April 25, 2022 - Remembering Alberta Indigenous Country Artist Shane Yellowbird

Remembering Shane Yellowbird - Canada's most successful indigenous country music artist, Shane Yellowbird, sadly left the stage on April 25th, 2022 at the age of 42. Shane was a very accomplished singer and songwriter, as well as fine sketch artist. As a child he had a bad stutter. His mother took him to a speech therapist, who suggested he learn to sing out his words. Although he initially wanted to be a rodeo cowboy, Shane took to singing and just knew that he wanted to be a country singer. He started singing in country music competitions, including Country Vocal Spotlight at Edmonton Northlands in 2002. Those who were there remember his performance with the background track suddenly stopping half way through his song. Shane didn't miss a beat and finished the song a cappella. Although he was beat out by Katie Yakimyshyn, who later became recording artist Katie Mission, Shane came in second and his career launched from there.
In 2007 he had his first breakout single, Pickup Truck, which was one of the most played songs on Canadian Country Radio that year, propelling him to win the 2007 CCMA Chevy Trucks Rising Star Award. In 2008 his song, Life Is Calling My Name, was nominated for a JUNO for Country Recording Of The Year. Shane kept producing hits like Barefoot On The Blacktop, They're All About You, What A Beautiful Concept and I'm Not Wearing Clothes Today. Shane performed on major stages across North America, including on the Grand Ole Opry, but was always still ready to lend his talents to various charity events. Shane Yellowbird will be greatly missed by all his country music friends and fans.