Uploaded October 2010 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
A pre-eminent name in Canadian family entertainment, Fred Penner's musical career began practically as soon as he could harmonize. As a precocious four year old, he would make up songs while travelling on the bus with his mother. In grade school, Fred taught himself how to play the guitar, and performed in school choirs and pageants. Through his experiences with his sister, Susie, who had Down's Syndrome, Fred recognized the therapeutic value of music and after achieving a degree in both Economics and Psychology, spent time working with mentally and physically challenged children using his considerable musical talents to comfort and entertain.
Throughout the seventies, Fred explored a variety of musical and theatrical genres, including a stint on the live performance circuit with his comedic folk/rock band, Kornstalk, which also featured Juno Award winning children's entertainer, Al Simmons. In 1977, Fred met choreographer and future wife, Odette Heyn, with whom he started a children's dance theatre company. After a performance, he was approached by a member of the audience who was so impressed by Fred's talent and charisma that he offered to finance an album of his music which resulted in the classic album, "The Cat Came Back", establishing him as a premiere Canadian children's entertainer.
In 1984, Fred appeared on "Sharon, Lois and Bram's Elephant Show" singing his hit song, "The Cat Came Back", and was soon offered his own children's television show, "Fred Penner's Place" which aired on CBC from 1985 to 1997. In 1991, Fred was made a Member of the Order of Canada for "using music and song to entertain and educate his young audience".
Fred's dynamic live performances are integral to his success, mixing music with comedic routines. His audience has come full circle he continues to play to packed houses of energetic fans across North America, comprised of a generation of young adults who were once his first audience, now with children of their own in tow. Join Fred in a rousing rendition of "The Cat Came Back", Roots and Blues style, and maybe one day, if we're very, very lucky, this lively fun-loving cat will come back too.
For more information regarding the next Roots & Blues event next August visit www.rootsandblues.ca!
A pre-eminent name in Canadian family entertainment, Fred Penner's musical career began practically as soon as he could harmonize. As a precocious four year old, he would make up songs while travelling on the bus with his mother. In grade school, Fred taught himself how to play the guitar, and performed in school choirs and pageants. Through his experiences with his sister, Susie, who had Down's Syndrome, Fred recognized the therapeutic value of music and after achieving a degree in both Economics and Psychology, spent time working with mentally and physically challenged children using his considerable musical talents to comfort and entertain.
Throughout the seventies, Fred explored a variety of musical and theatrical genres, including a stint on the live performance circuit with his comedic folk/rock band, Kornstalk, which also featured Juno Award winning children's entertainer, Al Simmons. In 1977, Fred met choreographer and future wife, Odette Heyn, with whom he started a children's dance theatre company. After a performance, he was approached by a member of the audience who was so impressed by Fred's talent and charisma that he offered to finance an album of his music which resulted in the classic album, "The Cat Came Back", establishing him as a premiere Canadian children's entertainer.
In 1984, Fred appeared on "Sharon, Lois and Bram's Elephant Show" singing his hit song, "The Cat Came Back", and was soon offered his own children's television show, "Fred Penner's Place" which aired on CBC from 1985 to 1997. In 1991, Fred was made a Member of the Order of Canada for "using music and song to entertain and educate his young audience".
Fred's dynamic live performances are integral to his success, mixing music with comedic routines. His audience has come full circle he continues to play to packed houses of energetic fans across North America, comprised of a generation of young adults who were once his first audience, now with children of their own in tow. Join Fred in a rousing rendition of "The Cat Came Back", Roots and Blues style, and maybe one day, if we're very, very lucky, this lively fun-loving cat will come back too.
For more information regarding the next Roots & Blues event next August visit www.rootsandblues.ca!
