HIGHWAY OF HEROES

Introduction to Composer

Tony Turner's biography is available in his web page §.

In his talk and performance for our congregation in 2009 Tony revealed that he had been a student of geography and always appreciated the close relationship between people and the land. Leaving the rocks and sea skies of eastern Canada, he fell in love with the black earth and big empty blue skies of Alberta and was fascinated about everything else in between. Since then, he has continued to explore the land and the individual stories of people from all across Canada, from sea to sea to sea.

Introduction to the Song

While driving back to Ottawa on the 401 Tony saw people lining the over passes, draping flags and looking to the east. It was then that he encountered the spontaneous salute that regular Canadians were giving to soldiers who had died in Afganistan. While understanding the opposition to the Canada's deployment of troops in Afganistan, Tony was touched by the humanity, compassion and pride of those who were honouring the dead. Life is not always simple and Tony sings about its complexities.

Scores and Downloads

• the lyrics to the Highway of Heroes in pdf format are available here §

Other Links

• The Tony Turner web site, mentioned above, has lots of information. The website is available here §.
• You can hear many of his songs on this page from CBC Radio 3 Roots Music Canada §
• CTV article from 2007 on the renaming of part of the 401 to Highway of Heroes is available on this web page §.

Use and Distribution

Copyright © 2008 Tony Taylor All rights reserved.