Canadian Music Legend Anne Murray Retires

Anne Murray, one of the greatest Canadian musical artists of all time, announced that she's probably done doing any new recordings. It had to be a sad announcement for her fans. Murray had to be one of the greatest Canadian exports of all time, selling a staggering 54 million albums and millions more singles, including a few #1 hits.

Although Murray was largely seen as a country artist, she had tremendous crossover appeal on the American pop charts as well. Murray also paved the path for other Canadian women to have tremendous appeal in the larger American market such as Celine Dion, Sarah McLachlan, Shania Twain and others. Many Canadian female artists had a difficult time breaking into the U.S. market until Murray's success made American audiences far more receptive.

Anne Murray also had a couple of duet recordings with country music legend Glen Campbell as well. CBS TV aired 5 Anne Murray specials, all of which drew more than 40 million viewers each. Her specials proved to be one of the biggest special hits ever for the network.

Surprisingly, Anne Murray is a huge golf fan, and one of the greatest Canadian women's golfers of all time. And at the age of 64, Murray isn't very likely to completely retire from this sport.

Hopefully, the singer will reconsider and still record a record now and then. But, all I can say is thanks for the great music, Anne Murray. I met you when I was a young record buyer, and you were gracious enough to sign my copy of "Snowbird" for me. For that, I'm forever grateful, even if I think that you thought that I was a real nerdy kid at the time. (But, I changed that image today, Anne, with my long hair, beard and black leather. Dork no more, Anne. Dork no more.).