Born in the UK and raised in Alberta, John Wort Hannam earned a degree in Native American Studies and taught on reserve for five years. Things changed one spring morning
Biography
Born in the UK and raised in Alberta, John Wort Hannam earned a degree in Native American Studies and taught on reserve for five years. Things changed one spring morning about 15 years ago when John received the following advice from his Dad: “You’re dead a long time, so you better get out there and make something beautiful.” The next day John quit his job, bought a guitar, wrote songs in his basement, and began touring. Since his career’s humble beginnings, this Lethbridge, AB-based musician has been nominated for a Juno, three Western Canadian Music Awards, a North American Folk Alliance Award, and three Canadian Folk Music Awards, one of which he won in 2010 for Contemporary Album of the Year. On his six recordings and in his live performances, John uses his clear and honest voice to deliver captivating songs about the lives of simple working folks. He has made two previous Folk Harbour appearances – in 2006 and 2011 – and demonstrated to the audience that he was taking his father’s words to heart: John writes truly beautiful songs that are highly compelling and packed full of emotion.