The Victor Sinclair Archives

LEONARD COHEN

Few artists have ever touched my soul the way Leonard Cohen did. From Suzanne to Hallelujah, his music and poetry transcended generations. Meeting him was one of the greatest honours of my broadcasting career. He was humble, gracious, and every bit the legend I had imagined.

— Victor Sinclair

CÉLINE DION

Canadian music icon

Céline was the warmest and most sincere singer we ever met. WYSIWYG: What you see is what you get.

She loves two things above all else: family and music.

— Victor Sinclair

CÉLINE DION WITH LESLEY AND DAWN

Céline with  my daughters. I’ll find the other pictures later, but this one brings back such wonderful memories of sharing music with my family.

— Victor Sinclair

CÉLINE DION WITH THE CHILDREN

Another Céline concert, with Lesley, Richard, Dawn and my nephew Jason. This was the concert where Lesley slipped up to the stage, rested both elbows on it and put her head in her hands. Céline bent down and sang a song directly to her. “Beauty and the Beast.”  A moment none of us would ever forget.

— Victor Sinclair

GARTH BROOKS

Ever had lunch on the field at Toronto’s SkyDome with Garth Brooks? The day I died and went to heaven, a limo ride to Toronto, lunch with Garth Brooks at SkyDome, dinner with Peter Gabriel at Casa Loma, and then an unforgettable Garth Brooks concert at the CNE, back when the CNE still had its famous Bandstand. Definitely my “do-over” day in broadcasting!

— Victor Sinclair

ALANIS MORISSETTE

Gotta start with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Alanis’s and Victor’s favourite book! It became the “in thing” during our many encounters and one of our favourite running jokes whenever we crossed paths. Sometimes the best memories weren’t part of the formal interview. They happened in the conversations between them.

— Victor Sinclair

LIONEL RICHIE

I got to meet Lionel Richie on his Outrageous Tour in 1986 at Maple Leaf Gardens. What a show! Lionel slowly rose from beneath the stage singing “Hello,” and later was hoisted high above the audience, upside down, during “Dancing on the Ceiling.” It was exactly what Lionel Richie did best, bringing the music to life and turning a concert into a spectacle I’ve never forgotten.

— Victor 

ANNE MURRAY

In one of my longest interviews, I spent eight hours with Anne Murray at Alumni Hall. Two things from that day have always stayed with me. Watching her full rehearsal, I was struck by how meticulous she was, working on her posture and repeating parts of a song several times until she was satisfied. The other was how devoted a Toronto Maple Leafs fan she was. She kept asking for updates 

GORDON LIGHTFOOT

Luck played its role throughout my radio career. I got to meet and hang out with Gordon Lightfoot, my longtime musical hero and the man who inspired me to spend 20 hrs trying, unsuccessfully, to learn “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” LOL! It happened backstage at U of T’s Convocation Hall, where I was there to interview The Band. My “died & went to heaven” night included beer,

BRYAN ADAMS

A good friend and the best hire I ever made, Peter Aharan, Executive Director of St. Leonard’s in London, with Bryan Adams and me. Meeting one of Canada’s biggest rock stars was memorable, but sharing the moment with a good friend made it even better.

— Victor Sinclair

SHERYL CROW

Another great night: Sheryl Crow unplugged. My wife, Debby, and I could have stayed all night. What a great show. Before launching her solo career, Sheryl toured as one of Michael Jackson’s backup singers. I also did a great interview with her, but a certain newly hired part-time announcer erased the tape. 

— Victor Sinclair

MELISSA ETHERIDGE

One of my top five favourite female vocalists. Melissa Etheridge is also one of music’s great stories of courage and inspiration. Her honesty, strength and unmistakable voice made her unforgettable.

— Victor Sinclair

ANNE MURRAY

My sister-in-law Cheryl with one of her favourite singers, Anne “Snowbird” Murray—and a much younger me. Sharing these experiences with family was always one of the best parts of the journey.

— Victor Sinclair

JANN ARDEN

One of my many interviews with Jann Arden, who loved my signature question: “If you had to write your epitaph today, what would you like to be remembered for?” Will You Remember Me? And yes, those really are reel-to-reel tape decks behind us.

— Victor Sinclair

RANDY BACHMAN

Loved, loved, loved interviewing Randy Bachman. He was always Takin’ Care of Business, and every conversation produced another great story. So many stories!

— Victor Sinclair

BURTON CUMMINGS

One of the many times we hung out with Burton Cummings, who was a walking encyclopedia of rock-and-roll history. I believe we finally finished around 4 a.m. When Burton started telling music stories, nobody wanted the evening to end.

— Victor Sinclair

BURTON CUMMINGS AND HEATHER HISCOX

I never thought the face on the right would someday become as recognizable, or perhaps even more recognizable, than the face on the left. Burton Cummings with FM96 evening announcer Heather Hiscox, who later became the anchor of CBC’s morning news.

— Victor Sinclair

JIM CUDDY

Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo: a favourite voice and a great songwriter. His music became part of the Canadian soundtrack, and his unmistakable voice always had the ability to make a song feel personal.

— Victor Sinclair

DAN HILL

Dan Hill is one of the most successful singer-songwriters in the music industry. He wrote for Céline Dion and recorded the unforgettable 1970s hit Sometimes When We Touch. Beyond his extraordinary talent, he was also one of the most caring people in the industry.

— Victor Sinclair

LARRY GOWAN

Larry Gowan played several songs for my children in the studio. Lesley sat on his knee. What a voice! The chance to share moments like this with my children made my years in radio even more meaningful.

— Victor Sinclair

JEFF HEALEY

I had been meaning to update some of my albums for a while. Unfortunately, it was a sad day that finally made me dig them all out. Forty-one is too young. I will always remember the night this picture was taken. Jeff jammed until four in the morning at a local London bar, long after it had officially closed.

— Victor Sinclair

BARENAKED LADIES

My cousin Carolyn and the children with a couple of the Barenaked Ladies, Jim Creeggan and Ed Robertson. Jim kept sneaking Snickers chocolate bars to my daughter Lesley. The children often came away from these meetings with stories that were even better than mine.

— Victor Sinclair

GINO VANNELLI

All those nights in Montreal…

I Just Wanna Stop remains a Canadian international classic and one of those songs that can immediately take you back to another time.

— Victor Sinclair

LUBA

Another great Canadian singer, Luba Kowalchyk, visited the studio for an interview and performed live for my Unplugged show on FM96. Whenever I hear Every Time I See Your Picture, a song about her father, I cry. I do… cry, that is. Along with Cats in the Cradle, The Living Years and Leader of the Band, it is one of the greatest “father” songs ever recorded.

— Victor Sinclair

SHIRLEY EIKHARD

One of my absolute favourite people in the Canadian music industry. Shirley Eikhard recorded Say You Love Me before Fleetwood Mac recorded their song of the same name. She also wrote Bonnie Raitt’s Grammy-winning hit Something to Talk About. An exceptional songwriter and an equally exceptional person.

— Victor Sinclair

TOM WILSON AND JUNKHOUSE

A Canadian favourite of the 1990s: Tom Wilson and Junkhouse. This was one of the many interviews we did together. Tom always brought personality, honesty and great stories into the studio.

— Victor Sinclair

BARRY WHITE

Here is the picture I found with Tony Sutherland, where, for the second time, I got his picture with “the star.” We held a radio promotion to win tickets to an evening with the late, great Barry White. About six seats to our right sat Aretha Franklin, who stood and danced through most of the show. So did Tony!

- Victor Sinclair

MAESTRO FRESH WES

Canada’s first rapp-p-p-p-p-per: Maestro Fresh Wes. Pictured with Dawn, Richard, Lesley and Richard’s best friend, Michael Brace.

This was also the night we sat beside Jessica Simpson before she was famous. She was already a groupie of 98 Degrees, who were also on the bill!

— Victor Sinclair

DAVID USHER

My son Richard with David Usher.

This will make my niece Genevieve very jealous! Not my niece Heather, though—she has her own pictures and autographs from David.

Speaking of which, Heather, when you read this, post your picture with him!

— Victor Sinclair

MEN WITHOUT HATS

Canadian music trivia, if ever there was any… Ivan Doroschuk was the lead singer of: The band had a Top 10 record called:_ _ _ _ _ _  Dance. And your answer? Men Without Hats and “The Safety Dance.” A definite hit of the New Wave generation, when Pop Goes the World. Popppppp.

— Victor Sinclair

MOXY FRÜVOUS

Janet Walters, also known as Radio Girl, and I with Moxy Früvous. They were definitely a band with a Canadian focus, combining music, humour and a personality that was entirely their own.

— Victor Sinclair

ALIAS

There’s an old radio story about When I’m with You by the Canadian band Sheriff becoming a number-one record years after its original release. Out of that success came a new incarnation: Alias, known for More Than Words Can Say. I’m pictured with one of my first radio interns, Julie Gordon, whom many later knew as Julie James during her midday show on Mix 99 in Toronto.

— Victor Sinclair

MAE MOORE

Another favourite Canadian singer-songwriter, Mae Moore, with FM96 staff Steve Mathews, Greg Simpson and Dan Walker, also known as Dan Dawson. Supporting Canadian artists and sharing their music with listeners was always one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

— Victor Sinclair

SUE MEDLEY

Anyone who sings with Bob Dylan is in another league. Her two biggest fans: John Cougar Mellencamp and me.

Sue Medley, of course.

— Victor Sinclair

KENNY LOGGINS

Multiple Grammy Award winner and the subject of one of the best interviews I ever did, except that I crossed the tape. Don’t ask. Kenny Loggins also co-wrote my favourite Doobie Brothers song, What a Fool Believes, another Grammy winner. Oh yes, and I think he used to be in a little folk-rock duo called Loggins and Messina. Hmmm.

— Victor Sinclair

JUSTIN HAYWARD

The only T-shirt I ever bought in 20 years! Not that PolyGram didn’t give me plenty of Moody Blues shirts, but if I was going to have my picture taken with Justin Hayward, I needed the album shirt from In Search of the Lost Chord. Those were merchandise shirts, not owned by PolyGram. A definite Night in White Satin. Not a broadcaster that night, 100% groupie fan!

— Victor Sinclair

MEAT LOAF

Meat Loaf, the most theatrical of rock singers, during the Bat Out of Hell II tour. I’m pictured with one of my first radio interns, Janet Walters, who went on to work at FM96 for many years. The performer was every bit as larger-than-life as the music.

— Victor Sinclair

BRUCE HORNSBY

What a great night at McLear Place on Mutual Street for the launch of Bruce Hornsby’s Harbor Lights album. After the intimate VIP show, I leaned against the grand piano and listened to him play for nearly an hour. Most people know The Way It Is. Bruce also co-wrote The End of the Innocence with Don Henley of the Eagles. One of those extraordinary evenings that radio made possible.

— Vi

JOAN OSBORNE

A one-hit wonder, but what a one hit. Joan Osborne at the Danforth, remembered by millions for One of Us. Sometimes one unforgettable song is enough to leave a permanent mark.

— Victor Sinclair

PETER GABRIEL

Some days in broadcasting are simply impossible to top. A limousine ride to Toronto, lunch with Garth Brooks at SkyDome, dinner with Peter Gabriel at Casa Loma, and then back to the CNE to watch Garth Brooks perform at the old Bandstand. If I ever had a “do-over day” in broadcasting, this would be it.

— Victor Sinclair

MR. MISTER

The British Invasion II tour with Mr. Mister. Kevin Shea was so shy he wouldn’t even join us for the picture during his BMG days. Also pictured is longtime Canadian broadcaster Derik Botten, who I believe was doing swing at the station for us. For my younger readers, you may recognize “Broken Wings,” which was later sampled by 2Pac in “Until the End of Time.”

— Victor Sinclair

BOBBY GOLDSBORO

One of my very first radio interviews was with the one and only Bobby Goldsboro, the 1970s pop star who even had his own television variety show. And yes… take note of my Grizzly Adams beard!

— Victor Sinclair

SHEREE JEACOCKE

One of the great “what ifs” Over the years, you watch some singers soar to the top of the charts while others, just as talented, never receive the recognition they deserve. BMG’s Sheree Jeacocke was one of those artists who, in my opinion, should have become a much bigger star.

— Victor Sinclair

FAMILY

Sharing all the fun with my family over the years has been one of life’s greatest joys. Here with my daughters, Dawn and Lesley, and my son Richard, who loved “Weird Al” Yankovic almost as much as Al loved making people laugh.

— Victor Sinclair

WEIRD AL YANKOVIC

One of the funniest nights I ever had. I took my nephews, Arthur and Andrew, to the King Street Holiday Inn to meet their idol, thanks to Kevin Shea, who arranged a surprise interview. The best part? I barely had to ask a question. Arthur and Andrew happily took over the interview while I sat back and enjoyed the moment. Weird Al had long been a favourite on my FM96 program,The Su

ALL-4-ONE

For some reason, we were playing rotating members of All-4-One.

Somewhere, I have another picture of Tony Sutherland from A&M, Island and Motown Promotions acting as the guest member. I SWEAR… I do!

— Victor Sinclair

Frankie Valli

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, as huge as they were, were only half of the story. Frankie went on to nail the title track of Grease, the highest-grossing movie musical of the 1970s, after already leaving his mark on the ’60s with one of the most covered and beloved songs of the decade, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

— Victor Sinclair

Dr. Hook / Dennis Locorriere

Getting to hang out with performers after shows was indeed a bonus of the job. In September of ’82, we partied at the London Holiday Inn. Dennis Locorriere, the lead singer of Dr. Hook, loved to clown around.

— Victor Sinclair

Michael McDonald / The Doobie Brothers

To say I fell in love with the song What a Fool Believes would hit the nail on the head, and hearing Michael McDonald play it live with The Doobie Brothers on July 16, 1979, was a definite highlight of the summer for me.

— Victor Sinclair

Céline Dion with Victor Sinclair

From the Victor Sinclair archives. Story and details to come.

— Victor Sinclair

Stephan Moccio, Céline Dion & Gary McAuley
I got Stephan Moccio backstage to meet Céline Dion on March 23, 1993, while he was still a student in London’s University of Western Ontario music program. That night, Stephan said to her,“I’m going to write a song for you one day!” Céline’s enthusiastic response: “You are? I can’t wait to hear it.” Here we were a year later, on April 5, 1994, at Alumni H

Stephan Moccio

A couple of years later, Stephan signed a deal with Sony Music Publishing, leading him on the path to present Céline with the music for her massive hit “A New Day Has Come,” which was part of an album that sold more than 12 million copies.

— Victor Sinclair