David McPherson
@davidmcphersonca.bsky.social
Author. 101 FASCINATING CANADIAN MUSIC FACTS; MASSEY HALL; THE LEGENDARY HORSESHOE TAVERN: A COMPLETE HISTORY. Journalist. Cyclist. Voracious reader. Sober. Music is the Elixir of Life.
Published today. A really cool story about how @adambaldwinracket.bsky.social song “Lighthouse in Little Lorraine” became a feature film starring J Balvin.
www.socanmagazine.ca/features/how...
www.socanmagazine.ca/features/how...
How Adam Baldwin’s song became a feature film - SOCAN Words and Music
As Little Lorraine hits the big screen
www.socanmagazine.ca
October 14, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Published today. A really cool story about how @adambaldwinracket.bsky.social song “Lighthouse in Little Lorraine” became a feature film starring J Balvin.
www.socanmagazine.ca/features/how...
www.socanmagazine.ca/features/how...
Long live live music & the venues that support artists & offer a community hub and space for music-lovers to gather. My feature story in today’s @thestar.com on Lee’s Palace www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
As iconic Toronto music venue Lee’s Palace turns 40, artists and industry bigs share their favourite memories
The Bloor Street West concert hall has been celebrating its anniversary with a special concert series.
www.thestar.com
September 13, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Long live live music & the venues that support artists & offer a community hub and space for music-lovers to gather. My feature story in today’s @thestar.com on Lee’s Palace www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Revisiting Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited. Wrote some words for GRAMMY.com on this masterpiece. www.grammy.com/news/bob-dyl...
Revisiting 'Highway 61 Revisited' At 60: How Bob Dylan's Electric Masterpiece Changed The World | GRAMMY.com
On his 1965 album 'Highway 61 Revisited,' Bob Dylan ushered in a new sound — blending folk and rock to create a magnum opus that remains a touchstone for artists. As the GRAMMY Hall of Fame album turn...
www.grammy.com
August 30, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Revisiting Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited. Wrote some words for GRAMMY.com on this masterpiece. www.grammy.com/news/bob-dyl...
ICYMI: my conversation with —and feature on—Hayes Carll for @nodepression about his damn fine new record “We’re Only Human” out last week that IMHO is one of the best yet from this Texas troubadour and talented songwriter. nodepression.org/on-were-only...
On ‘We’re Only Human,’ Hayes Carll Offers an Honest and Authentic Reflection of Himself and the World
Hayes Carll is done pretending, done chasing the wrong dreams for the wrong reasons. From deep-rooted insecurities and fears too long ingrained in his brain to following its “long-winded fountain of u...
nodepression.org
August 20, 2025 at 9:31 PM
ICYMI: my conversation with —and feature on—Hayes Carll for @nodepression about his damn fine new record “We’re Only Human” out last week that IMHO is one of the best yet from this Texas troubadour and talented songwriter. nodepression.org/on-were-only...
The fun and fascinating origin story behind the two songs in one Guess Who classic “No Sugar Tonight/ New Mother Nature”
August 9, 2025 at 1:27 AM
The fun and fascinating origin story behind the two songs in one Guess Who classic “No Sugar Tonight/ New Mother Nature”
Reposted by David McPherson
Over a career that spanned 70 years, Jimenez' playing came to define the Tex-Mex music and carried the tradition-drenched conjuto sound all over the world and across genres.
Accordion master Flaco Jimenez has died at 86
Over a career that spanned 70 years, Jimenez' playing came to define the Tex-Mex music and carried the tradition-drenched conjuto sound all over the world and across genres.
n.pr
August 1, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Over a career that spanned 70 years, Jimenez' playing came to define the Tex-Mex music and carried the tradition-drenched conjuto sound all over the world and across genres.
Reposted by David McPherson
I wrote a fun essay about superman and pop-punk for this week's NPR Music newsletter. It will be sent out this weekend, sign up if you wanna read it thanks!https://www.npr.org/newsletter/music
July 18, 2025 at 5:19 PM
I wrote a fun essay about superman and pop-punk for this week's NPR Music newsletter. It will be sent out this weekend, sign up if you wanna read it thanks!https://www.npr.org/newsletter/music
@guygavrielkay.bsky.social Started to get lost in your latest yesterday. 👍👍
July 11, 2025 at 12:45 PM
@guygavrielkay.bsky.social Started to get lost in your latest yesterday. 👍👍
Reposted by David McPherson
Our hearts are heavy for our friends and neighbors in Texas impacted by the devastating flooding. From now until Saturday, July 12, we will donate $5 from every Music Issue sold to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
Music Writing
Southern gifts for good reading, listening and living. Curated by the editors of Oxford American magazine. All purchases support The Oxford American Literary Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
www.oxfordamericangoods.org
July 8, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Our hearts are heavy for our friends and neighbors in Texas impacted by the devastating flooding. From now until Saturday, July 12, we will donate $5 from every Music Issue sold to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
Thanks to my alma mater for including my new @dundurnpress.bsky.social ⛳️ book in this esteemed list of summer reads.
Here are more great reads, including those by @kelleyarmstrong.bsky.social,
@emilyraustin.bsky.social, @emmadonoghue.bsky.social, @gabrielledrolet.bsky.social, and @davidmcphersonca.bsky.social. #BookSky
@emilyraustin.bsky.social, @emmadonoghue.bsky.social, @gabrielledrolet.bsky.social, and @davidmcphersonca.bsky.social. #BookSky
Looking for your first summer read? 📚 Authors from the #WesternU community have you covered, with gripping mysteries, a bestselling memoir and fascinating golf facts that will transport you from the Scottish Highlands to a mystical forest to a historic train ride in France.
June 30, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Thanks to my alma mater for including my new @dundurnpress.bsky.social ⛳️ book in this esteemed list of summer reads.
Reposted by David McPherson
I wrote a few words for GRAMMY.com about Brian Wilson & the wide-ranging influence of this musical genius & visionary. #brianwilsonRIP
www.grammy.com/news/brian-w...
www.grammy.com/news/brian-w...
Remembering Brian Wilson: A Pop Music Trailblazer, Sonic Genius & Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree | GRAMMY.com
The Beach Boys co-founder, arranger and co-writer of the group’s chart-topping hits "I Get Around," "Help Me, Rhonda," and "Good Vibrations" passed away on June 11 at age 82.
www.grammy.com
June 12, 2025 at 11:18 PM
I wrote a few words for GRAMMY.com about Brian Wilson & the wide-ranging influence of this musical genius & visionary. #brianwilsonRIP
www.grammy.com/news/brian-w...
www.grammy.com/news/brian-w...
With Steve Earle getting invited late last week to join the Grand Ole Opry, revisit this 2015 feature I wrote about the hardcore troubadour and Grammy -winning songwriter.
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
Ode to a Hardcore Troubadour
With renaissance man Steve Earle joining the Grand Ole Opry, revisit a feature I wrote about the award-winning songwriter a decade ago
open.substack.com
April 30, 2025 at 1:38 PM
With Steve Earle getting invited late last week to join the Grand Ole Opry, revisit this 2015 feature I wrote about the hardcore troubadour and Grammy -winning songwriter.
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
“Going Coastal” with Neil … my latest rumination on the feature film directed by Neil’s wife Daryl Hannah.
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
Going Coastal with Neil Young
New feature film a candid and intimate affair
open.substack.com
April 19, 2025 at 4:01 PM
“Going Coastal” with Neil … my latest rumination on the feature film directed by Neil’s wife Daryl Hannah.
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
Thanks Tim. You definitely need to return and see a show at the revitalized and rejuvenated Massey.
I haven’t been inside of Massey Hall since 2017 for King Crimson. It’s worth just standing at the corner and marvelling at the beauty of this great space. Get @davidmcphersonca.bsky.social’s book on the history of Massey Hall.
April 2, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Thanks Tim. You definitely need to return and see a show at the revitalized and rejuvenated Massey.
Thanks for the plug.
Today's #GolfDay, not that we play, but hey, we read! 101 Fascinating Golf Facts by #CanadianAuthor @davidmcphersonca.bsky.social Seen here w/ The Tiger Slam by Kevin Cook &, rather fittingly w/ a Tiger Woods book, "golfing men' by Good Luck Sock! 💕🇨🇦📚⛳🏌️
tidewaterbooks.ca
@dundurnpress.bsky.social
tidewaterbooks.ca
@dundurnpress.bsky.social
March 30, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Thanks for the plug.
Back in 1970, 🇨🇦 singer Anne Murray took Gene MacLellan’s song “Snowbird” all the way to No. 1 on the U.S. charts. The cross-over hit was later covered by more than 100 other artists. Learn more about this song that lingers on in my latest Substack & subscribe here: open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
March 27, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Back in 1970, 🇨🇦 singer Anne Murray took Gene MacLellan’s song “Snowbird” all the way to No. 1 on the U.S. charts. The cross-over hit was later covered by more than 100 other artists. Learn more about this song that lingers on in my latest Substack & subscribe here: open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
Reposted by David McPherson
Calling all golfers! ⛳ While you wait for the green to be less snow-filled, why not test your knowledge of the beautiful game with #golf trivia, fun facts, and little-known history.
Indigo: https://buff.ly/3Q4lY4q
Amazon: https://buff.ly/3EANB2q
Local Bookstore: https://buff.ly/3CMlJb3
Indigo: https://buff.ly/3Q4lY4q
Amazon: https://buff.ly/3EANB2q
Local Bookstore: https://buff.ly/3CMlJb3
February 18, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Calling all golfers! ⛳ While you wait for the green to be less snow-filled, why not test your knowledge of the beautiful game with #golf trivia, fun facts, and little-known history.
Indigo: https://buff.ly/3Q4lY4q
Amazon: https://buff.ly/3EANB2q
Local Bookstore: https://buff.ly/3CMlJb3
Indigo: https://buff.ly/3Q4lY4q
Amazon: https://buff.ly/3EANB2q
Local Bookstore: https://buff.ly/3CMlJb3
RIP to another live music venue—The Dakota Tavern. I discovered this Toronto spot thanks to Luke Doucet. It’s where I discovered many new artists & spent many a late night Some nights I was too far gone in my drinking days & other nights was far too sober.
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
An Ode to a Lost Venue
The Dakota Tavern joins a too long list of Toronto bars where the music has died
open.substack.com
March 22, 2025 at 4:47 PM
RIP to another live music venue—The Dakota Tavern. I discovered this Toronto spot thanks to Luke Doucet. It’s where I discovered many new artists & spent many a late night Some nights I was too far gone in my drinking days & other nights was far too sober.
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
Reposted by David McPherson
Eight out of my nine books have been used without consent, acknowledgement or payment to generate AI content. 20+ years work. Almost a million words. Stolen.
www.theatlantic.com/technology/a...
www.theatlantic.com/technology/a...
Search LibGen, the Pirated-Books Database That Meta Used to Train AI
Millions of books and scientific papers are captured in the collection’s current iteration.
www.theatlantic.com
March 21, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Eight out of my nine books have been used without consent, acknowledgement or payment to generate AI content. 20+ years work. Almost a million words. Stolen.
www.theatlantic.com/technology/a...
www.theatlantic.com/technology/a...
Reposted by David McPherson
Okay friends this is a fun challenge.
Canada's right are rallying around Elon Musk to say much they love him.
They are freaked out that my petition is about to be become most signed petition in Canadian history.
Send a message to Elon, please sign my petition.
www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en...
Canada's right are rallying around Elon Musk to say much they love him.
They are freaked out that my petition is about to be become most signed petition in Canadian history.
Send a message to Elon, please sign my petition.
www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en...
March 13, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Okay friends this is a fun challenge.
Canada's right are rallying around Elon Musk to say much they love him.
They are freaked out that my petition is about to be become most signed petition in Canadian history.
Send a message to Elon, please sign my petition.
www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en...
Canada's right are rallying around Elon Musk to say much they love him.
They are freaked out that my petition is about to be become most signed petition in Canadian history.
Send a message to Elon, please sign my petition.
www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en...
Felt today was a good day to revisit a pair of deep and interesting conversations I had in the past with the sonic genius — 🇨🇦 Daniel Lanois.
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
Revisiting a pair of conversations with a Sonic Genius and Fighter for the Spirit
These past chats with Daniel Lanois offer wise words on art and beauty
open.substack.com
March 13, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Felt today was a good day to revisit a pair of deep and interesting conversations I had in the past with the sonic genius — 🇨🇦 Daniel Lanois.
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
open.substack.com/pub/davidmcp...
Seven years! That was an enjoyable conversation and my first of several deep dives on music with Mike — an engaging interviewer and podcast I highly recommend.
On this day in 2018, @davidmcphersonca.bsky.social dropped by to talk about the history of The Horseshoe Tavern
www.torontomike.com/2018/03/toro...
www.torontomike.com/2018/03/toro...
Toronto Mike'd Podcast Episode 310: The Horseshoe Tavern
In this 310th episode, Mike chats with Horseshoe Tavern historian David McPherson about the history of the legendary Toronto concert venue. This episode is exactly 1:17:13. You can listen to this epis...
www.torontomike.com
March 2, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Seven years! That was an enjoyable conversation and my first of several deep dives on music with Mike — an engaging interviewer and podcast I highly recommend.
As winter’s embrace feels never-ending in parts of North America, start dreaming of spring—and tee off your golf season—with my new book, out in 🇨🇦 today. #bookbirthday #golf #newbook #booksky
February 18, 2025 at 1:55 PM
As winter’s embrace feels never-ending in parts of North America, start dreaming of spring—and tee off your golf season—with my new book, out in 🇨🇦 today. #bookbirthday #golf #newbook #booksky