Country Music Pioneer, “The Rocky Mountain Lady,” Dead at 78

Throughout her career in country music, Laura Vinson, known to many as the “Rocky Mountain Lady,” expressed her love for music and her Native roots with songs like “Sweet Mountain Music” and “Mes Amis O Canada.” Her talents even allowed her to tour both Canada and Europe. She also received the chance to open for stars like June Carter and Johnny Cash. A rising star in the genre, Vinson used her stardom to help shine a light on Indigenous Canadians like herself. While a trailblazer at the time, Vinson sadly passed away at 78. 

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Caring little about country music charts or the success that came with hit songs, Vinson wanted there to be meaning behind her lyrics. As a descendant of First Nations people, a result of the fur trade in the area at the time, Vinson once recalled facing backlash for her heritage. One person even told her mother that they were just “half a half breed.” 

Laura Vinson Recalls Power Behind “Half A Half Breed”

Although trying to cheapen her heritage, Vinson used the remark as inspiration when she wrote “Half a Half Breed.” Just one of her hit songs, the lyric carried a great deal of weight with fans. She explained, “I had people come out of the audience going, ‘You’ve just told my story.’ young man came backstage at a festival and he was just holding onto me crying and he said, ‘I had no idea. I had no idea.’ He was sobbing.” 

Seeing how much the song resonated with people like her, Vinson quickly transitioned her career to help support indigenous people. Having won numerous awards like the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award, the singer released her last album, Warrior, in 2013. 

With the news of her passing circulating the internet, fans took a moment to shower her with love. “So saddened to her this. Laura was a gem. Her version of Poncho and Lefty still rings in my ears, such an amazing songstress and genuine talent. Rest in Peace Laura.” Another comment read, “Her soul will live on in the mountains of Jasper and the Willmore. I hope the Sun Always Shines [sic .] on her spirit and her family and loved ones.”  

Going far beyond just entertaining people, Vinson’s legacy will continue to shine bright and connect with those who shared her powerful heritage.

(McEnt Productions, 2017)