Nobody Special

Websites:  No
Origin: Sudbury, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Formed in 1971 in Sudbury, Ontario, the eight-piece band Nobody Special quickly rose to prominence in Northern Ontario’s music scene. The group was known for their dynamic live performances, blending rock, soul, and pop influences with a full-bodied ensemble sound. In 1973, Nobody Special entered a contest held by Sudbury radio station CHNO and won the title of "Best Group in Northern Ontario." The prize was an all-expenses-paid trip to a Toronto recording studio, where the band recorded two original tracks: “I Like It” (Side A) and “Sha-La-La” (Side B). The single was released on CHNO’s NO Records (Northern Ontario Records) and gained significant airplay, making the Top Ten charts across Northern Ontario and receiving praise from Billboard Magazine.

To support wider distribution, the band established their own label, NS Records (Nobody Special Records), re-pressing the single and continuing to promote their music independently. From 1974 to 1976, Nobody Special toured extensively across Ontario, the Canadian Maritimes, and parts of the northern United States.

In 1976, the group rebranded as Spectacle, evolving into a showband that would go on to tour major cities across North America. Under the leadership of frontman Pierre Chalifoux, Spectacle continued the momentum, eventually becoming the first Canadian showband to perform in Las Vegas and headline the Imperial Room at Toronto’s Royal York Hotel. Pierre later launched a successful solo career, including a notable appearance on NBC’s Star Search in 1985.

While Nobody Special’s active years were brief, their independent spirit, regional success, and transition into Spectacle remain a significant chapter in Northern Ontario’s music history.

Written by Pierre Chalifoux
Produced by Wolf Hess
Engineered by Bob 'Stork' Stright
Recorded by Bob Stright at Sound Canada Recording Centre
Published by Troika Music
Pressed by Vintage Records
Executive producer: Cal De Vand

"The eight-piece group Nobody Special was formed in 1971 in Sudbury, Ontario. In 1973 the group entered a contest held by Sudbury-area radio station CHNO, and they won the title "Best Group in Northern Ontario." The prize included an all-expenses paid trip to a Toronto recording studio to record two of their songs for release on CHNO’s record label “NO Records” (“Northern Ontario Records”). The 45rpm record had “I Like It” on Side A and “Sha-La-La” on Side B. The group subsequently created their own record label “NS Records” (“Nobody Special Records”) to press more copies and continue promoting their music. After spending the next couple of years touring Ontario, Canada’s Maritime Provinces and some northern states of the USA, Nobody Special reformed as Spectacle."
-MAPL Groove