Toronto 
The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF) has announced the lineup for its 2025 Legends Induction event, set for October 17 at Toronto’s Meridian Arts Centre. The evening will bring together some of the country’s most celebrated artists alongside rising voices in Canadian music.
This year’s inductees represent a wide spectrum of Canadian songwriting: Andy Kim, known for Sugar, Sugar and Rock Me Gently; Jane Siberry, acclaimed for her poetic and experimental style; Ian Thomas, writer of Painted Ladies; and Triumph, the rock trio of Rik Emmett, Gil Moore, and Mike Levine, behind Lay It on the Line and Fight the Good Fight. Also honoured will be Gino Vannelli, the internationally recognized songwriter of Living Inside Myself and Black Cars.
Adding to the occasion, k.d. lang will induct Siberry, a timely recognition alongside her recent Polaris Music Prize honour; Tom Cochrane will salute Triumph, linking Canadian songwriting’s global reach in the ’80s and ’90s; Murray McLauchlan will induct Thomas, reflecting on their shared era in the ’70s; and Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies will honour Kim, underlining how enduring pop hooks continue to shape contemporary music.
Among the featured performers are Kevin Drew, JJ Wilde, RÊVE, Charlie Edward, Clerel, Housewife, Kairo McLean, Kirk Diamond, Noah Derksen, Sam Drysdale, and a special performance from Phil X with inductee Rik Emmett. Broadcaster and musician Tara Slone will host the evening.
The event will also highlight the future of Canadian songwriting. The Breakthrough Songwriter Award, supported by the SOCAN Foundation and Amazon Music, will be presented to Nemahsis, recognized for her rising impact in the non-francophone category.
Following the Toronto ceremony, the inductees will be permanently recognized at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame’s home at Studio Bell in Calgary, with artifacts celebrating their contributions.
A second Legends Induction event will be held in Montréal on November 17, honouring François Cousineau, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Michel Pagliaro, and Florent Vollant.
Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame 2025 Legends Induction – Toronto
What: Tara Slone hosts an unforgettable night celebrating the 2025 inductees with tributes by Kevin Drew, Murray McLauchlan, JJ Wilde, RÊVE and Canada’s next generation of songwriters.
Where: Lyric Theatre, Meridian Arts Centre, Toronto
When: Friday, October 17, 2025 | 8:00 PM
