R.I.P Rita MacNeil

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"Acclaimed Cape Breton singer Rita MacNeil has died at age 68.

A notice on her website states MacNeil died on April 16 following complications from surgery.
Iconic Cape Breton singer Rita MacNeil has died at age 68.Iconic Cape Breton singer Rita MacNeil has died at age 68. (Rita MacNeil website)
Born in Big Pond on Cape Breton Island, MacNeil was one of eight children.

She moved to Toronto at age 17, where she wrote her first song and began singing in folk clubs. MacNeil later moved to Ottawa where she recorded three albums, but eventually returned to Big Pond, where she formed a trio.

Despite her shyness, a six-week run at Expo ’86 in Vancouver provided a break for her career. In 1987 she earned a Juno award as most promising female artist, at age 42.

MacNeil recorded 24 albums and sold millions over the course of her career.

She hosted a CBC-TV variety program, Rita and Friends, which ran from 1994 to 1997 and drew regular audiences of one million viewers.

MacNeil was a member of the Order of Canada and the recipient of five honorary doctorates.

In 1986 she opened Rita’s Tea Room in her hometown of Big Pond, where she also gave performances.

A more complete obituary is forthcoming."



http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/...neil-obit.html