Canada has given us a plethora of musical artists. There is, of course, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Justin Beiber, and, more relevantly, Alan Doyle. That’s right – the musical genius (some would say prodigy) comes from the Great White North, but from a spot where it’s a little more blue than white.

He grew up in Newfoundland, which is off the East Coast of Canada, close to Iceland. They’re known for their seafood, beautiful (but cold) beaches, and for producing Alan and his successful career. From his time in the band Great Big Sea to his solo career, he’s a national (or at least island) treasure. Learn more about him as an artist below.

Early Life and Great Big Sea

Alan Doyle started playing instruments pretty much as soon as he could hold them and read music. He started with piano and drums, then moved on to guitar once he’d mastered those. Now, if it has strings, he can probably play it – and well! Alan has been part of quite a few bands in his lifetime. As a teenager, he played with his uncle in the band The New Standells. Then, in college, he started a duo called Staggering Home. Finally, in the early 90’s he started playing (and got signed) with the band Great Big Ocean and the group went on to have a successful career for almost 20 years.

Doyle on His Own

Alan didn’t set out to do a solo album until 2012, which he called Boy on Bridge. It did well, peaking at number eleven on the Canadian charts. And while he’s a great musician, he’s more than that. He wrote a book about his childhood in 2014, which was a national bestseller. It seems that everything Doyle touches turns successful – including his live shows.