Songwriter behind iconic Cape Breton anthem passes away
It's a song that for years has been the unofficial anthem of Cape Breton Island.
Now, Kenzie MacNeil – who wrote and sang The Island back in the 1970s – has passed away.
"I was quite shocked," said Maynard Morrison, an actor and performer who worked with MacNeil on The Rise and Follies of Cape Breton Island – a successful and satirical comedic sketch in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The show was a precursor to the Cape Breton Summertime Revue.
"If it hadn't been for Kenzie, the Rise and Follies never would have happened … Kenzie really did bring it together into the Revue format that we still use today," Morrison told CTV Atlantic.
MacNeil's death was confirmed by one of his four daughters.The family says he died unexpectedly Saturday night.
Retired Liberal Member of Parliament Rodger Cuzner best knew MacNeil from his days in politics. "He was a natural orator. He had that deep, booming voice," Cuzner said.
MacNeil ran against Cuzner as a Conservative candidate in the Sydney-Victoria riding in the 2004 and 2006 federal elections, and ran again as an Independent in 2019.
"He believed in economic development, and really tried to push those areas there," Cuzner said. "But he was gracious in defeat too, and that's not something you always see in politics."
MacNeil was also editor and publisher of The Cape Bretoner news magazine for many years. He also worked as a development officer with the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development, but he was best known for his song The Island. Those who knew him say his passion for Cape Breton shone through. "He loved the place and he had a working man's perspective," Morrison said.
There is no word yet on a cause of death. For now, many are remembering MacNeil for his influence on Cape Breton music, comedy and culture.
"He'll leave an impression. And he left us with a piece of music that Cape Bretoners embrace, and will continue for many years to come, said Cuzner.
Kenzie MacNeil was 68.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.