And His Effort To Raise Awareness Of American Diabetes Month
George Canyon with his new efforts to raise awareness this month (American Diabetes Month) and his new single for
downloads with proceeds going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
George Canyon (born on August 22, 1970 to Fred Lays Sr. and Cheryl Lays) is a Canadian country music singer. He was
runner up Nashville Star 2 in 2004. He grew up in Fox Brook, Pictou County, Nova Scotia and later lived in Hopewell,
Nova Scotia (where he still owns land) before he moved west. He currently lives in High River, Alberta. He also
holds an appointment in the Canadian Forces as Honourary Colonel at 14 Wing Greenwood.
George Canyon has held many jobs: he spent time working as a law enforcement officer, a slaughterhouse beef
inspector, and the owner/operator of his own recording studio. He always dreamed of becoming a professional
musician.
Canyon is the father of two children. His wife, Jennifer, worked three jobs during the day so that he could sing at
night. In 2004, George Canyon competed in Nashville Star 2. He was the runner-up in the competition, but became very
well known in Canada and garnered much support, being the only Canadian to make the cut for the competition. After
the competition ended, he received many accolades from fans and the industry alike. These include the top 5 hit “My
Name,” a Juno Award for Best Country Recording of the Year (for his album One Good Friend), and, four Canadian
Country Music Awards Nominations (CCMAs) including Male Vocalist of the Year and the Fan Choice Award.
He played a U.S. Forest Ranger in the last two episodes of the 7th season of Trailer Park Boys.
On September 22, 2007, Canyon performed at China-Canada: Hand in Hand; a joint concert held in Vancouver between
CCTV (China Central Television) and CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) to commemorate the 1 year countdown of
the 2008 Beijing Olympics. One of the songs performed by Canyon was “What a fine Jasmine blossom”. Sung entirely in
Mandarin, Canyon performed the touching duet with Mandarin singer Tang Can.
On 9 January 2008, Canadian Defence minister Peter MacKay appointed the Nova Scotia-born Canyon to the position of
Honourary Colonel at 14 Wing Greenwood, the largest air base on the east coast.
Canyon was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 14 and has given talks to children about diabetes.
The Band includes:
* Chris Byrne (Bass)
* Steve Arsenault (Guitar)
* Ed Ringwald (Guitar)
* Shane Guse (Fiddle & Mandolin)
* Adam Dowling (Drums)
* Mike Little (Keyboard & Accordion)
For more information please visit http://www.georgecanyon.com/media.html
