Renowned global hitmaker and songwriter John Capek has been inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. In the Glenn Gould Theater of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto, Canada, Capek and his esteemed, long-time collaborator, Marc Jordan, were welcomed into the Class of 2023. They entered the company of legendary past inductees Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot, Randy Bachman, and Burton Cummings, among many others.
As a composer, keyboard player, producer, arranger, and film and television scorer, Capek’s unparalleled songwriting prowess has consistently yielded gold, platinum, and diamond sales for some of the most prominent international artists spanning decades, including Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, Bonnie Raitt, Olivia Newton-John, and Cher, to name only a few.
“Canada occupies a unique blend in the world of popular music, clearly illustrated by the caliber of artists it has fostered,” says Capek. “It has produced extraordinary lyricists and songwriters—unlike any I have encountered in professional co-writes that have taken me around the world.”
“These Canadian writers don’t just write lyrics; they are poets. Like Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, they transcend lyrics and have created some of the most memorable pop songs in the canon.”
“It has been more than an honor for me to join the illustrious group that comprises the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.”
With an enduring presence in the music industry spanning several decades, John Capek has established himself as an indispensable figure. His exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to musical excellence have rightfully earned him the prestigious honor of induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Capek says, “It has been more than an honor for me to be included in the illustrious group of songwriters who have been inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Canada has secured a unique place in the world of popular music, marked by the artists that it has fostered.”
Having received individual honors for their remarkable catalogs, both Marc Jordan and John Capek collectively achieved success co-penning the globally successful hit “Rhythm of My Heart” for Rod Stewart, as well as contributing to Bonnie Raitt’s “Deep Water,” crafting “Love So High” for Cher, and authoring Diana Ross’ “Pieces of Ice.” These accolades serve as a testament to Capek’s contributions to the music industry, reflecting a nearly 50-year journey that establishes them as a dynamic and influential duo within the music landscape.
Legendary songwriters inducted at past ceremonies include Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot, Paul Anka, RUSH, Bruce Cockburn, Randy Bachman, and Burton Cummings, among many others. Timeless classic songs heard and sung all over the world, such as “Universal Soldier,” “Born To Be Wild,” “My Way,” “American Woman,” “Four Strong Winds,” and “Hallelujah.”
“Anthem songs that stand the test of time—are what we hope to create as songwriters,” says Capek. “To be recognized for that by my peers and for my body of work is an honor.”
Extending their influence beyond the confines of the music industry, the compositions of Marc Jordan and John Capek have left an indelible mark on cinematic landscapes. Notable film soundtracks such as “The Perfect Storm,” featuring George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg, and “Loch Ness,” starring Ted Danson and Ian Hold, and Capek playing keys on The Simpsons and The Chipmunks albums, bear testimony to their impactful contributions. These endeavors have not only garnered critical acclaim but have also secured nominations and awards, underscoring the duo’s remarkable versatility and profound artistic depth.
Capek adds, “Thank you to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame for this recognition and to all the incredible, individual artists with whom I have had the privilege of working with along the way.”
The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame is an inaugural Legends Series, supported by the RBC Foundation through RBC Emerging Artists. Not only does it acknowledge the individual achievements of Marc Jordan and John Capek but also pays tribute to the lasting legacy forged through their collaborative endeavors, which have significantly contributed to shaping the global musical landscape. This recognition emphasizes the profound impact of their collective work and solidifies their esteemed place within the rich tapestry of musical achievement.
