The Order of Canada - Takin' Care Of Business

The Governor General of Canada announced the latest round of recipients for the Order of Canada, Canada's highest award, yesterday to much controversy (you can read Raphael's take on that issue here).  I disagree with Raphael (but I love his writing) and think it's unfortunate for the other recipients to have had their appointments overshadowed by such a controversial figure.  A quick look at the appointment list bears this out, after all how many Canadians heard that Randolph C. Bachman was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.   If you're not sure who Randolph is, sing along if you know the words to this tune:

Randy Bachman is one of the good guys in rock and roll.   A deeply spiritual man, his Mormon upbringing helped him stay clear of the drugs and groupies that can end a career and focused his energies on producing great rock and raising a large family.  I've had the pleasure of seeing him live 3 times, twice with Burton Cummings and The Guess Who, and the other was a great show in Kingston during his "Every Song Tells A Story Tour".   He is kind and unassuming, aware of his place in rock history, and yet unfettered by the trappings of success.

This is a man who has wrote or co-wrote some of the biggest songs in music history:  Takin' Care Of Business, American Woman, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, Roll On Down The Highway, These Eyes, plus a score of great tunes that will surely stand the test of time (My personal faves include: Prairie Town, Not Fragile, and Laughing).  And let's not forget that Randy Bachman was on The Simpsons! 

Being appointed Officer, Order of Canada is a fine tribute to one of nations great musicians.  That still doesn't top his highest honour to date:  the letters 'TCB' ("Takin' Care Of Business") can be found on inscribed on tombstone of Elvis Aaron Presley.

More on Randy and his career can be found at randybachman.com.  Now go play the working overtime part!