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{{Cleanup bare URLs|date=September 2022}}
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| name = Rik Emmett
| name = Rik Emmett
| image = Riik Emmett.jpg
| image = Riik Emmett.jpg
| caption = Rik Emmett plays at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. <br />Photo: Burns! 2002
| caption = Rik Emmett plays at The Coach House in<br />San Juan Capistrano. <br />{{smaller|''(Photo: Burns! 2002)''}}
| background = solo_singer
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name = Richard Gordon Emmett
| birth_name = Richard Gordon Emmett
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* [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]
* [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]
}}
}}
| occupation = Musician, songwriter, record producer
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* Musician
* songwriter
* record producer}}
| instrument = Guitar, vocals, synthesizer, piano, bass guitar
| instrument = Guitar, vocals, synthesizer, piano, bass guitar
| label = {{flatlist|
| label = {{flatlist|
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'''Richard Gordon Emmett''' (born July 10, 1953) is a vocalist, guitarist, and member of the Canadian rock band [[Triumph (band)|Triumph]].
'''Richard Gordon Emmett''' (born July 10, 1953) is a vocalist, guitarist, and member of the Canadian [[hard rock]] band [[Triumph (band)|Triumph]].


==Career==
==Career==
In Toronto, during the mid 1970s, several local musicians formed a [[progressive rock]] group called Act III. One member of the group was Emmett, who left to join Triumph. This led to the break up of Act III. Other members formed [[Zon (band)|Zon]]. Emmett says that one of the songs he performed with Act III was "The Blinding Light Show", a tune which he later recorded with Triumph.
In Toronto, during the mid 1970s, several local musicians formed a [[progressive rock]] group called Act III. One member of the group was Emmett, who left to join Triumph. This led to the break up of Act III. Other members formed [[Zon (band)|Zon]]. Emmett says that one of the songs he performed with Act III was "The Blinding Light Show", a tune which he later recorded with Triumph.


Emmett left Triumph in 1988 to pursue a solo career. His first solo album, ''[[Absolutely (Rik Emmett album)|Absolutely]]'', was released in 1990 and became a moderate hit across the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] thanks to the hits "When a Heart Breaks," "Big Lie" and "Saved by Love". He is also a writer for ''[[Guitar Player]]'' magazine and teaches song-writing and music business at [[Humber College]] in Toronto. For a time during the 1980s, Emmett contributed cartoons to ''[[Hit Parader]]'' magazine satirizing the music industry.
Emmett left Triumph in 1988 to pursue a solo career. His first solo album, ''[[Absolutely (Rik Emmett album)|Absolutely]]'', was released in 1990 and became a moderate hit across the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] thanks to the hits "When a Heart Breaks," "Big Lie" and "Saved by Love". He is also a writer for ''[[Guitar Player]]'' magazine and teaches song-writing and music business at [[Humber College]] in Toronto. For a time during the 1980s, Emmett contributed cartoons to ''[[Hit Parader]]'' magazine satirizing the music industry.
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Although he is best known as a rock guitarist, his playing style incorporates rock, blues, jazz, classical, bluegrass, and flamenco techniques. Similarly, his songwriting and discography demonstrate his ability to employ and blend multiple genres. In April 2005, he won the Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Guitarist of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/krall-benson-win-first-smooth-jazz-awards-1.564692|title=Krall, Benson win first Smooth Jazz Awards|date=April 11, 2005|website=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=September 12, 2019}}</ref>
Although he is best known as a rock guitarist, his playing style incorporates rock, blues, jazz, classical, bluegrass, and flamenco techniques. Similarly, his songwriting and discography demonstrate his ability to employ and blend multiple genres. In April 2005, he won the Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Guitarist of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/krall-benson-win-first-smooth-jazz-awards-1.564692|title=Krall, Benson win first Smooth Jazz Awards|date=April 11, 2005|website=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=September 12, 2019}}</ref>


Emmett is also a proficient singer, splitting lead vocal duties of [[Triumph (band)|Triumph]] with [[Gil Moore]]. However, most of the songs garnering radio play were those of Emmett as he tended to write and sing in a more commercial style, while Moore's song-writing and singing were in more of a heavy metal style.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} Emmett's voice also has a noticeable resemblance to [[Geddy Lee]] (of [[Rush (band)|Rush]]),{<ref>http://www.rikemmett.com/rik-plays-rush-song-red-barchetta-with-neil-peart-drums/
Emmett is also a proficient singer, splitting lead vocal duties of [[Triumph (band)|Triumph]] with [[Gil Moore]]. Emmett's voice also has a noticeable resemblance to that of [[Geddy Lee]] of Canadian [[progressive rock]] band [[Rush (band)|Rush]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rikemmett.com/rik-plays-rush-song-red-barchetta-with-neil-peart-drums/|title=Rik Plays Rush Song 'Red Barchetta' with Neil Peart Drums! &#124; RikEmmett.com &#124; The Official Website for Rik Emmett}}</ref> leading to the band's sound sometimes being compared to that of Rush.
</ref>} leading to the band's sound itself often being compared to Rush.


In 2007, Emmett joined former Triumph bandmates Gil Moore and Mike Levine for their induction into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. On Sunday April 6, 2008 at The 2008 JUNO Awards, Triumph was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).
In 2007, Emmett joined former Triumph bandmates Gil Moore and Mike Levine for their induction into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. On Sunday April 6, 2008, at The 2008 JUNO Awards, Triumph was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).


As a result of positive audience response to their dual guitar work in live shows, Emmett and guitarist [[Dave Dunlop]] formed the duo [[Strung-Out Troubadours]]. In 2007, they won 'Album of the Year' and 'Group/Duo of the Year' at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, where they were the most heavily nominated act. Both were also nominated for 'Best Guitarist'.
As a result of positive audience response to their dual guitar work in live shows, Emmett and guitarist [[Dave Dunlop]] formed the duo [[Strung-Out Troubadours]]. In 2007, they won 'Album of the Year' and 'Group/Duo of the Year' at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, where they were the most heavily nominated act. Both were also nominated for 'Best Guitarist'.


Emmett's 2018 tour with Dunlop may prove to be his last, citing an interest in retirement, or at least an extended break.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thedailynewsonline.com/bdn05/could-rik-emmett-retire-from-touring-this-year-20180711|title = Could Rik Emmett retire from touring this year?}}</ref>
Emmett's 2018 tour with Dunlop may prove to be his last, citing an interest in retirement, or at least an extended break.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thedailynewsonline.com/bdn05/could-rik-emmett-retire-from-touring-this-year-20180711|title = Could Rik Emmett retire from touring this year?| date=July 11, 2018 }}</ref>


As of January 2019, Emmett is on hiatus from touring.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rikemmett.com/shows/|title=Show Listings {{!}} RikEmmett.com {{!}} The Official Website for Rik Emmett|website=www.rikemmett.com|access-date=2019-09-12}}</ref>
As of January 2019, Emmett is on hiatus from touring.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rikemmett.com/shows/|title=Show Listings {{!}} RikEmmett.com {{!}} The Official Website for Rik Emmett|website=www.rikemmett.com|access-date=2019-09-12}}</ref>

Emmett revealed that he is being treated for prostate cancer in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2024-03-09 |title=TRIUMPH's RIK EMMETT Says His Prostate Cancer 'Is Under Control And Being Treated' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/triumphs-rik-emmett-says-his-prostate-cancer-is-under-control-and-being-treated |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref> He also has developed arthritis in his hands.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNairpublished |first=James |date=2024-07-17 |title=Triumph were on the cusp of superstardom – then they let it all go |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/triumph |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=louder |language=en}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
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{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.rikemmett.com/ Official Rik Emmett Website]
* [http://www.rikemmett.com/ Official Rik Emmett Website]
* [http://www.canadianbands.com/Rik%20Emmett.html CanConRox bio]
* [https://canadianbands.com/rik-emmett/ CanConRox bio]
* {{discogs artist|Rik Emmett}}
* {{imdb name|3609726}}

{{Triumph}}
{{Triumph}}
{{Rik Emmett}}
{{Rik Emmett}}
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[[Category:Canadian rock guitarists]]
[[Category:Canadian rock guitarists]]
[[Category:Canadian male guitarists]]
[[Category:Canadian male guitarists]]
[[Category:Canadian songwriters]]
[[Category:Canadian male songwriters]]
[[Category:Canadian rock singers]]
[[Category:Canadian rock singers]]
[[Category:Canadian male singers]]
[[Category:Canadian male singers]]
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[[Category:Canadian rock keyboardists]]
[[Category:Canadian rock keyboardists]]
[[Category:Lead guitarists]]
[[Category:Lead guitarists]]
[[Category:Musicians from Toronto]]
[[Category:Singers from Toronto]]
[[Category:Triumph (band)]]
[[Category:Triumph (band)]]
[[Category:Writers from Toronto]]
[[Category:Writers from Toronto]]

Latest revision as of 18:28, 18 July 2024

Rik Emmett
Rik Emmett plays at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. (Photo: Burns! 2002)
Rik Emmett plays at The Coach House in
San Juan Capistrano.
(Photo: Burns! 2002)
Background information
Birth nameRichard Gordon Emmett
Born (1953-07-10) July 10, 1953 (age 71)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals, synthesizer, piano, bass guitar
Years active1975–present
Labels
  • MCA
  • Universal
  • Rockit Sounds
  • Attic
  • Duke Street
  • Fontana North
Websiterikemmett.com

Richard Gordon Emmett (born July 10, 1953) is a vocalist, guitarist, and member of the Canadian hard rock band Triumph.

Career

[edit]

In Toronto, during the mid 1970s, several local musicians formed a progressive rock group called Act III. One member of the group was Emmett, who left to join Triumph. This led to the break up of Act III. Other members formed Zon. Emmett says that one of the songs he performed with Act III was "The Blinding Light Show", a tune which he later recorded with Triumph.

Emmett left Triumph in 1988 to pursue a solo career. His first solo album, Absolutely, was released in 1990 and became a moderate hit across the United States and Canada thanks to the hits "When a Heart Breaks," "Big Lie" and "Saved by Love". He is also a writer for Guitar Player magazine and teaches song-writing and music business at Humber College in Toronto. For a time during the 1980s, Emmett contributed cartoons to Hit Parader magazine satirizing the music industry.

Due to a production error by Gil Moore and Mike Levine on Triumph's first album, Emmett changed the spelling of his first name to "Rik" rather than have the album recalled or cause confusion with fans.

Although he is best known as a rock guitarist, his playing style incorporates rock, blues, jazz, classical, bluegrass, and flamenco techniques. Similarly, his songwriting and discography demonstrate his ability to employ and blend multiple genres. In April 2005, he won the Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Guitarist of the Year.[1]

Emmett is also a proficient singer, splitting lead vocal duties of Triumph with Gil Moore. Emmett's voice also has a noticeable resemblance to that of Geddy Lee of Canadian progressive rock band Rush,[2] leading to the band's sound sometimes being compared to that of Rush.

In 2007, Emmett joined former Triumph bandmates Gil Moore and Mike Levine for their induction into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. On Sunday April 6, 2008, at The 2008 JUNO Awards, Triumph was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).

As a result of positive audience response to their dual guitar work in live shows, Emmett and guitarist Dave Dunlop formed the duo Strung-Out Troubadours. In 2007, they won 'Album of the Year' and 'Group/Duo of the Year' at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, where they were the most heavily nominated act. Both were also nominated for 'Best Guitarist'.

Emmett's 2018 tour with Dunlop may prove to be his last, citing an interest in retirement, or at least an extended break.[3]

As of January 2019, Emmett is on hiatus from touring.[4]

Emmett revealed that he is being treated for prostate cancer in 2024.[5] He also has developed arthritis in his hands.[6]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Rik Emmett discography

Solo albums

[edit]

Live albums

[edit]
  • Rik Emmett LIVE at Berklee (2000)
  • ‘’Live at Hugh’s Room’’ (2007)

DVDs

[edit]
  • One Night in Cinci (2005)
  • Live at 10 Gigs (2005)

with Triumph

[edit]

with Sam Reid

[edit]

with Strung-Out Troubadours

[edit]

with Airtime

[edit]

with Pavlo and Oscar Lopez

[edit]

with RESolution9

[edit]
  • RES9 (2016)

Solo singles

[edit]
Titel Release Peak chart positions Album
CAN
"Big Lie" 1990 47 Absolutely
"When a Heart Breaks" 14
"Saved by Love" 1991 17
"World of Wonder" 22
"The Way That You Love Me" 76
"Bang On" 1992 48 Ipso Facto
"Dig a Little Deeper" 66
"Heaven in Your Heart" 1993 44
"Let Me be the One" 1995 31 The Spiral Notebook

Soundtrack appearances

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Krall, Benson win first Smooth Jazz Awards". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. April 11, 2005. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
  2. ^ "Rik Plays Rush Song 'Red Barchetta' with Neil Peart Drums! | RikEmmett.com | The Official Website for Rik Emmett".
  3. ^ "Could Rik Emmett retire from touring this year?". July 11, 2018.
  4. ^ "Show Listings | RikEmmett.com | The Official Website for Rik Emmett". www.rikemmett.com. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
  5. ^ Blabbermouth (March 9, 2024). "TRIUMPH's RIK EMMETT Says His Prostate Cancer 'Is Under Control And Being Treated'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  6. ^ McNairpublished, James (July 17, 2024). "Triumph were on the cusp of superstardom – then they let it all go". louder. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
[edit]
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