Jane Siberry will be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in Toronto, with k.d. lang honouring the acclaimed Ontario artist.
Celebrating a Distinct Canadian Voice
Ontario-born singer-songwriter Jane Siberry will be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame during a Toronto gala at the Meridian Arts Centre on Friday. The honour recognizes her decades-long career of crafting poetic, introspective music that has shaped the Canadian soundscape.
Siberry joins the 2025 Legends Induction Series, a program that highlights trailblazing artists whose songwriting continues to influence Canadian and international music.
A Fitting Tribute from k.d. lang
When event organizers asked k.d. lang to induct Siberry, her response was immediate. “There was no question, because Jane’s songwriting has meant so much to me,” lang said in a recent interview.
Lang described Siberry as “100 per cent an artist — an intellect, a free spirit, unique and fearless,” adding that her music “falls into the grand lineage of Canadian songwriters quite easily.”
Lang will share her admiration in a personal tribute during Friday’s ceremony, where she’ll celebrate the profound lyrical and emotional influence of Siberry’s work.
Music that Defies Definition
Siberry’s best-known songs — including “Mimi on the Beach” and “It Can’t Rain All the Time” — are celebrated for their lyrical depth and spiritual resonance. Her songwriting weaves together individual experience, collective meaning, and metaphysical reflection.
Lang compared Siberry’s lyrical approach to that of Leonard Cohen, noting that her songs “don’t give you solutions, but they give you a path to provoke your own compassion.”
Honouring a Legacy of Innovation
This year’s Legends Series inductees include Andy Kim, Gino Vannelli, Ian Thomas, and rock trio Triumph, alongside Siberry. Together, their music reflects the diverse sounds that have defined Canada’s cultural identity.
Nick Fedor, executive director of the Hall of Fame, said the honourees “embody the values that define Canadian songwriting — artistic courage, cultural contribution, and storytelling that transcends genre and language.”
He emphasized that the Legends Series is “more than an awards show — it’s a national stage for celebrating legacy and inspiring the next generation.”
Reflections from the Honouree
For Siberry, the news brought mixed emotions. Deep in the process of recording a new three-part studio album, her first in a decade, she initially saw the honour as a distraction. “It was uncomfortable at first,” she admitted. “I just didn’t want to tear myself away.”
After reflection, she embraced the recognition. “I cleared that up in myself and realized this is an opportunity for lots of happiness,” Siberry said.
A Continuing Celebration of Canadian Songwriting
Next month, the celebration continues in Montreal, where François Cousineau, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Michel Pagliaro, and Florent Vollant will be honoured.
Following both ceremonies, the new inductees will be enshrined at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame’s permanent home at Studio Bell, part of the National Music Centre in Calgary — preserving their legacy for generations of Canadian music lovers.
