Ernest Monias Explained

Ernest Monias
Birth Date:18 February 1949
Birth Place:Cross Lake First Nation, Manitoba
Occupation:Singer, songwriter
Genre:Rock music, Country rock
Years Active:1979–present
Label:Sunshine Records

Ernest Monias (born February 18, 1949) is a Cree recording artist from Manitoba, Canada.[1] An important figure in Canadian Indigenous music, Monias has been nicknamed the "Elvis of the North".[2]

Early life

Monias was born in Cross Lake First Nation and moved to Wabowden, Manitoba at the age of 4. He attended a residential school in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba.

Music career

Monias released his first album in 1979, after being discovered by Ray St. Germain. The album Original Recordings included his most popular song "If I Wanted You Girl" and was followed by 21 more albums. Monias received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Indigenous Music Awards.[3] He was elected into the Manitoba Aboriginal Music Hall of Fame in 2005.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: From residential school to meme king. CBC.ca. Leonard Monkman. 2020. February 15, 2024.
  2. Web site: Honouring Elvis of the North. Winnipeg Free Press. February 15, 2024.
  3. Web site: Musician Ernest Monias to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award. The Pas Online. February 15, 2024.
  4. Web site: Honouring Elvis of the North. Winnipeg Free Press. February 15, 2024.