Rita MacNeil has long been recognized as one of the East Coast’s great singer-songwriters. As a young girl with the dream of becoming a singer, she overcame a series of seemingly insurmountable obstacles and achieved success by believing in herself and refusing to give up. A trailblazer, Rita played an integral role in the women’s movement in Canada and forged a path that was unique to her, paving the way for future generations of east coast musicians.
Charlie Rhindress first came to know Rita as he collaborated with her on his play Flying on Her Own, incorporating more than twenty of her songs into a script that told the story of her life. For this new biography, Rhindress did extensive research and interviewed many of the people who worked with her and knew her best. The story of a strong, sensitive, complex woman emerged and the result is a powerful and moving portrait of a unique woman and important artist of her times.
About the Author
CHARLIE RHINDRESS, a best-selling author, playwright, actor, director and producer who has published two music biographies, I’m Not What I Seem: The Many Stories of Rita MacNeil’s Life and Stompin’ Tom. He has also worked on more than 100 theatre productions. His biography of Rita MacNeil, I’m Not What I Seem was shortlisted for Best First Book at the Atlantic Book awards. He has also written eighteen plays which have been produced across the country, including The Maritime Way of Life, which was nominated for a Canadian Comedy award as best new play, and Flying On Her Own, based on the life of Rita MacNeil. Charlie has received a lifetime membership from Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre for his support of Atlantic Canadian theatre and has received an Established Artist Recognition Award from Arts Nova Scotia. He lives in his hometown of Amherst, Nova Scotia and is a proud father of four.