Myles Goodwyn, who fronted the popular Canadian classic rock band April Wine from its formation in 1969 until earlier this year, has died aged 75. His death was announced by his publicist, who did not give the cause but heralded Goodwyn’s “distinctive and immediately recognisable” voice and prolific songwriting.
After experiencing the loss of his mother to brain cancer during his childhood, Goodwyn created the band in Nova Scotia with his two brothers. Reflecting on their home life, he recalled that despite living together, there was a lack of affection and communication among the four males. Music became his outlet and salvation during this time.
April Wine was comprised of three individuals from the same family: brothers David and Ritchie Henman and their cousin Jim. They relocated to Montreal and published their first album, which was self-titled, in 1971. Their second album, On Record, proved to be their breakthrough in 1972, thanks to the success of their cover of Hot Chocolate’s You Could Have Been a Lady, which reached the US Top 40 charts. The band even had the opportunity to open for a diverse range of artists such as Ike and Tina Turner, Badfinger, and Stevie Wonder. The Henman brothers eventually departed from the group and were replaced by different musicians throughout the years, but Goodwyn remained as the mainstay of the band.
The Canadian band successfully pleased a large group of fans with their diverse style that incorporated elements of hard rock, country, and funk, as well as epic ballads. Their album Stand Back (1975) became their first record to reach platinum status in Canada, and their fifth album The Whole World’s Goin’ Crazy topped the charts in 1976. They were also chosen to open for the Rolling Stones in 1977. It took longer for them to achieve success in the US, but their album Harder…Faster (1979) was their first to break into the Top 100 charts. Their biggest hit came in 1981 with the powerful ballad Just Between You and Me, off their album The Nature of the Beast, which achieved platinum status in both the US and Canada.
The band’s success declined in the mid-1980s and there were tensions within the group. Goodwyn relocated to the Bahamas, while April Wine disbanded in 1985. Goodwyn eventually returned to Canada and released a solo album titled “Goodwyn” in 1988. The band eventually reunited and released a comeback album called “Attitude” in 1993, followed by three more albums, the most recent being “Roughly Speaking” in 2006.
Goodwyn spent several months in the hospital the next year due to internal bleeding as a result of his chronic alcohol abuse. After his recuperation, he received treatment at a rehabilitation center. Goodwyn reflects, “There was a pivotal moment that altered everything for me. It was when I recognized my own mortality and realized I was on the brink of death.”
April Wine continued to go on tour, and in 2022, Goodwyn announced that he would be retiring. He stated, “Touring has become increasingly challenging due to my diabetes and my well-being is my top priority. Therefore, I regret to say that my touring days have come to an end.” He then moved back to Nova Scotia.
Goodwyn has also released two works, including a personal account titled Just Between You and Me, as well as the novel Elvis and Tiger. In the recent past, he was honored with induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He leaves behind his wife Kim Goodwyn, their two children, and an additional child from a previous marriage.
Source: theguardian.com
