Photo Courtesy of Shoreline Records

Name: Patricia Conroy

Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec

Hometown: Montreal, Quebec

Resides in: Nashville, TN, USA

Started Performing At Age: Very young, in her family’s Celtic band.

Finish CD’s: 5

CD’s for sale: “Greatest Hits Package” – released 2000

                        “Wild As The Wind” – released 1998

                        “You Can’t Resist” – released 1994

                        “Bad Day For Trains” – released 1992

Management:  The Key Entertainment Group

                        513 – 8^th Avenue SW

                        Suite 305

                        Penny Lane Mall

                        Calgary, AB

                        T2P 1G3

                        Ph: (403) 262 – 2245

                        Fax: (403) 264 - 2228

Record Label:  Shoreline Records Inc.

                         124 Laird Drive, Suite 103

                         Toronto Ontario

                         M4G 3V3

                         PH: (416) 467 – 6718

                         FAX: (416) 467 – 5752

   When an Irish born father and his Canadian born wife started a family band that played the Celtic music loved by both of them it was only natural that some ready-made band mates be their children.  So, Patricia Conroy made her entrance into the world of Canadian music at a younger age than most, and started her way on a path that would take her into the ‘big leagues’ in country music.  It was full of the changes in direction that most artists have to steer through including packing up and moving great distances to follow the dream but Patricia did what she had to and emerged triumphant.  She has recorded many top level CD’s and has always had a great reception from her peers and the fans.  She’s been the nominee or winner of many awards across Canada and her songs have constantly rated high scores on both radio and television.  As she has said herself, “You can’t really ignore where you came from.  It’s not possible, when you are trying to be true to your music…” You can take the girl out of Canada, but you can’t take Canada out of the girl.

   Patricia Conroy started out in the music scene in the security of her family’s band, but when she made her way out into the world she started where most do – in the background.  As a backup singer she learned a little more, while still working in the ‘real world’ like many of the artists still do.  Following a move to Vancouver she even managed a furniture store while still keeping an eye out for potential band members to help her form the Patricia Conroy Band.  The proof that this was the right move was soon to come, when she entered a local battle of the bands contest and won first prize.  This prize money paid for her first recording of her original material and brought her to the attention of some pretty influential people.  One of them took this initial recording and later asked Patricia for another selection of songs. She sent him what he’d asked for and weeks later she was signed to Warner Music. 

   While she was with Warner Patricia released three albums, including the debut album, which featured someone named Vince on background vocals.  Who was that man?  Oh yes, Vince Gill I think his name was.  In 1994, following the release of “You Can’t Resist” – her last album with Warner – Patricia was awarded the 1994 CCMA Award as Female Vocalist of The Year.  In the space of four years, from her first album to the third she had flown to the top of the Canadian country music world.  Would that be all she wrote?  Not on your life!

   It’s one thing to be talented, beautiful and successful.  But when you have the friendship and respect of your peers that says a lot more than a slickly worded press release.  Patricia Conroy is one lady who has it all, in a sense.  With a career that has more than proven her mettle in the music industry and new opportunities just waiting for her, Patricia will feature hugely in Canadian country’s evolvement – mark my words.  She is one of the artists that I can see overtaking the world country stage in much the same way as Shania did in the mid 90’s.  Why?  In addition to all of the above she’s also very intelligent, very personable and many of the folks that I know and love like her very much…and they’re very good judges of character.  That spells g-l-o-b-a-l to me…

   I must confess here that I haven’t had the good fortune to meet Patricia yet…hopefully in the next few months that will change if she swings past on her travels.  But I have been an admirer from afar, and have always enjoyed her work   It’s been apparent to me that she’s continued to grow as both a performer and a songwriter.  Clear examples of each include the almost-raunchy-rockin’ Bonnie Raitt styling of “Ain’t Nobody Like You” from the “Wild As The Wind” CD and the name of one of her latest songwriting partners – none other than our own Carolyn Dawn Johnson, the latest Canadian toast of Nashville.  This continued growth means you’ll never know what she could end up doing or when (but I’m thinking she’d make a great show host for the odd ‘special’!?). 

   I’m going to encourage everyone to spend a little more time with Patricia the next time you hear her on the radio or see her on CMT – or if you’re lucky enough to see her perform.  This is a person who’s made it but still has so much potential and deserves our respect, our gratitude and our love…and you’ll get it right back at ya – guaranteed.

Written by Kim Jamieson

© 2001 Opry North/Whitepaw Productions