Information/Write-up
Sherry Kean: A Trailblazer in Canadian Music
Born: Sherry Huffman (exact birthplace unknown)
Genres: Pop, Country-Rock Crossover
Active Years: Late 1970s–1987
Key Achievements
Canadian Top 40 hit with "I Want You Back" (1984)
Winner of the Juno Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist (1984)
Juno nominee for Country Female Vocalist of the Year (1989)
Early Career: The Sharks and Toronto’s Music Scene
Sherry Kean, born Sherry Huffman, began her musical journey as the lead vocalist for The Sharks, a band prominent in Toronto's vibrant Queen Street bar circuit during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Sharks’ lineup included Bazil Donovan (bass), Cleave Anderson (drums), and David Baxter (guitar), forming a strong rhythm section that propelled the band’s popularity in live venues.
In 1980, The Sharks were featured as the opening act on the compilation No Pedestrians, released by Chameleon Records (CR-535) https://citizenfreak.com/titles/315492-compilation-no-pedestrians. Kean performed vocals on the track "Get Off The Radio", which was ironically prophetic given that her solo career soon got her on the radio with her Canadian Top 40 hit "I Want You Back". Despite the group’s potential, they disbanded before recording a full-length album. Bazil Donovan and Cleave Anderson went on to join Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor to form Blue Rodeo, while Kean and Baxter continued working together creatively.
New Beginnings in New York
In 1983, Sherry Kean and David Baxter moved to New York City on a whim, initially planning for a weekend trip that turned into a 10-month stay. "We just really fell in love with it," Kean shared in an interview with Greg Quill for the Toronto Star. The energy of New York inspired her creatively, and during her time there, Kean studied dance and vocal training, describing it as a significant period of personal and professional growth.
While in New York, Kean and Baxter met Mike Thorne, the producer who would go on to work with them on her debut EP, Mixed Emotions. Reflecting on their collaboration, Kean noted, "As soon as we met him, we both looked at each other and said, okay, that's the one." Thorne’s approach to music production resonated with Kean and Baxter, steering clear of rock-and-roll excess and focusing instead on a balanced and creative studio environment.
Solo Breakthrough: Mixed Emotions and People Talk
Kean’s solo career began with a deal from Capitol-EMI. Her debut EP, Mixed Emotions, released in 1983, featured standout tracks like "I Want You Back", which became a Canadian Top 40 hit in early 1984. Recorded with New York session players—including Fernando Sanders (bass) and Pat Irwin (guitar and keyboards)—the EP was lauded for its mix of modern and retro pop influences.
Kean described "I Want You Back" as her favorite track, highlighting its "percussive rhythm feel" that connected with both her and her fans. "It’s always been one of our favorite songs to do live," she explained, adding that it was often requested by audiences.
Her full-length debut album, People Talk, followed in 1984. It combined tracks from Mixed Emotions with new material recorded at Toronto’s Manta Sound Studios. Featuring hits like "Would You Miss Me?" and the title track, the album showcased Kean’s unique vocal style and won her the Juno Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist in 1984.
Reinvention: Maverick Heart and the Country-Rock Crossover
In 1987, Kean released Maverick Heart on A&M Records, marking a shift toward a country-rock crossover sound. The album, self-produced with assistance from David Baxter and Bob Doidge, blended elements of rock, pop, and country, creating a genre-blurring style. It featured an impressive roster of musicians, including Ben Mink, Kevin Breit, and Tom Cochrane, who sang on "I Believe In You" and duetted with Kean on "Baby Talk".
Kean and Baxter’s songwriting often incorporated country elements, as evidenced in "Universe of Two". Speaking about its origins, Kean explained, "The song was written for Yoko Ono and John Lennon. I was thinking about how close they were and how they stayed together despite the criticism they faced." The track reflected Kean’s ability to draw inspiration from unique, heartfelt narratives.
While Maverick Heart earned critical acclaim and a Juno nomination for Country Female Vocalist of the Year in 1989, it did not achieve the same commercial success as her pop debut. However, its innovative sound further cemented her reputation as a versatile and forward-thinking artist.
Life Beyond Music
After releasing Maverick Heart, Kean retired from the music industry and settled in Burlington, Ontario, before later relocating to Pictou, Nova Scotia. She became a tour guide at the McCulloch Heritage Centre, focusing on preserving Canadian heritage.
Kean was also a dedicated mother to her son Sergei, who accompanied her on many of her musical adventures. In the Toronto Star interview, she shared her pride in balancing her music career with motherhood: "He’s very proud of me… he likes to tell his friends that his mom is a singer and show them the album cover."
Kean was married to musician and collaborator David Baxter, who passed away in 2023.
Legacy
Sherry Kean’s music represents a unique chapter in Canadian music history. From her Queen Street roots with The Sharks to her chart-topping solo career and eventual exploration of country-rock crossover, Kean’s journey is a testament to her artistry and resilience. Her work, particularly People Talk and Maverick Heart, continues to resonate with fans and critics alike, serving as a reminder of her talent and contributions to Canadian music.
-Robert Williston
Sherry Kean: vocals
David Baxter: guitar, keyboards
J.T. Lewis: drums
Pat Irwin: guitar, keyboards
Mike Thorne: keyboards, synthesizer
Written by David Baxter and Sherry Kean
Produced by Mike Thorne
Mastered by Jack Skinner at Sterling Sound
Designed by Heather Brown at Diagram Studios
Photography by Matthew Wiley
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