Chown, Avril

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Origin: Toronto, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Avril Chown, born around 1950, is a Canadian actress, musician, and television personality whose multifaceted talents have left an enduring mark on Canadian arts and culture. With a career spanning musical theatre, television, and music, Chown has consistently showcased her versatility and passion for creative expression.

Musical Theatre and Early Success
Chown's journey began in musical theatre, where she earned acclaim for her powerful performances. She starred in the original Toronto production of Hair in 1970, later reprising her role on Broadway. In 1972, she joined the celebrated Toronto cast of Godspell, portraying Joanne alongside future comedy legends. That same year, she was part of the Canadian Rock Theatre, a groundbreaking project blending rock and theatre. The ensemble’s music was captured on the Canadian Rock Theatre album, released on vinyl in 1972, further cementing Chown's place as a versatile and pioneering performer.

Television Career
Chown’s talent transitioned seamlessly to the small screen. She appeared in the CBC series It’s Our Stuff in 1969 and later became a regular on The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show in 1974. In 1993, she featured in the TV movie Friends of Gilda. These roles highlighted her dynamic screen presence and ability to connect with audiences across genres.

Music Career
In addition to her theatrical and television success, Avril Chown left a lasting imprint on Canada’s independent music scene through her collaborations with Doug Wass’s Cindril Records in the early 1980s. She recorded two singles:

“My Place Your Place” (1980): This new wave power pop track was produced by Paul Zaza and Doug Wass and released under Cindril Records. It received regional airplay, reaching #20 in Sudbury thanks to Dougs nieces’ enthusiastic requests to radio stations. The song was later re-recorded and released on AXE Records by Barbara Law and is now owned by Peer Publishing.

“American Boys” / “Losing Sight” (1980): Both songs were written by Chown and recorded at Grand Avenue Studios in Hamilton. While these tracks reflected her personal artistry, she chose to retain publishing rights, though they ultimately did not gain broader commercial traction.

Doug Wass praised Avril’s performances, though he lamented the lack of wider promotion for her music. He fondly recalled her dedication during recording sessions and her potential to connect with other artists and labels.

Songwriting and Legacy
Avril Chown’s songwriting also extended into children’s music. Her song “Sunday Driving” is available on Spotify, showcasing her ability to resonate with audiences of all ages.

In 2025, Doug Wass sent the complete Cindril Records vinyl catalog (3 records) to The Museum of Canadian Music for digitization and exclusive streaming, ensuring that Chown’s recordings and the label's legacy will remain accessible to future generations.

Legacy and Contribution
Whether on stage, screen, or in the recording studio, Avril Chown’s career exemplifies enduring creativity, adaptability, and passion for the arts. Her ability to move seamlessly between musical theatre, television, and independent music has made her a trailblazer in Canadian culture. Through projects like Hair, Godspell, and her music with Cindril Records, Avril Chown’s contributions to the arts remain a testament to her talent and commitment to her craft.

Her artistic journey is a rich narrative of collaboration, exploration, and the tireless pursuit of creative expression, an inspiration to artists across disciplines.
-Robert Williston