2008 Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams is one of the most successful Canadian singer-songwriters in the industry. Adams has written hits for many artists as well as recorded some of his own songs to much critical acclaim. He has also succeeded on the touring circuit, selling out tickets to shows worldwide. His successful music career started when he was just a teenager. While performing with a Vancouver group he met drummer Jim Vallance. The two began writing songs together in 1977 and still continue to collaborate today. The songs they duo wrote in the 70s and 80s were covered by artists like Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Ian Lloyd, and Prism. Their blend of hard rock and sweet pop soon boosted Adams and Vallance into the limelight.

Adams was signed to A&M Canada record company in 1979. He soon released a single that was surprisingly different from the rock ballads he had composed just a few years earlier. His first single released was a dance tune called 'Let Me Take You Dancing' in which Adams complained the voice track was sped up and made him sound like a chipmunk. The single was a flop and Adams moved on quickly. He released his self-titled debut album (without the shabby single) in 1980 with the help of Vallance. During the time the album was being produced, Adams was still working on his songwriting. He wrote 'Straight From the Heart' in 1980, but it was not released until 1983. It soon became a major hit.

During the 80s Adams continued producing songs for himself as well as other bands. His next album, Cuts Like a Knife, produced a buzz in the music world. The single 'Straight' moved quickly to the top 10 and opened up the road for two more hit singles: 'Cuts Like a Knife' and 'This Time'. In 1983 Adams took to the road to promote his albums. He was on the road for 283 days. The hard work paid off when his 1984 album, Reckless, held the number one slot for two weeks, went platinum five times, and contained six top 20 singles. Among those six was Adams first number one single, 'Heaven'.

By 1985 Adams' fame was set in stone. He had a large and loyal following. He decided to use his fame like many before him to help charities he cared about. In July of 1985 he played at the Live-Aid concert with Tina Turner. They performed 'It's Only Love' which soon reached number 15 on the charts. He also worked on the Ethiopian Famine Relief effort by aiding the Canadian group Northern Lights with their single 'Tears Are Not Enough'. During the late 80s Adams toured on the Amnesty International Tour as well as appearing at the Prince's Trust Charity event and the London Freedomfest.

Though the early 90s seemed to be a time of decline for Adams, he surprised the world with his single '(Everything I Do) I Do It For You' which stayed at number one on the charts for seven weeks and was the biggest-selling single in the history of A&M Records. The single helped sales of Adams' album, Waking Up The Neighbors, which eventually sold more than three million records. The 90s still held some surprises for Adams' fans. He released a successful single, 'All For Love', with Sting and Rod Stewart which went platinum and was featured on the soundtrack of the hit film Three Musketeers.