Alan Mills

Alan Mills was a beloved Canadian folk singer, actor, and educator who became a cornerstone of North America’s folk revival in the mid-20th century. Born in 1913 in Montreal, Quebec, Mills charmed audiences with his warm baritone voice and knack for bringing traditional songs to life, from sea shanties and lumber camp tunes to playful children’s numbers. A bilingual performer, he bridged English and French Canadian cultures, recording albums like *French Folk Songs for Children in English* and *Songs of the Maritimes* that preserved regional musical traditions. His collaborations with labels like Folkways Records and groups like the Four Shipmates turned him into a household name, especially for families and schools seeking lively, educational music.

Mills’ passion for storytelling through song shines in releases like *O’Canada: A History in Song* and *Christmas Songs from Many Lands*, which blended history with global folk traditions. Even after his death in 1977, his legacy endured through tribute albums like *So Long My Friend…*, cementing his role as a cultural ambassador who made Canada’s musical heritage accessible—and downright fun—for generations.

Genres

Folk

Sea Shanties

Latest Release

So Long My Friend… Alan Mills Always Remembered

Rusti Steel & The Star Tones•

Darrel Higham•

Alan Mills

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released March 14, 2017