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Expo 67: Montreal Welcomes the World
Aerial photo of Expo 67 from Library and Archives Canada
Ca-na-da!
Broadcast Date: May 8, 1967
The grounds of Expo are open for a tour, and who better to lead it than band leader Bobby Gimby, composer of Canada!, the most popular song of Canada's Centennial celebrations.
In this music video style tour, Gimby and his bejewelled heraldic trumpet lead a parade of children through the pavilions of Expo. Try not to sing along!
Ca-na-da!
• For scenes like this one, Bobby Gimby became known as "The Pied Piper of Canada." He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1968.
• Gimby was a troupe member of CBC Radio's Happy Gang in the 40s and 50s, and later appeared on the Juliette show. While he was on tour, Gimby composed the song Malaysia Forever, which eventually became the national anthem of Malaysia. He died in 1998.
• Canada! was recorded by more than 30 artists. Gimby donated all royalties to the Boy Scouts of Canada. But it earned just one cent per airplay – one of the lowest rates in the world.
• Other top songs of 1967 include Light My Fire (Doors), Happy Together (Turtles), I'm a Believer (Monkees), Respect (Aretha Franklin), Soul Man (Sam & Dave), Ruby Tuesday (Rolling Stones), and Penny Lane (Beatles).
• One of the opening lines of Canada! is "Now we are 20 million" – referring to Canada's population, which reached 20 million in 1966. It reached 30 million some time around 1998.
Ca-na-da!
Medium: Television
Program: CBC Television News
Broadcast Date: May 8, 1967
Duration: 2:29
Last updated:
Aug. 14, 2009
Over 40 years after Expo 67, this song still resonates loud and clear to me what makes Canada the greatest country in the World.
Submitted by: J.E. Pollabauer
I was born in 69, I was not
around for expo 67.
BUT, every time I listen to
this song it brings a tear
to my eye. This is a time
when the Canadian Spirit
was strong. There was more
love in the air. This song
echos the national soul we
cultivated so long ago.
This song truly echos in time and will continue to
enrich our historical
selves as Canadians
forever.
Submitted by: Matt