COUNTRYOBIT

One of Canada's foremost country singer-songwriters, Terry Carisse, has died at the age of 62.

Born in Ottawa in 1946, as a teenager Carisse played as singer and guitarist in a number of local bands, but it was his way with creating instead of carrying a tune which would initially make his name. In the early 70s, he formed a partnership with Bruce Rawlins which lead to the production of standards including Hello Mom, Old Loves Never Die and Kentucky Turn Your Back. Their work was recorded by a mix of artists, including the Dutch country act Esther Tims and the Swede Teddy Nelson. Around the turn of the 80s, Carisse started to build a second reputation as a singer; during the decade he would dominate the male vocalist section of the Canadian Big Country Awards. In 1989, he was inducted into the Ottawa Country Music Hall of Fame.

Carisse is survived by his wife Aija and sons Steven, Chris and Sean. He died on Sunday from cancer.

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