Jack Grunsky

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Jack Grunsky (born 1945 in Austria)^[1] is a Canadian singer and songwriter.

Grunsky's musical career has spanned two continents, and 35 years of recording and touring have earned him a huge following of adults and children alike. His singing and performing began in high school in Toronto, but after graduating he moved to Europe, where his music career began.

In 1966 he formed the highly successful but short-lived folk singing group, Jack's Angels, who were signed to Amadeo Records of Vienna, Austria. After they disbanded, Grunsky recorded three more solo albums for the label, one of which was produced by Alexis Korner in London, England, and featured tracks with Mick Taylor on slide guitar. He was brought on board the progressive German label, Kuckuck Records of Munich, where he produced three more albums of original material. These have currently been reissued in CD box sets. Grunsky was a featured guest on many radio and TV specials and even hosted his own half-hour weekly radio show on Austrian radio ORF, called, Folk With Jack.

In 1974 he moved with his family back to Canada where he connected with record producer Chad Irschick, and released an independent album titled, The Patience Of A Sailor.

In the early 1980s Grunsky developed a keen interest in music for children. During the next 25 years, his name has become synonymous with excellence in children's music. His eleven recordings for children have received all of the most prestigious awards in children's media, including two Canada's Juno Awards for Best Children's Recording, several U.S. Parents' Choice Gold Awards, multiple placements on the American Library Association's Notable Recording Lists and a Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award.

He tours extensively, performing in theatres and family concert settings, international children's festivals, and Early Childhood Educational conferences. Numerous television appearances with CTV Kids TV and YTV Treehouse have broadened his appeal both in Canada and the United States. Grunsky has also performed his symphony show for young audiences called Welcome to the Orchestra with most major Canadian orchestras.

Other music production credits include Fred Penner's 2002 CD, Sing With Fred, which won Children's Album of the Year at the 2003 Juno Awards.

Jack Grunsky has just released his first NuJazz instrumental CD, Coastlines, which is showcased on JAZZ FM 91.1 in Toronto.

[edit] Awards and recognition

1992: nominee, Juno Award, Best Children's Album, Children of the Morning
1993: winner, Juno Award, Best Children's Album, Waves of Wonder
1994: nominee, Juno Award, Best Children's Album, Dream Catcher
1997: nominee, Juno Award, Best Children's Album, Jumpin' Jack
2001: winner, Juno Award, Best Children's Album, Sing & Dance
2004: nominee, Juno Award, Children's Album of the Year, Like a Flower to the Sun