One of Canada’s most legendary folk stars, Kate McGarrigle, died last night (January 18).
The late star began her music career in the 1940s with her sister, Anna, writing songs for other artists. With the success of their work, the two decided to record their own album in 1975. Melody Maker magazine named the eponymous disc Album of the Year in 1975.
Throughout her career, Kate remained as a duo with her sister, called The McGarrigle Sisters. Although she moved to New York with her husband in the late 1970s, she continued to create music with her sister in Canada.
Of course, McGarrigle is also known as the mother of two internationally renowned artists, Rufus and Martha Wainwright. Both are the children of Loudon Wainwright III, also a well-known musician.
Kate McGarrigle and her sister were inducted into the Order of Canada in 1993, given the Governor General’s Award for Arts in 2004, and the Award of Excellence by the SOCAN organisation in 2006.
Kate’s last stage performance was shared with her children, Rufus and Martha, on December 10 at New York’s Carnegie Hall.