Time Race

Michel Pagliaro—often known simply as Pag—was one of the first Quebec-born artists to establish himself as a genuine rock star on a national scale, bridging linguistic, cultural, and stylistic divides at a moment when Canadian popular music was still finding its footing. Born in Montreal in 1948, Pagliaro emerged from the city’s vibrant 1960s club scene with a raw guitar attack, a strong melodic instinct, and a songwriter’s confidence that set him apart early on.

He first gained attention performing in local bands during the mid-1960s, absorbing British and American rock influences while developing a sound rooted in rhythm, drive, and directness. By the end of the decade, Pagliaro had moved decisively into a solo career, releasing English-language recordings that positioned him as a serious contender beyond Quebec. Songs such as “Rainshowers,” “Lovin’ You Ain’t Easy,” and “Some Sing, Some Dance” received widespread airplay across Canada and helped establish his reputation as a powerful rock vocalist and guitarist with international aspirations. Parts of this early work were recorded in London, including sessions at Abbey Road Studios, underscoring the ambition and scope of his initial breakthrough.

In 1972, Pagliaro released Pag, the album that marked a turning point both commercially and culturally. Anchored by the landmark single “J’entends frapper,” the record became a cornerstone of Quebec rock, proving that francophone artists could deliver hard-edged rock music without compromise. The song’s success cemented Pagliaro as a defining voice of his generation and remains one of the most enduring titles in the Canadian rock canon. Around this period, he began performing with Michel Pagliaro et Les Rockers, reinforcing his image as a commanding live performer.

Throughout the 1970s, Pagliaro continued to move fluidly between English and French projects, refusing to be confined by language or market. Albums such as Pag (1972), Time Race (1977), and Rock’n Roll (1978) illustrate an artist constantly refining his approach—balancing straight-ahead rock and roll with pop instincts, blues influences, and increasingly confident studio production. His English-language work for Columbia/CBS broadened his national reach, while his French releases maintained a deep connection with Quebec audiences. Collaborations with musicians such as Billy Workman, George Lagios, Marty Simon, Jack August, and Jim Zeller became recurring elements of his recorded output.

By the late 1970s, Pagliaro had firmly established himself as a bilingual Canadian rock institution, equally comfortable delivering radio-friendly singles and tougher album-oriented material. His songwriting combined immediacy with durability, and his guitar-driven sound influenced a generation of Canadian performers navigating the same cultural and linguistic terrain.

Over the decades that followed, Pagliaro’s influence extended well beyond chart positions. He became widely recognized for his role in shaping modern Quebec popular music and for opening doors for francophone rock artists on a national stage. His contributions have been acknowledged with numerous honours, including the SOCAN National Achievement Award, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement, and induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame, reflecting both his longevity and his lasting cultural impact.
-Robert Williston

Musicians
Michel Pagliaro: guitar, vocals
Billy Workman: guitar
Jack August: bass
Marty Simon: drums
Dwayne Ford: keyboards, piano
Jim Zeller: harmonica

Additional musicians:
Gary Holt: bass (‘Last Night’, ‘Cross Your Heart’)
Larrie Londin: drums (‘Last Night’, ‘Cross Your Heart’)
Bob Mann: guitar (‘Last Night’, ‘Cross Your Heart’)

Songwriting
Billy Workman
Marty Simon
Michel Pagliaro
Dwayne Ford
Jack August
Donnie Lubahn
Jeff Kent
Otis Redding
Steve Cropper

Production
Manufactured by CBS Records Canada Ltd.
Distributed by CBS Records Canada Ltd.
Phonographic copyright ℗ CBS Inc.

Artwork
Printed by Shorewood Packaging Corp. of Canada Ltd.