George Canyon

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George Canyon (born Fred George Lays Jr. on August 22, 1968 to Fred Lays Sr. and Cheryl Lays) is a country music singer from Canada. He grew up in Pictou County, Nova Scotia and currently lives in Okotoks, Alberta. He grew up in FoxBrook, NS and later lived in Hopewell, NS (where he still owns land) before he moved west.

George Canyon has held many jobs: he spent time working as a law enforcement officer, a slaughterhouse beef inspector, a shipping receiver for Kraft and the owner/operator of his own recording studio. And he always dreamed of becoming a professional musician.

George Canyon is currently the father of two children. His wife, Jennifer, worked three jobs during the day so that he could sing at night. "I got to be Mr. Mom for a little while," Canyon laughs. "Initially, I had trouble with it. I was raised that you work, take money home and feed your family. But I worked through it and came to love that time a lot. Especially now that I don’t get to see them as much."

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.