He said Rita was an extremely generous and caring person. Being on the road and travelling with her was something that we'll always treasure," said Yogi Muise, a member of the Men of the Deeps. "It's certainly a big highlight for the Men of the Deeps. One of her classics, "Working Man," was often performed with the Men of the Deeps, who were frequent touring partners of Rita for close to 30 years. You can't let somebody else live it for you." "She certainly made people realize that we all have to forge our own ways and that's probably the biggest thing I'll remember about Rita is that she gave you that feeling that you have to live your own life. "She was a pioneer for the common person, for women, for Cape Breton artists, and for just being yourself and following your path in life," he said.
Stewart MacNeil of the Barra MacNeils used the term mother figure in describing the internationally renowned singer-songwriter and said Rita was admired by the many island artists who followed in her footsteps. "She was determined that this music and this voice that she had - and I mean voice in the big sense of the word - should get out there." "She was constantly trying to deal with the fact that she was a very shy person who had a big message and a beautiful voice," recalled Foulds. "The fact that somebody from a little community like Big Pond, who persevered, could get her voice out there in the world and become well-known was inspiring to everybody." "Her legacy in Cape Breton is huge because she was out there before anyone else really, except maybe John Allan (Cameron), and she continued to work from here and that made a big difference to people," she said. Joella Foulds credited MacNeil with giving her and many others the courage to pursue careers in the music industry. She truthfully and sincerely performed for them every night. "I saw how deeply connected and loyal she was, and felt, toward her audience and her fans. "I always like to say that I had a ringside seat to a true professional, and some amazing, amazing performances," friend and collaborator Kim Dunn told the Cape Breton Post in 2013. The woman behind iconic songs like "Flying on Your Own," "Home I'll Be," "Reason to Believe," and "Working Man," is being remembered in her home community of Big Pond, around Cape Breton, and across the country - the loss felt particularly deeply by the local music community. It was a journey that earned her the admiration of countless fans, the respect of musicians across the country, and a place in the hearts of people across Cape Breton - all of whom were shocked and saddened to learn of her death in the spring of 2013 at 68.Īt the time of her death, her family described MacNeil as "a gentle soul with a heart of gold and the voice of an angel" and said her music spoke of her love of home and family, the courage to rise above life's challenges, and the hardworking men and women of Canada. As humble as she was successful, Rita MacNeil made her mark in the world singing from the soul.
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