyn’s health worsened following COVID-19, Parent accepted the role, and Myles Goodwyn finally found the person he felt could carry April Wine forward.
Myles Goodwyn’s final performance with April Wine took place on March 2, 2023, marking the end of a 54-year journey with the band he founded. Original April Wine member Jim Henman joined Myles Goodwyn on stage during his farewell speech, bringing the story full circle. For Myles Goodwyn, stepping away from live performance was bittersweet, but he remained involved with April Wine as the band’s manager and creative consultant.
Following his retirement from touring, Myles Goodwyn continued performing acoustically as a solo artist throughout 2023. These intimate performances allowed Myles Goodwyn to connect with fans in a different way, stripped of the arena rock trappings that had defined much of his career. Myles Goodwyn remained committed to music until the very end of his life.
On December 3, 2023, Myles Goodwyn passed away in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the age of 75. While the specific cause of death was not publicly disclosed, tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians worldwide. Myles Goodwyn’s death marked the end of an era in Canadian rock music, but his legacy through thousands of recordings and hundreds of songs ensures that Myles Goodwyn’s influence will continue for generations.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Myles Goodwyn accumulated an impressive array of honors that recognized both his individual achievements and his contributions as part of April Wine. In 2002, Myles Goodwyn received the SOCAN National Achievement Award, acknowledging his impact on Canadian songwriting. This prestigious honor celebrated Myles Goodwyn’s catalog of hits that had generated millions of dollars in royalties and airplay.
In 2003, Myles Goodwyn was presented with the East Coast Music Association (ECMA) Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his impact on the music industry of Atlantic Canada. Exactly 20 years later, in 2023, Myles Goodwyn returned to the ECMA to receive what he considered possibly the most significant award of his career: induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame induction honored Myles Goodwyn’s catalog spanning more than five decades. During the ceremony on May 4, 2023, Myles Goodwyn was presented with the award by friend and collaborator Lennie Gallant. In his acceptance, Myles Goodwyn stated: “To be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame has been a wish of mine for many years. It is possibly the most significant award I’ve ever received. What has mattered most to me, for all my years in the business, was to be taken seriously as a songwriter.”
In 2010, Myles Goodwyn and April Wine were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards, Canada’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards. Despite 11 Juno nominations throughout their career, April Wine never won a competitive Juno, making the Hall of Fame induction particularly meaningful. The ceremony celebrated Myles Goodwyn’s role in shaping Canadian rock music over four decades.
Additional honors for Myles Goodwyn included induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame and the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. April Wine was also inducted into the East Coast Music Hall of Fame in 2008. These multiple Hall of Fame inductions demonstrated the broad respect Myles Goodwyn commanded across different segments of the Canadian music industry.
Rolling Stone magazine named April Wine number 47 in their “Greatest Canadian Artists of All Time” list, a testament to Myles Goodwyn’s lasting impact. His blues recordings earned ECMA awards for Blues Recording of the Year in both 2019 and 2020, proving Myles Goodwyn’s versatility extended beyond rock music. The 2022 Singapore International Festival of Arts award for “For Ukraine” showed that Myles Goodwyn’s influence reached international audiences even in his final years.
Essential Myles Goodwyn & April Wine Albums
🎵 The Nature of the Beast (1981)
The commercial and creative peak that defined Myles Goodwyn’s legacy.
“The Nature of the Beast” represents Myles Goodwyn’s finest hour as a songwriter, producer, and bandleader. Recorded in England with Queen’s engineer Mike Stone, this album captured April Wine at their absolute zenith. Myles Goodwyn’s songwriting brilliance shines throughout, from the arena-rock perfection of “All Over Town” to the power ballad mastery of “Just Between You and Me,” which became Myles Goodwyn’s biggest American hit. The album achieved Platinum status in the United States and reached number 24 on the Billboard 200.
“Sign of the Gypsy Queen” showcased Myles Goodwyn’s ability to arrange and perform songs that became April Wine signatures. Other tracks like “Caught in the Crossfire,” “Future Tense,” and the proto-thrash “Crash and Burn” demonstrated the full range of Myles Goodwyn’s compositional abilities. This album proved that Myles Goodwyn could compete with any rock songwriter on the international stage.
Every rock collection needs this masterpiece that showcases Myles Goodwyn at his creative peak, delivering both radio-friendly hits and deep album cuts that remain fresh decades later.
🎵 Harder…Faster (1979)
The album that gave the world “I Like to Rock” and established Myles Goodwyn as a hitmaker.
“Harder…Faster” marked the moment when Myles Goodwyn’s songwriting achieved perfect commercial and artistic balance. The album reached number one on the Canadian charts and spawned multiple hits that remain rock radio staples. “I Like to Rock” became Myles Goodwyn’s most recognizable composition, an anthem that perfectly captured the spirit of rock and roll with its straightforward message and driving rhythm.
“Say Hello” provided another massive hit, showcasing Myles Goodwyn’s knack for memorable melodies and sing-along choruses. The album demonstrated that Myles Goodwyn understood exactly what rock fans wanted to hear, delivering it with production polish and performance energy that set April Wine apart from their contemporaries. Every track reinforced Myles Goodwyn’s reputation as one of Canada’s premier rock songwriters.
This essential album captures Myles Goodwyn delivering hook-laden rock anthems that defined late-1970s arena rock and made April Wine household names across North America.
🎵 Electric Jewels (1973)
The breakthrough that established Myles Goodwyn as a serious songwriter.
“Electric Jewels” was the first album to fully showcase Myles Goodwyn’s songwriting talents, featuring classics like “Weeping Widow,” “Just Like That,” and “Lady Run Lady Hide.” With only Myles Goodwyn and bassist Jim Clench remaining from earlier lineups, this album marked the rebirth of April Wine with new members Jerry Mercer and Gary Moffet. The album provided great examples of the writing partnership between Myles Goodwyn and Clench.
Fans consider “Electric Jewels” essential April Wine, representing the moment when Myles Goodwyn fully came into his own as a composer. The album’s heavier sound and more sophisticated arrangements showed Myles Goodwyn pushing beyond the covers and simpler compositions of April Wine’s first two albums. This record set the template for the classic April Wine sound that Myles Goodwyn would perfect over the next decade.
For those wanting to understand Myles Goodwyn’s evolution as a songwriter, “Electric Jewels” is indispensable, showing the moment he found his authentic voice and vision for April Wine.
🎵 Stand Back (1975)
The album where Myles Goodwyn seized complete creative control.
Released in 1975, “Stand Back” marked the first album produced by April Wine themselves, with Myles Goodwyn taking a leading role in the studio. Recorded at Tempo Studios in Montreal, this album captures the essence of Myles Goodwyn’s unique sound and marks a pivotal moment in his development as a producer. The title track and “Oowatanite” became fan favorites, showcasing Myles Goodwyn’s ability to craft both radio-friendly singles and deeper album cuts.
This album demonstrated that Myles Goodwyn didn’t need outside producers to achieve his vision for April Wine’s sound. The confidence and authority evident in these recordings showed Myles Goodwyn fully embracing his role as April Wine’s creative director. Every arrangement choice reflected Myles Goodwyn’s understanding of what made great rock music.
“Stand Back” remains a timeless classic that showcases Myles Goodwyn’s talent and innovation at a crucial turning point in April Wine’s trajectory toward superstardom.
🎵 First Glance (1978)
The international breakthrough that proved Myles Goodwyn’s songs could cross borders.
“First Glance” represented the moment when Myles Goodwyn’s songwriting achieved significant American success. The album featured the hard-rocking “Roller,” which became a top 40 U.S. hit and proved that Myles Goodwyn could write songs that resonated beyond Canadian borders. The album’s success opened doors for April Wine in the United States and set the stage for even greater achievements.
Every track on “First Glance” demonstrated Myles Goodwyn’s growing confidence and sophistication as a songwriter. The production was bigger and more polished than previous April Wine albums, reflecting Myles Goodwyn’s understanding that breaking into international markets required professional excellence. This album showed that Myles Goodwyn was ready to compete with American and British rock bands on their own turf.
For understanding how Myles Goodwyn built April Wine into an international act, “First Glance” is essential listening, documenting the moment when his songs found their largest audience yet.
🎵 Myles Goodwyn and Friends of the Blues (2018)
A late-career masterpiece showcasing Myles Goodwyn’s blues roots.
Released when Myles Goodwyn was 70 years old, this album demonstrated that his musical vitality remained undiminished. “Myles Goodwyn and Friends of the Blues” allowed him to explore the blues influences that had always informed his rock songwriting. The album earned Myles Goodwyn an ECMA award for Blues Recording of the Year in 2019 and proved his versatility as a musician who could excel in multiple genres.
Collaborating with various blues musicians, Myles Goodwyn delivered authentic blues performances that showed his deep understanding of the genre. The stripped-down production highlighted Myles Goodwyn’s guitar playing and vocals without the arena rock arrangements that characterized his April Wine work. This album revealed new dimensions of Myles Goodwyn’s artistry that longtime fans found revelatory.
This album is essential for appreciating the full scope of Myles Goodwyn’s musical talents, showing that even late in his career, he could surprise and delight audiences with new artistic directions.
🎸 SHOP MYLES GOODWYN & APRIL WINE ALBUMS 🎵
Discover the legendary catalog that made Myles Goodwyn a Canadian rock icon
🎤 MYLES GOODWYN
The definitive solo debut from Canada’s premier rock songwriter
Experience Myles Goodwyn’s 1988 solo masterpiece showcasing his songwriting genius outside the April Wine framework.
Recorded in the Bahamas during April Wine’s hiatus, this album reveals intimate sides of Goodwyn’s artistry.
Features Goodwyn’s distinctive vocals and guitar work in stripped-down arrangements that highlight his compositional brilliance.
Essential for understanding the full scope of Myles Goodwyn’s creative vision beyond his band success.
A rare glimpse into the personal musical world of one of Canada’s greatest rock legends.
🎸 MYLES GOODWYN AND FRIENDS OF THE BLUES
Award-winning blues exploration from the April Wine legend
Myles Goodwyn’s 2018 blues album that earned the ECMA Blues Recording of the Year award in 2019.
Showcases Goodwyn’s deep blues roots and influences that informed five decades of rock songwriting.
Features collaborations with top blues musicians delivering authentic performances throughout.
Proves Myles Goodwyn’s versatility and mastery across multiple genres at age 70.
Essential listening for fans wanting to hear Goodwyn explore the music that shaped his legendary career.
🎵 THE NATURE OF THE BEAST
Myles Goodwyn’s career-defining masterpiece and commercial peak
April Wine’s 1981 magnum opus featuring “Just Between You and Me,” Goodwyn’s biggest American hit reaching #21.
Certified Platinum in the US, this album represents Myles Goodwyn at his absolute songwriting peak.
Includes “Sign of the Gypsy Queen,” “All Over Town,” and some of Goodwyn’s most powerful compositions.
Recorded in England with Queen’s engineer Mike Stone, capturing April Wine’s arena rock fury.
The album that proved Myles Goodwyn could compete with any international rock songwriter of the era.
🔥 HARDER…FASTER
The album that gave the world “I Like to Rock”
Myles Goodwyn’s 1979 breakthrough featuring his most recognizable anthem “I Like to Rock.”
Reached #1 on Canadian charts and spawned multiple hits including “Say Hello.”
Captures April Wine at their commercial and creative peak with Goodwyn delivering hook-laden rockers.
The perfect balance of radio-friendly hits and deep album cuts showcasing Goodwyn’s songwriting mastery.
Essential for any classic rock collection, featuring some of Goodwyn’s most enduring compositions.
⚡ ELECTRIC JEWELS
The breakthrough album where Myles Goodwyn found his voice
April Wine’s 1973 classic featuring “Weeping Widow,” “Just Like That,” and “Lady Run Lady Hide.”
The first album to fully showcase Myles Goodwyn’s songwriting talents and set the April Wine template.
Marked the rebirth of April Wine with Goodwyn as the undisputed creative leader.
Fan-favorite album that remains essential for understanding Goodwyn’s evolution as a composer.
The record where Myles Goodwyn truly came into his own and defined the classic April Wine sound.
🎸 STAND BACK
Myles Goodwyn seizes complete creative control
The 1975 album where Myles Goodwyn first produced April Wine himself at Tempo Studios in Montreal.
Features classics “Oowatanite” and the title track showcasing Goodwyn’s signature sound.
Marks the pivotal moment when Goodwyn embraced his role as April Wine’s creative director.
Demonstrates Goodwyn’s understanding of what makes great rock music with confident arrangements.
A timeless classic capturing Goodwyn at a crucial turning point toward superstardom.
🌟 FIRST GLANCE
Myles Goodwyn’s international breakthrough
The 1978 album featuring “Roller” that proved Goodwyn’s songs could cross borders into American markets.
Set the stage for April Wine’s greatest successes with polished production and sophisticated songwriting.
Every track demonstrates Goodwyn’s growing confidence as an international-caliber songwriter.
Opened doors for April Wine in the United States and established them as arena-worthy headliners.
Essential for understanding how Myles Goodwyn built April Wine into an international rock act.
💿 CLASSIC MASTERS REMASTERED
The essential Myles Goodwyn hits collection
Comprehensive collection featuring the biggest hits from Myles Goodwyn’s legendary April Wine catalog.
Includes “I Like to Rock,” “Just Between You and Me,” “Roller,” and all the essential Goodwyn classics.
Remastered audio brings new life to these timeless recordings showcasing Goodwyn at his peak.
Perfect introduction for new fans or convenient single-disc collection for longtime devotees.
The ultimate overview of Myles Goodwyn’s remarkable career as Canada’s greatest rock songwriter.
🎤 ON RECORD
The album that launched Myles Goodwyn to stardom
April Wine’s 1972 breakthrough album featuring “You Could Have Been a Lady” that hit #2 in Canada.
Established April Wine as a band capable of international success under Goodwyn’s leadership.
Showcased Goodwyn’s production sensibility and vocal delivery on career-defining material.
The record that proved April Wine belonged in rock’s major leagues with Goodwyn at the helm.
Essential for understanding the foundation upon which Myles Goodwyn built his legendary career.
🔥 THE WHOLE WORLD’S GOIN’ CRAZY
April Wine’s first #1 album showcasing Goodwyn’s versatility
The 1976 album that topped Canadian charts featuring “Tonite Is a Wonderful Time to Fall in Love.”
Demonstrates Myles Goodwyn’s ability to write both hard-charging rockers and romantic ballads.
Marked April Wine’s arrival as Canada’s premier rock band with Goodwyn’s songwriting leading the way.
Features some of Goodwyn’s most beloved compositions that remain fan favorites decades later.
Essential listening for appreciating the full range of Myles Goodwyn’s songwriting talents.
⚡ POWER PLAY
Myles Goodwyn delivering solid rock in April Wine’s prime
The 1982 follow-up to “Nature of the Beast” featuring hits “Enough is Enough” and “Anything You Want You Got It.”
All songs written by Myles Goodwyn during April Wine’s most successful commercial period.
Spawned the most elaborate tour April Wine ever attempted with massive stage production.
Includes a mellow Beatles cover “Tell Me Why” that became a minor MTV video hit.
Fan favorite album showcasing Goodwyn maintaining high quality despite creative fatigue setting in.
🎸 LIVE: APRIL WINE
Experience Myles Goodwyn’s arena rock power live
Captures the energy and excitement of April Wine’s legendary live performances with Goodwyn commanding the stage.
Features extended versions of classic Goodwyn compositions delivered with raw power and passion.
Demonstrates why April Wine became one of Canada’s biggest arena rock attractions.
Showcases Myles Goodwyn’s distinctive vocals and guitar work in the high-energy live setting.
Essential for understanding the full impact of Goodwyn’s songs when performed before massive audiences.
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Legacy and Impact on Canadian Rock
Myles Goodwyn’s legacy as Canada’s premier rock songwriter remains unmatched. Over his 54-year career with April Wine, Myles Goodwyn wrote hundreds of songs, released over 20 studio albums, and sold more than 10 million records worldwide. The impact of Myles Goodwyn extended far beyond commercial success, fundamentally shaping what Canadian rock music could be.
As a songwriter, Myles Goodwyn possessed the rare ability to craft both arena-ready anthems and intimate ballads with equal skill. Songs like “I Like to Rock” became generational anthems, while “Just Between You and Me” demonstrated Myles Goodwyn’s understanding of emotional depth and vulnerability. His compositions combined accessibility with artistry, never talking down to audiences while delivering sophisticated arrangements and meaningful lyrics.
Myles Goodwyn proved that Canadian rock bands could achieve international success while maintaining their identity. He never felt the need to relocate to Los Angeles or New York to prove his legitimacy, instead building April Wine’s success from Montreal and later Nova Scotia. This example inspired countless Canadian musicians to pursue their dreams without abandoning their roots, showing that Myles Goodwyn’s influence extended beyond just music into cultural identity.
The theatrical approach to live performance that Myles Goodwyn pioneered with April Wine’s “Electric Adventure” tour influenced artists across genres. His understanding that rock concerts should provide complete entertainment experiences, not just musical performances, set standards that continue today. Myles Goodwyn recognized early that success required more than good songs, it demanded spectacle, professionalism, and showmanship.
Musicians across Canada cite Myles Goodwyn as a major influence on their careers. His work ethic, dedication to craft, and refusal to compromise artistic vision while maintaining commercial appeal provided a roadmap for aspiring songwriters. Myles Goodwyn demonstrated that it was possible to create music with integrity while achieving mainstream success, a balance many artists struggle to find.
Myles Goodwyn’s late-career exploration of blues music showed younger musicians the importance of understanding your influences and returning to roots. His willingness to take risks and explore new musical directions even in his seventies demonstrated that true artists never stop growing. Myles Goodwyn proved that artistic vitality doesn’t have an expiration date.
Beyond music, Myles Goodwyn’s openness about his struggles with alcohol abuse helped destigmatize addiction issues in the music industry. His memoir “Just Between You and Me” provided honest insights into the challenges of rock stardom, helping fans understand the human being behind the legend. Myles Goodwyn’s vulnerability in discussing his failures made him more relatable and inspiring.
The continued touring of April Wine following Myles Goodwyn’s retirement demonstrates the enduring power of his songwriting. New audiences discover Myles Goodwyn’s music regularly, with younger generations embracing songs written decades before they were born. This timeless quality proves that Myles Goodwyn created art that transcends its era.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Myles Goodwyn
What happened to Myles Goodwyn?
Myles Goodwyn passed away on December 3, 2023, in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the age of 75. Prior to his death, Myles Goodwyn had been battling diabetes and other health complications that forced him to retire from touring with April Wine in March 2023. His final live performance with April Wine took place on March 2, 2023, ending a remarkable 54-year journey with the band he founded. Myles Goodwyn had continued performing acoustically as a solo artist throughout 2023 before his passing. The specific cause of Myles Goodwyn’s death was not publicly disclosed, but tributes from fans and fellow musicians worldwide celebrated his extraordinary contributions to Canadian rock music.
What is Myles Goodwyn’s most famous song?
Myles Goodwyn’s most famous song is “I Like to Rock” from April Wine’s 1979 album “Harder…Faster.” This anthem became Myles Goodwyn’s signature composition and remains a classic rock radio staple decades later. However, Myles Goodwyn wrote many hits including “Just Between You and Me,” which reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became his biggest American success. Other major Myles Goodwyn compositions include “Roller,” “Say Hello,” “Sign of the Gypsy Queen” (which he arranged and performed brilliantly), and “Oowatanite.” Each of these songs showcases different aspects of Myles Goodwyn’s songwriting genius, from hard-charging rock anthems to emotional power ballads, demonstrating why he’s considered Canada’s greatest rock songwriter.
How much was Myles Goodwyn worth?
While exact figures for Myles Goodwyn’s net worth were never publicly confirmed, estimates suggest he accumulated between $1-5 million throughout his career. Myles Goodwyn earned substantial income from April Wine’s record sales of over 10 million albums worldwide, plus decades of touring revenue and songwriting royalties. As April Wine’s principal songwriter, Myles Goodwyn received performance royalties whenever his songs were played on radio or streaming services, providing ongoing income throughout his life. His 2002 SOCAN National Achievement Award recognized the commercial success of Myles Goodwyn’s catalog in generating millions in royalties. Additionally, Myles Goodwyn’s later solo work, books, and continued involvement with April Wine as manager provided income streams that contributed to his overall wealth accumulated over a 54-year career in music.
Was Myles Goodwyn in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Myles Goodwyn was not inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, despite April Wine’s significant contributions to rock music. However, Myles Goodwyn received numerous other prestigious honors that recognized his achievements. In 2010, Myles Goodwyn and April Wine were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards. Most significantly, in 2023, Myles Goodwyn was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, an honor he considered possibly the most significant award of his career. Myles Goodwyn also received induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame, the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame, and the East Coast Music Hall of Fame in 2008. While the Rock Hall omission disappointed fans, Myles Goodwyn’s multiple Hall of Fame inductions in Canada properly recognized his immense impact on Canadian rock music.
Did Myles Goodwyn write all of April Wine’s songs?
Myles Goodwyn wrote the vast majority of April Wine’s original songs throughout their career, establishing himself as the band’s principal songwriter from the early 1970s onward. While April Wine’s early albums included covers like “You Could Have Been a Lady” and “Bad Side of the Moon,” Myles Goodwyn increasingly dominated the songwriting as the band evolved. By the time of classic albums like “The Nature of the Beast” and “Harder…Faster,” virtually all original material came from Myles Goodwyn’s pen. Some April Wine songs were co-written with bassist Jim Clench during the early-to-mid 1970s, and Myles Goodwyn occasionally arranged songs written by others, most notably “Sign of the Gypsy Queen” by Lorence Hud. However, the overwhelming majority of April Wine’s catalog represents Myles Goodwyn’s compositional work, cementing his reputation as one of Canada’s most prolific rock songwriters.
Is April Wine still performing without Myles Goodwyn?
Yes, April Wine continues performing following Myles Goodwyn’s retirement and subsequent death. Before retiring in March 2023, Myles Goodwyn personally selected Marc Parent as his replacement for lead vocal and guitar duties. Myles Goodwyn spent years searching for the right person to carry April Wine forward, ensuring the band’s legacy would continue. Parent joined remaining member Brian Greenway, Richard Lanthier on bass, and Roy “Nip” Nichol on drums to keep April Wine touring. Following Myles Goodwyn’s death in December 2023, the band has continued honoring his legacy by performing the classic songs he wrote. The band completed a Canadian tour and has international dates scheduled, including opening for Uriah Heep in the UK. While Myles Goodwyn’s presence is irreplaceable, the band continues celebrating his songwriting genius by keeping his music alive for fans old and new.
What books did Myles Goodwyn write?
Myles Goodwyn authored two books during his lifetime, showcasing his talents beyond music. His first book, “Just Between You and Me,” released in 2016, was a memoir detailing Myles Goodwyn’s journey from small-town Nova Scotia to international rock stardom. The autobiography provided honest insights into Myles Goodwyn’s struggles with alcohol abuse, his near-death experience in 2008 from internal bleeding, and his path to recovery. Myles Goodwyn’s memoir received praise for its candid approach to discussing both triumphs and failures throughout his career. His second book, “Elvis and Tiger,” published in 2018, was a work of fiction that demonstrated Myles Goodwyn’s storytelling abilities in a different medium. Both books revealed the thoughtful, introspective side of Myles Goodwyn that had always informed his songwriting, giving fans deeper understanding of the man behind April Wine’s legendary music.
Where did Myles Goodwyn live?
Throughout his life, Myles Goodwyn lived in several locations that reflected different phases of his career. Born in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Myles Goodwyn was raised in Waverley, Nova Scotia, where he spent his formative years. After forming April Wine, Myles Goodwyn relocated to Montreal, Quebec in 1970, where he lived for decades while the band was based there and achieved their greatest successes. During the mid-1980s, Myles Goodwyn moved to the Bahamas, living in Nassau during April Wine’s hiatus period and recording his first solo album there. In 1988, Myles Goodwyn moved back to Canada, eventually settling in the Halifax, Nova Scotia area where he spent his later years. Myles Goodwyn remained in the Halifax region until his death in December 2023, having returned to his Nova Scotia roots after a lifetime of musical adventures across North America.
What awards did Myles Goodwyn win?
Myles Goodwyn accumulated an impressive array of awards throughout his distinguished career. In 2002, Myles Goodwyn received the SOCAN National Achievement Award for his contributions to Canadian songwriting. The following year, Myles Goodwyn was honored with the ECMA Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing his impact on Atlantic Canada’s music industry. In 2010, Myles Goodwyn and April Wine were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards. His blues albums earned Myles Goodwyn consecutive ECMA awards for Blues Recording of the Year in 2019 and 2020. In 2022, Myles Goodwyn received the Singapore International Festival of Arts award for Best Social Impact Music/Art for his song “For Ukraine.” Most significantly, in 2023, Myles Goodwyn was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, an honor he considered the most meaningful of his career, validating his life’s work as a songwriter.
What health issues did Myles Goodwyn face?
Myles Goodwyn battled several significant health challenges during his lifetime, particularly in his later years. For many years, Myles Goodwyn struggled with alcohol abuse, which culminated in 2008 when he collapsed from internal bleeding and nearly died. Following this crisis, Myles Goodwyn committed to sobriety and spent months in rehabilitation, later discussing this experience candidly in his memoir “Just Between You and Me.” In his final years, Myles Goodwyn developed diabetes, which made touring increasingly difficult and painful. The condition significantly impacted Myles Goodwyn’s quality of life, forcing him to search for a replacement to take over his duties in April Wine. COVID-19 complications in 2022 worsened Myles Goodwyn’s health situation, leading to his retirement from touring in December 2022. These accumulated health challenges led to Myles Goodwyn’s final live performance in March 2023, though he remained engaged with music until his death nine months later.
Bottom Line
Myles Goodwyn’s career represents one of Canadian rock music’s most remarkable stories of talent, perseverance, and artistic integrity. From his tragic loss of his mother at age eleven to creating some of rock’s most enduring anthems, from small-town Nova Scotia to international arenas, Myles Goodwyn traveled an extraordinary journey that inspired millions. His founding and leadership of April Wine through five decades established him as the architect of one of Canada’s most successful rock bands, with over 10 million records sold worldwide proving his commercial appeal matched his artistic vision.
Myles Goodwyn’s “The Nature of the Beast” remains a landmark achievement in Canadian rock history, with “Just Between You and Me” reaching number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and proving his songs could compete internationally. Despite facing career setbacks, health challenges including near-death from alcohol abuse, and the inevitable changes in the music industry, Myles Goodwyn continued creating compelling music well into his seventies. His 2023 induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame finally recognized his immense contributions to rock music, an honor he considered the most significant of his many awards.
At 75 years old, when Myles Goodwyn passed away in December 2023, he left behind a legacy that extends far beyond his recorded output. His advocacy through songs like “For Ukraine,” his willingness to discuss personal struggles with addiction, and his mentorship of younger musicians demonstrated that Myles Goodwyn understood the responsibilities that came with his platform. He proved that true artists never stop creating, exploring blues music late in his career and earning awards that showed his versatility transcended any single genre.
As April Wine prepares to continue without their founding member, Myles Goodwyn’s legacy continues to grow through the band he built and nurtured for 54 years. His music has touched multiple generations of fans across Canada and beyond, his innovative approach to live performance influenced countless artists, and his honest approach to discussing the realities of rock stardom serves as inspiration far beyond the music world. The legendary Canadian rock songwriter shows no signs of being forgotten, with his catalog continuing to find new audiences and his influence evident in every Canadian rock band that followed. Myles Goodwyn’s remarkable journey from that granite rock overlooking Lake William to the pinnacles of rock success demonstrates what dedication, talent, and unwavering artistic vision can achieve.
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This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the site and allows me to continue creating content about Myles Goodwyn, April Wine, classic rock artists, and music news. All opinions and recommendations are my own, and all product selections are based on genuine appreciation for Myles Goodwyn’s legendary contributions to rock music.
📚 Sources
- Wikipedia – Myles Goodwyn Biography
- Wikipedia – April Wine Band History
- Billboard Canada – RIP: April Wine’s Myles Goodwyn
- Rolling Stone – Myles Goodwyn, Founding April Wine Singer, Dead at 75
- Myles Goodwyn Official Website
- April Wine Official – History
- Classic Rock History – Top 10 April Wine Albums
- Deadline – Myles Goodwyn Dead: April Wine Leader Was 75
🎶 Retired, recharged, and rocking harder than ever – I’m Charlie Gillingham. Founder of Classic Rock Artists, I live for legendary riffs, timeless tracks, and the stories that keep them alive.
