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Lawrence Gowan

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Lawrence Gowan is a Canadian musician, born in Glasgow, Scotland on November 22, 1956. Gowan has been both a solo artist and a member of the band Styx. His musical style is usually classified in the category of progressive rock.

His career

At the age of nineteen, he earned an ARCT in classical piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, in Toronto. Upon graduation, he enjoyed modest local success with the band Rhinegold in 1976.

After the band broke up five years later, Gowan began what was to become a very long and successful solo career under the stage name Gowan, releasing his first album under that name in 1982. This album contained the singles "Victory" and "Keep Up The Fight". His 1985 album Strange Animal was his commercial breakthrough in Canada, spawning the hit singles "A Criminal Mind", "(You're A) Strange Animal" and "Cosmetics". His 1987 follow up Great Dirty World gave him another hit single with "Moonlight Desires," featuring Jon Anderson (from Yes) on backing vocals as well as the fan favorite "Dedication".

1990's Lost Brotherhood featuring Rush's Alex Lifeson on guitar', however, was a commercial disappointment, and Gowan pursued a change of direction. He released the more acoustic, adult contemporary ...but you can call me Larry in 1993 under his full name, returning to the Canadian pop charts with "When There's Time For Love", "Soul's Road" and "Dancing On My Own Ground". He subsequently released The Good Catches Up in 1995. In 1997, Gowan released two live CDs: Sololive - No Kilt Tonight containing an amazing rendition of Ragtime's classic "King Chanteclerc Rag", and Au Québec with a cover of Harmonium's "Pour Un Instant" as well as his first composition in French, "Stéphanie", for his dedicated fan base in the province of Quebec.

In 1997, Gowan released "Healing Waters" as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales after her death. However, despite what many believe, this song was not originally written for this purpose. It was, in fact, used in its original form in the movie When the Bullet Hits the Bone (starring Jeff Wincott) from 1995, two years prior to the accident that killed Diana. This song is not listed in the credits for the movie, however, it is very prominent in the film. After her death, the lyrics were modified into the version that Gowan fans have come to know.

His classic "A Criminal Mind" was covered in 2005 by Canadian hip-hop artist Maestro; Gowan appears in the video and his vocals are sampled on the track.


He also guest starred on the Canadian animated comedy series Chilly Beach.

In February 2006, Lawrence did four orchestra accompanied concerts in London, Ontario and Kitchener, Ontario.

Awards/Nominations

The following are Gowan's Juno nominations:

  • 1983 - Most Promising Male Vocalist of the Year,
  • 1985 - Album of the Year: Strange Animal,
  • 1985 - Single of the Year: A Criminal Mind,
  • 1985, 1987, 1991 - Male Vocalist of the Year,
  • 1987 - Canadian Entertainer of the Year,
  • 1987 - Album of the Year: Great Dirty World,
  • 1985 - won Juno for Best Album Graphics - Rob MacIntyre/Dimo Safari/Strange Animal/Gowan

On November 16, 1998, Gowan received the prestigious National Achievement Award from the Canadian Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.

In 2003, Lawrence was presented with the SOCAN award along with 3 other musicians whose songs have surpassed the 100,000 radio airplay for his song, "Moonlight Desires".

Styx

In 1998, Gowan roled as a supporting act for Styx at Montreal's Molson Centre and Quebec's Colisee. Tommy Shaw admired his talent and vibrant stage charisma, and called him in May 1999 asking him to tour with them for 53 dates, replacing their lead singer Dennis DeYoung. Since then, Gowan's classic hit, "A Criminal Mind", is played by Styx on each show performed in Canada.

DeYoung's absence proved a convenient opportunity for a more permanent restructuring of Styx – which had long been plagued by differences in artistic inclination. Gowan subsequently became the band's permanent vocalist. He says "I was in after the third gig".

Styx's 2003 album Cyclorama was Gowan's first studio album with the band. Gowan sings two songs on Cyclorama, "Fields of the Brave" and "More Love for the Money", both of which have an easily recognizable Gowan signature. He then continued recording with Styx for their 2005 album, Big Bang Theory.

Solo Discography

Styx Discography

  • 2000 Arch Allies - Live with REO Speedwagon
  • 2001 Styxworld Live 2001
  • 2002 At The River's Edge: Live In St. Louis
  • 2002 21st Century Live (CD/DVD set)
  • 2002 A Classic Rock Christmas (featuring:All I Want for Christmas)
  • 2003 Cyclorama
  • 2005 Big Bang Theory
  • 2006 One With Everything: Styx and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra
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