Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda McRae.
Hi Linda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Duncan, BC Canada (lovingly referred to as Druncan Duncan back then). My Dad was a truck driver and my Mom was a short order cook. What better subject for a country song. Right? My Mom and Dad loved country music, the classic stuff, Hank Williams Sr, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Lefty Frizzel, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette. They passed that love on down to me. They had a lot of friends and many of them were musicians. My parents’ parties were the stuff of legends. They made their own homemade hooch which attracted a lot of musicians to our house. Mom would make a big pot of chili or baked beans and homemade buns and they would eat and drink for free. They would get me up to sing with them and I was hooked. Then I saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show and everything changed. This was my music. I learned how to play those songs and how to sing harmony by learning all the parts on those records and I had them all.
I started at 6 on the accordion. I practised an hour each day and for the last 15 minutes was allowed to play whatever I wanted from memory (by ear). I am so grateful to my parents for encouraging me to do that because it played a huge part in my musicianship. Listening is the most important part. Being able to listen to a song and pick out the chords and the different parts is invaluable. Both my parents are gone now and I miss them so much. They really encouraged me and laid the foundation for the years to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well there have been a few bumps in the road here and there. I was a single mom for some years so in order to keep a roof over our heads I got a job working in the office in the Physics and Astronomy Dept. at Uvic in Victoria, BC then moved to Vancouver where i worked in the Theatre Department at UBC. I was in a number of bands and played on weekends. My first real band was called Easy Money, a two-guitar bass and drums new wave/punk group. I learned the ropes performing with them. When our main songwriter left the band I started writing songs. The first ones were pretty terrible but after writing and performing for the past 30 years I feel I’m getting pretty good at it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In the late 80’s to mid 90’s my daughter moved up to the Yukon with a friend and her family to work and low and behold I was invited to be a member of celtic/rock band Spirit of the West. We had the best manager anyone could ever hope for in Janet Forsyth. I learned a lot from her. We toured the world in tour buses and met and heard so many fabulous artists. ie Tragically Hip, Blues Traveller, Ziggy Marley & the Wailers, The Wonder Stuff, and so many more. I was with the group for 8 years after which I decided to go it on my own and get back to writing. I made my first solo recording in Toronto at the Garage Studio with Colin Linden at the helm. I had some 22 guests on that recording, no mean fete for any producer. Folks who performed with me included Gurf Morlix, Syd Straw, Gord Downey, Gord Sinclair, Andrew Cash, Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor and my daughter Pam! What fun that was. I’ve since made 8 more recordings with a ninth to be released next spring with my Crossing The Caney bandmate Mark Howard at the helm. Mark has worked with John Prine, Cowboy Jack Clement, Nancy Griffith and John Hartford to name a few.
I met my husband in 2007. James has 38 years clean and sober. In 2011 we were invited to present a writing workshop and concert at New Folsom Prison in California. We have returned 12 times now and our work there lead to my creating Express Yourself Writing Workshops. I feel so fortunate to have had those experiences and attribute our work with the inmates there to working with at risk youth. I have also been songwriting at music camps throughout North America.
I’m also in a trio of women songwriters called Miracle Cure which features Penny Jo Pullus and Kay Miracle. We are currently working on our debut CD. I’m also in a Bluegrass/Country band here in Nashville called Crossing The Caney which features incredible musicians Kris and Dale Ballinger and Mark Howard. Kris, Dale and Mark were in a bluegrass band called The Clusterpluckers and performed at Carnegie Hall and on Austin City Limits alongside the great Chet Atkins.
I also recently joined forces with one of Nashville’s finest songwriters and singers Amelia White to form Tennessee Twisters. We take off on our second tour heading to Upstate New York on November 3rd. We also have a mid-western tour in the works for April 2026. I love playing and singing with all these incredible folks and it stretches my musical accuity every time I play with any of them.
Scotland here I come! In July 2026, I’m leading a Scottish Folk Tour—a musical journey through one of the most breathtaking and storied landscapes in the world. This is more than just a tour—it’s an experience filled with live music, rich culture, historic sites, and unforgettable moments. We’ll explore the Highlands and the Islands, visit ancient castles, enjoy traditional folk sessions in cozy pubs, and take in the dramatic scenery that’s inspired countless ballads and legends. I’ll be performing 2 concerts during the trip, and there will be opportunities for folks to join in the music-making if you like!
Here are just a few highlights:
• Two concerts and storytelling sessions
• Guided visits to historic and cultural sites (Edinburgh, The Highlands, Isle of Sky, Eilean Donan Castle, Glenelg Broch, etc)
• Time to soak in the scenery, shop, and relax
• Warm camaraderie with fellow music lovers
The tour will run June 30 - July 11, 2026, and space is limited to 14 guests to keep the experience intimate and meaningful. There are only six spots left so if you’re interested get in touch.
https://scotlandfolktours.wetravel.com/trips/beyond-the-tartan-with-linda-mcrae-scotland-folk-tours-95885266
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I don’t enjoy the business side of things and am grateful to be working alongside Evangeline Elston and Black Oak Artists who help with my booking. These days technology is changing so quickly its important to try and keep up. One thing I’ve learned is to ask for help when needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lindamcrae.com
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/lmcrae42
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindamcraemusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/LindaMcRae42
- soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/linda-mcrae
- Other: https://lindamcrae.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-the-great-pause
