Information/Write-up
Bob Bradburn (1928 – August 1, 2015)
Canadian radio personality, songwriter, and recording artist
Bob Bradburn was a beloved Canadian broadcaster and songwriter whose rich baritone voice and friendly on-air style made him a morning radio icon in Edmonton for nearly three decades. A true prairie original, Bradburn combined community spirit, musical creativity, and broadcasting excellence into a singular career that touched generations of Western Canadians.
Early Life & Radio Roots in Winnipeg
Born in 1928 in the small town of Cut Knife, Saskatchewan, Bradburn launched his radio career in Winnipeg, Manitoba in the early 1960s. By 1964, he was a staff announcer at CKRC 63, one of Winnipeg’s leading AM radio stations. It was during this time that Bradburn began experimenting with musical production and community-based audio projects.
In collaboration with the Manitoba Travel and Convention Association, Bradburn spearheaded a promotional record called “Souvenir of Manitoba”, credited to the Manitoba Golden Boys. The 45 RPM record featured two original tracks:
“Wonderful Town” – a song-story about the “G-R-E-A-T city of Winnipeg,” highlighting tourist attractions and cultural institutions.
“The Golden Boy” – written and sung by Bob Bradburn, this track offered a musical retelling of the history of the Golden Boy statue that sits atop the Manitoba Legislative Building.
The record sleeve, produced by CKRC and printed with official government support, describes “The Golden Boy” as a “song-story transcription” celebrating Manitoba’s progressive spirit. Bradburn’s lyrics reference the statue’s symbolism of enterprise and eternal youth, and even recount the statue's casting in France, survival of World War I bombings, and eventual journey to Winnipeg via New York.
These recordings stand as some of the most unique examples of early Canadian broadcast/music crossovers, blending tourism, radio, and regional storytelling into a rare promotional folk artifact.
Neil Young’s First Session
In July 1963, Bradburn was present during Neil Young’s first-ever recording session at CKRC. When Young and The Squires recorded their single “The Sultan” b/w “Aurora” for V Records, it was Bradburn’s voice that famously blurted out “Aurora!” at the end of the instrumental B-side. That one spoken word became the first vocal ever captured on a Neil Young recording, marking Bradburn’s unique footnote in Canadian music history.
Listen to Neil Young's first single: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/302065-squires-the-sultan-b-w-aurora
Longstanding Career in Edmonton
After moving to Edmonton in the mid-1960s, Bradburn took a position at CJCA, before switching to the then-new CHQT in 1970. Though one colleague warned him it would be a “mistake,” Bradburn’s move became a landmark career decision.
He served as CHQT’s morning man for 28 years, becoming one of the most recognized and trusted voices in Alberta broadcasting. Known for his smooth delivery, wit, and rapport with listeners, Bradburn anchored the station’s early hours until his retirement in 2001. His run at CHQT was so long and impactful that he helped define the station’s identity across multiple generations.
Musical Legacy & Christmas Recordings
In addition to his tourism-themed singles and prolific radio work, Bob Bradburn nurtured a creative sideline as a storytelling songwriter, especially around the holiday season. He independently released two full-length Christmas albums, featuring whimsical, character-driven songs that became staples in many Western Canadian households during December. His warm delivery and wit gave his Christmas music a distinctive tone—equal parts heartfelt and humorous.
Bradburn’s best-known holiday song is “Tiny Tony,” a nostalgic, sentimental tale that became a seasonal favourite for Alberta families. Its enduring charm led to a cover version by the Ontario vocal group The Colchester Singers, who included it on their 1978 single Natividad, issued by Mustard Records (M-121). The fact that Tiny Tony resonated beyond his own recordings speaks to Bradburn’s knack for writing stories that connected across regions and generations.
Another notable holiday-related release came in 1971, when Bradburn issued a whimsical “Year in Review” record. In spoken-word style with banjo, he recounted major Canadian (and a few global events) of that year with his signature humour and warmth. The single concluded with a now-famous line:
“And on Christmas, Pierre became a dad.”
—an amusing nod to the Christmas Day birth of Justin Trudeau, son of then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
Personal Life & Legacy
Bob Bradburn passed away on August 1, 2015, in Edmonton at the age of 86. According to his obituary, he was married for 66 years to his wife Stella, and was a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His blend of musical storytelling, community broadcasting, and dedication to regional pride makes him a standout figure in the history of Canadian radio.
Whether introducing a city to tourists, inspiring a young Neil Young, or waking up a province with warmth and humor, Bob Bradburn’s legacy is one of connection, creativity, and care.
-Robert Williston
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