Information/Write-up
Diane Merritt emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a Canadian country and folk vocalist whose career bridged regional television exposure, touring, and national recording activity. Born in Russell, Manitoba, she later relocated to Ontario, spending formative years in Hamilton and becoming active on the Southern Ontario club, broadcast, and television circuit.
Merritt first gained public visibility through regular appearances on CHCH-TV in Hamilton, notably on Music Go Round, a program that served as an important showcase for emerging performers. Alongside her television work, she built a live following through nightclub engagements, concerts, and radio appearances across southwestern Ontario—an essential proving ground for Canadian country artists during the period.
A significant step in her development came when Merritt began touring with the Varga Brothers, who played a key role in shaping her early repertoire and introducing her more fully to country music. Through this association, she expanded her profile with guest appearances on Canadian television and radio programs, including CFTO-TV productions and country-oriented broadcasts originating from Kitchener, Ontario. Her exposure also extended into the United States through appearances connected to the WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling, West Virginia.
In 1972, Merritt recorded her debut album, Angel of My Dreams, for Arc Records. Produced by Ben Weatherby and backed by The Mus-Tangs, the LP presented her from what the label described as the “sweet side of country,” combining contemporary Nashville material with a polished studio sound. The album featured musicians including Mickey McGivern, with choral background vocals by The Sugar Shoppe, placing Merritt within a professional Canadian studio environment at a time when female country vocalists were gaining increased visibility.
During the same period, Merritt released several singles between 1972 and 1973 on both Arc Records and Columbia Records. These included “Angel of My Dreams,” “I Love You,” and “Baby, Baby, Baby,” the latter backed with “Lonely Woman.” Much of her recorded material from this era was written by Ernie Varga, who—along with Fred Carter—also handled production on her Columbia releases. The singles reflected a stylistic range that moved fluidly between country, folk, and pop-oriented presentation, aligning her sound with contemporary radio formats.
In addition to her solo releases, Merritt recorded several tracks that appeared exclusively on multi-artist country compilations. Most notably, she contributed three songs—“Burning a Hole in My Mind,” “I Don’t Want to Play House,” and “What Kind of Girl Do You Think I Am”—to the LP Country Hits, which also featured Dick Nolan, Len Carlson, Neville Plumbs, and Billy Adams, backed by Mickey McGivern and The Mus-Tangs. These recordings did not appear on her Arc album or Columbia singles and represent otherwise unavailable material from her early-1970s studio work.
-Robert Williston
Produced by Fred Carter and Ernie Varga
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