Sonny's Dream
"Sonny's Dream" (also known as "Sonny") is a folk song written by Newfoundlander Ron Hynes[1] in 1976. It was first recorded by The Wonderful Grand Band on their eponymous album, but appeared re-recorded on their second album Living in a Fog in 1981.[2] Subsequent to the songwriter Ron Hynes' death, a crowd was organized for a singalong in Bannerman Park, St. John's in remembrance and celebration of his life.[3][4]
The song is popular not only in Atlantic Canada, but in some parts of the United States and has been covered by many other artists, including Hamish Imlach, Great Big Sea, Christy Moore, Emmylou Harris, Stan Rogers, Valdy, Allison Crowe, Hayley Westenra, Jean Redpath, and Corey Hart.
Scottish and Irish versions
The song was heard by Scottish artist Hamish Imlach while on a trip to Canada, who modified it somewhat and played it in folk-clubs in Britain. There it was heard by Christy Moore who recorded it and passed it on to other artists in Ireland.[5] A version titled "Sonny" was recorded by Mary Black for the compilation album, A Woman's Heart, which became the best-selling album in Irish history.[6]
References
- Copyright Wonderful Grand Music 1981 CAPAC
- "Ron Hynes fans gather in Bannerman Park for Sonny's Dream singalong - Newfoundland & Labrador - CBC News". Cbc.ca. 2015-11-21. Retrieved 2016-10-23.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-11-22. Retrieved 2015-11-22.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-11-17. Retrieved 2008-05-23.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Eleanor McEvoy - Biography". Billboard. 1967-01-20. Retrieved 2016-10-23.
- "Top RPM Country Tracks: Issue 9115." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. December 15, 1990. Retrieved August 23, 2013.