Clark, Cathy

Websites:  No
Origin: Edson - Calgary, Alberta, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Cathryn Jean "Cate" Cloak (April 30, 1945 – August 11, 2017)

Cathryn Jean Cloak, widely known as Cate Cloak, was a Canadian singer, songwriter, and addiction recovery advocate. Celebrated for her rich and soulful vocals, Cate made significant contributions to the Canadian music scene, particularly in Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Calgary. Her dynamic career spanned decades, blending musical artistry with meaningful work in addiction recovery.

Early Life and Musical Career
Born on April 30, 1945, in Edson, Alberta, Cate began her musical journey in 1967 as the vocalist for Sect of Soul, an all-female band based in Saskatoon. She soon moved to Winnipeg, where she became a prominent figure in the local music scene. Performing with bands like Home Cooking and The Bootleg Band, Cate's captivating voice became a staple of radio jingles and live performances. She often collaborated with Canadian rock icons, including Burton Cummings and members of The Guess Who.

Move to Calgary and the 1982 Album
After relocating to Calgary, Alberta, Cate released a pop-rock album in 1982 that showcased her powerful vocal range and emotive performance style. Recorded at Jonathan Sound Studios, the album was produced, engineered, and arranged by Hal Redekop, a key figure in Calgary’s music scene. Redekop also contributed as a lead and rhythm guitarist, shaping the album's vibrant sound.

The project was manufactured through Doug Wong Music, a prominent Calgary-based record company. Doug Wong, a highly influential figure in Calgary's music industry, was instrumental in supporting local artists and elevating their work to wider audiences. Wong’s backing helped ensure the album's professional quality and local distribution.

The album featured a talented roster of musicians, including:

Hal Redekop: lead guitar, rhythm guitar, producer, engineer, arranger
Jack Stolz: lead guitar
Doug Aman: steel guitar
De Vone Clark: steel guitar on "If You Love Me"
Ted Alexander: keyboards, synthesizer
Gail Runge: drums
Blaine Bonner: drums on "Round and Round"
Neil Bentley: bass
Rudy Skapin: bass on "Round and Round"
Ruth Solway, Evelyn Solway, and Adeline Solway: backing vocals

The album was praised for its seamless interplay between Cate’s dynamic vocals and the instrumental arrangements. Tracks like "Round and Round" and "If You Love Me" showcased both Cate’s emotive delivery and the unique contributions of her collaborators. This release solidified her reputation as a key figure in the Canadian pop-rock scene of the early 1980s.

Advocacy and Work in Addiction Recovery
After the release of her album, Cate balanced her music career with a new focus on psychology and social work. As a mature student, she earned a Diploma in Psychology from the University of Calgary. This academic achievement led to a 16-year career at the Renfrew Recovery Center, where she worked tirelessly to help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.

Continued Musical Contributions
Despite her professional commitments, Cate continued to perform across Calgary and surrounding areas, participating in local events and collaborating with various bands. Her music remained a vital part of her life, and her performances enriched Calgary's cultural fabric.

Personal Life and Legacy
Cate was a devoted mother to her daughter, Jessie Cloak, and a beloved sister to Neville Clark. She passed away on August 11, 2017, at her home in Calgary, Alberta, after a brief battle with cancer, at the age of 72.

Cate’s 1982 album remains a testament to her vocal talents and the collaborative spirit of the musicians who supported her. Hal Redekop’s production and Doug Wong Music’s backing were instrumental in creating a lasting piece of Canadian pop-rock history. Cate Cloak’s legacy lives on through her music, her advocacy work, and the countless lives she touched throughout her career.
-Robert Williston