Partland Brothers

Websites:  https://www.facebook.com/ThePartlandBrothers/
Origin: Colgan, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

The Partland Brothers: A Legacy of Canadian Pop/Rock Harmony
The Partland Brothers, led by Chris and G.P. Partland, are a Canadian pop/rock duo celebrated for their soaring harmonies and timeless anthems. Hailing from the small town of Colgan, Ontario, the brothers began their musical journey in local bands before moving to Toronto in 1979, where they formed Oliver Heaviside, named after the British engineer and physicist. The group quickly became a staple in the Toronto bar scene during the early 1980s.

In 1982, their song Level Crossing appeared on Q107’s Homegrown Volume 4 compilation, capturing the attention of Capitol Records A&R representative (and future EMI President) Deane Cameron. This marked the beginning of their rise to fame.

The Breakthrough: Electric Honey
The Partland Brothers’ debut album, Electric Honey (1986), produced their first major hit, Soul City. This soaring anthem, featuring the brothers’ distinctive close-harmony vocals, reached the Top 10 in Canada and climbed into the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The follow-up single, One Chance (produced by Jim Vallance), remains a staple of adult contemporary radio across North America.

The success of Electric Honey earned them tours with The Moody Blues and The Beach Boys in the U.S., as well as headlining gigs in Canada. They also appeared on popular television programs such as American Bandstand and The Late Show with Arsenio Hall, further elevating their profile across North America.

Evolving Sound: Between Worlds and Part Land, Part Water
Following management struggles, the brothers released their second album, Between Worlds, in 1990. Produced by Jon Goldsmith (Bruce Cockburn), the album showcased a more acoustic, roots-driven rock sound, moving closer to the Partlands’ musical foundation.

In 1993, their third album, Part Land, Part Water, was released on Kinetic Records. Produced by Ken Greer (Red Rider guitarist and Tragically Hip collaborator), the album marked a further evolution in the brothers’ sound. Greer also contributed lead guitar, pedal steel, mandolin, bass, and keyboards. The album featured spiritually uplifting tracks like Lift Me Up and Heaven in Your Heart, alongside heartfelt storytelling in songs like Lean Into It, which reflects the resilience and commitment that define the brothers' journey.

Later Years and Legacy
The Partland Brothers continued to perform and release music over the years, with notable highlights including the inclusion of their song Fly Like a Hawk (aka Ronnie Boy) in the 2004 rockumentary Ronnie Hawkins: Still Alive and Kicking. The documentary chronicled the life of their good friend and rockabilly legend Ronnie Hawkins.

In 2009, they released This Is Who I Am, their first album of new material in over a decade. The album featured That's My Home, a charity single benefiting the Canadian Forces Military Families Fund. The brothers also released a greatest hits compilation, Every Now... And Again, in 2010.

Live performances during this time included appearances at the Calgary Stampede and special events in Las Vegas, as well as concerts supporting military families.

Timeless Music and Enduring Spirit
With a career spanning decades, Chris and G.P. Partland have continued to captivate audiences with their heartfelt lyrics, melodic harmonies, and enduring music. Their contributions to Canadian pop/rock are undeniable, and their songs remain beloved by fans old and new, resonating with themes of love, resilience, and community.

Discography
Electric Honey (1986)
Between Worlds (1990)
Part Land, Part Water (1993)
This Is Who I Am (2009)
Every Now... And Again (2010)

The Partland Brothers' timeless music and inspiring journey remind us of the power of perseverance and the magic of close-harmony vocals.