Stephane Venne

Saying Goodbye to a Canadian Legend: Stéphane Venne's Musical Magic

Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Stéphane Venne, a true maestro of Canadian music. His songs will resonate forever!

The Canadian music scene has lost a true giant with the passing of Stéphane Venne, the beloved auteur-compositeur from Verdun, Québec. Born in 1941, Venne was a trailblazer who shifted the landscape of Quebec’s music by creating hits such as "Et c'est pas fini," "Le temps est bon," and "C'est le début d'un temps nouveau." He brought local flavors to the stage, reminding listeners that French-speaking artists could hold their own amidst the surrounding English and American influences.

To honor his legacy, Télé-Québec and Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) are unveiling an exclusive interview series titled Avant..., shedding light on Venne's remarkable contributions to music. This series aims to celebrate his life and work, featuring interviews with friends and collaborators who share their cherished memories and insights on the man behind the music. As his fans and family mourn, it's essential to reflect on the indelible mark he left on Quebec's cultural landscape.

In a touching tribute, Radio-Canada will also dedicate two hours of Monique Giroux's show, Chant libre à Monique, to Venne's memory. Airing on Sunday, January 19 at 4 PM, the program promises to take listeners on a nostalgic journey through his greatest works and highlights his enduring influence. Venne was not just a songwriter; he was a storyteller, weaving narratives that resonated deeply with his audience and provided a soundtrack to many lives in Quebec.

Venne's story, however, is also one of courage and compassion. He chose to receive medical assistance in dying, a decision that reveals much about his autonomy and the difficult choices surrounding end-of-life decisions. His long-time friend, pianist-composer François Cousineau, beautifully expressed how Venne's artistic spirit and freedom continued until the end.

Stéphane Venne wrote over 400 songs during his illustrious career, touching the hearts of many. He worked with renowned artists like Renée Claude and Pierre Lalonde, and his songs often addressed themes of liberation and hope, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves. Did you know that his work helped pave the way for future generations of Quebec artists?

As we celebrate Venne's life, it's worth mentioning that his contributions extend beyond music. He helped shape the cultural identity of Quebec and inspired countless artists to express themselves in their native tongue. Venne’s legacy is a melody that will forever echo in our hearts, reminding us of the deep-rooted power of music and storytelling in bringing people together!