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McGarrigle Kate

Feb 6, 1946

Rating : A (Data based on a reliable source)

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  • Pisces
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Remembering Since 2010

Events Events

Death:Death by Disease 18 January 2010 (cancer) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Ai Generated Biography Biography

Canadian singer-songwriter from Quebec, who performed as a part of the duo McGarrigle Sisters until Kates death on January 18, 2010. Anna McGarrigle (born 4 December 1944) and Kate McGarrigle lived their childhood in the Laurentian Mountains village of Saint-Sauveur-des-Monts, northwest of Montreal, where they learned piano from village nuns. In the 1960s, in Montreal, while Kate was studying engineering at McGill University and Anna art at the École des Beaux-Arts de Montréal, they began performing in public and then began writing their own songs. From 1963 to 1967 they teamed up with Jack Nissenson and Peter Weldon to form the folk group Mountain City Four. Into the twenty-first century, Kate and Anna McGarrigle continued to write, and recorded and performed music, with assorted accompanying musicians including Gerry Conway, Pat Donaldson, Ken Pearson, Michel Pépin, Chaim Tannenbaum and Joel Zifkin. Their songs have been covered by a variety of artists including Maria Muldaur, Nana Mouskouri, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Billy Bragg, Chloé Sainte-Marie, Judy Collins, Anne Sofie von Otter and others. The covers of their songs by well known artists led to the McGarrigles getting their first recording contract in 1974. They created ten albums from 1975 through 2008. Although associated with Quebecs anglophone community, the McGarrigles also recorded and performed many songs in French. Two of their albums, Entre la jeunesse et la sagesse (also known as French Record) and La vache qui pleure, are entirely in French, but many of their other records include one or two French songs as well. Most of their French songs were co-written by Philippe Tatartcheff, with occasional input from Kate McGarrigles son, Canadian-American solo artist Rufus Wainwright. Rufus and his sister Martha Wainwright, also a singer, are the children of Kate and her former husband (married 1971, separated 1976, divorced 1978), singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III. They have performed or recorded with the Irish group The Chieftains, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds on their No More Shall We Part album, Emmylou Harris on her albums Bluebird, Wrecking Ball, Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions, Light of the Stable, Stumble into Grace, and All I Intended to Be, Lou Reed on his concept album The Raven, Joan Baez on her live recording Ring Them Bells, Gilles Vigneault on “Charlie-Jos” on his album C’est ainsi que j’arrive à toi, and Robin Holcomb on her 2002 album The Big Time. Their version of Wade Hemsworths song, "The Log Drivers Waltz" grew famous as the soundtrack for a 1979 animated film by the National Film Board. They provided backing vocals on Nick Cave and the Bad Seedss 2001 album No More Shall We Part. They appeared on the childrens TV show Sharon, Lois & Brams Elephant Show in Season 4, episode 50 titled "Sibling Rivalry". They were appointed Members of the Order of Canada in 1993 and received the Governor Generals Performing Arts Award in 2004. Another sister, Jane McGarrigle, is a film and television composer who wrote and performed several songs with the duo, but was not a regular collaborator. Kate died on 18 January 2010 after fighting a rare form of cancer. She was 63 years old Link to Wikipedia biography Read less

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Update at: Sep 5, 2025
Kate McGarrigle Profile

Kate McGarrigle

Born: February 6, 1946

Birthplace: Montreal, Canada

Biography

Kate McGarrigle was a renowned Canadian folk music singer-songwriter who, along with her sister Anna, formed the duo known as The McGarrigle Sisters. They were celebrated for their rich harmonies and poignant songwriting, contributing significantly to the folk music scene in the 1970s and beyond.

Musical Career

Kate, with her sister Anna, released several critically acclaimed albums, including their debut album "Kate & Anna McGarrigle" in 1976. The duo is known for songs like "Heart Like a Wheel," which was covered by Linda Ronstadt, and "Talk to Me of Mendocino." Their music often blended folk, blues, and traditional influences.

Legacy

Kate McGarrigle's music continues to influence artists across genres. Her contribution to music was recognized with numerous awards, including the Order of Canada. She was also inducted posthumously into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Recent Tributes and Projects

Since her passing in 2010, several tribute concerts have been held in her honor, featuring performances by family members such as her children, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, as well as other prominent musicians. These events celebrate her extensive catalog and enduring impact on the music industry.

Social Media Presence

While Kate herself did not have a social media presence due to the era in which she was most active, her legacy is preserved through various platforms. Fans and family members often share her music and stories on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, keeping her spirit alive for new generations. The hashtag #KateMcGarrigle is often used to share memories and musical tributes.

Documentaries and Books

Several documentaries and books have been produced to honor Kate McGarrigle's life and work. These include biographical accounts that explore her influence on folk music and her personal journey as an artist.

Charitable Work

Kate was also known for her charitable efforts, particularly in supporting music education and cancer research. The Kate McGarrigle Fund was established to support sarcoma research and music therapy programs, reflecting her personal battles and her belief in the healing power of music.

Conclusion

Kate McGarrigle's contribution to music and culture continues to resonate. Her songs remain beloved by fans old and new, and her legacy is carried on through ongoing projects and tributes.