Information/Write-up
One-sided tribute by the Saskatchewan born Neil Harris and the Neil Harris Singers, released by the Manitoba Government Department of Industry & Commerce to commemorate Manitoba's 100th Anniversary.
For his contributions towards the Manitoba arts and culture community as a musician, composer and producer, in 1997 Neil Harris was inducted into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, Manitoba's highest honour. This recording was considered one of his most notable contributions.
The record was launched on May 29, 1970 in Portage la Prairie. There were 11,000 copies pressed and they sold for $1 each. Proceeds went to the Daniel McIntyre and Portage la Prairie choirs to offset the cost of their trips later that year to Osaka, Japan to sing at Expo 1970. (After December 31, 1970, any royalties from the song reverted back to the composers.)
Though this was the official song, there were others that were funded by the Manitoba Government.
In January 1968, two years before the centennial year, the province announced that Manitoba's Department of Industry and Commerce was releasing Spirit of 70, a song it had commissioned from Manitoba composer Neil Harris.
Sung by the Neil Harris Singers, the song was recorded in three styles: as a march, a dixieland version and a Tijuana brass version.
No Comments