Gene MacLellan was a singer-songwriter born in Val-d’Or QC - he is best known for writing ‘The Call’ and ‘Snowbird’ (hits for Anny Murray) as well as ‘Put Your Hand In The Hand’ (Ocean) and others. His songs have been covered by Elvis Presley, Joan Baez, Loretta Lynn, Nana Mouskouri and a host of others.
His first album was recorded in Nashville and released in 1970 with 2 slightly different versions (self titled and ‘Street Corner Preacher’). Here is Gene’s version of ‘Snowbird’ with slightly different lyrics.
Gene and Anne in 1972:
In 1973 Gene was injured in a car accident (mentioned on the back of his first LP) and in 1974 he moved to Prince Edward Island where he settled. Gene suffered from mental illness throughout his life, and in January 1995 he died by suicide. In 2017, Gene’s daughter Catherine MacLellan, a singer/songwriter herself, put together an excellent NFB documentary on Gene which looks at the legacy of his songwriting as well as the impact of his life on those who knew him.. Catherine also recorded an album of Gene’s songs, from that LP here is her version of “Thorn In My Shoe”:
Here’s a live track from Charlottetown PEI in 1971 with “Bidin’ My Time”:
Gene MacLellan: 1938-02-02 to 1995-01-19
Photos courtesy of Toronto Public Library