George Canyon (born Fred George Lays Jr. on August 22, 1968) is a country music singer from Canada. He grew up in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. He is the father of two children with his wife, Jennifer. In 2004, George Canyon competed in Nashville Star 2.
He placed 2nd in the competition, but became very well known in Canada and garnered much support, being the only Canadian to make the cut for the competition. Since the competition has ended, he has received many accolades from fans and the industry alike.
These include a number 1 hit about a still-born baby called "My Name," a Juno Award for Best Country Recording of the Year (for his album One Good Friend), and, most recently four Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs) including Male Vocalist of the Year and the Fan Choice Award.
Canyon is known for his support of SHARE (Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, Inc. serves those whose lives are touched by the tragic death of a baby through early pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or in the first few months of life) and Animas Canada (company who makes insulin pumps, which George himself uses).
His song "My Name" is reflective of why he has associated himself with SHARE. George says: "I co-wrote this song with Gordie Sampson from the perspective of an unborn baby. A close friend and his wife had a miscarriage, and I witnessed the pain they went through losing a baby.
I wanted to write a song to help people cope with that trauma and somehow bring a positive light to the subject" For photographs and additional information visit George's official website, www.George Canyon.
com ______________________________________________________________________________________George's Band:Joe Butcher (bass)Stuart Cameron (guitar)Erick Hedrick (guitar)Shane Guse (fiddle and mandolin)Adam Dowling (drums)Mike Little (keyboards)