Latest news with #TraciKennedy
Hamilton Spectator
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Kennedy nominated for prestigious music award
About four months ago, the Echo ran a story on a Woodstock woman and musician dealing with the tragedy of her daughter's suicide in 2022. Traci Kennedy wrote and recorded 'You Never Said Goodbye' and decided to release it. What happened next was nothing short of a country music explosion as the song climbed up the Canadian Indie Country Countdown. The song has also been nominated for the Social Impact Song of the Year at the upcoming Josie Music Awards in the fall. 'My jaw dropped. I was sitting on the couch when I saw the nomination come in, and I had to take a few minutes to absorb it before I could even speak and say anything to my husband. It was surreal to know this song made that much of an impact and was noticed,' explained Kennedy. The Josie Music Awards are one of the largest independent music award shows in the world. They recognize and honor the achievements of independent artists across a wide variety of genres and roles in the music industry. It was founded in 2015 to celebrate independent music artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals who are not signed to major labels. It covers not only country, but rock, pop, gospel and other genres. Nominees are chosen based on musical talent, work ethic, promotion, engagement, and impact, not just popularity or sales. The awards ceremony has been held at prestigious venues, including the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, where this year's event will be held on Sunday, November 2. Kennedy said she has no idea who nominated her, but she's looking forward to the red-carpet event. 'Country singer Lorrie Morgan, who I idolized when I was getting into country music, was big on the scene in the early 90s and she's receiving a lifetime achievement award that night. It's exciting to be able to see someone I idolized at the same event where I am up for an award.' The Canadian Indie Country Countdown is a fan-voted, weekly radio show featuring Canadian artists. An indie artist (short for independent) is a musician or band who creates, records, and releases music without the backing of a major record label. Kennedy was ironically notified the song had reached number one on the chart on the third anniversary of K'Lee's passing, July 6. 'At a time when I needed somebody to lift me up, that came through and it felt like a warm hug from above. We had been out on the boat at Long Point for the day to get out and reflect on memories and find some peace and quiet.' She said when they arrived home there were a few messages from people who follow the chart. 'Check the chart, check the chart! It's recognition, it helps radio stations look at you a little more seriously as an independent artist to see how your song has resonated with people and has continued to rise. I was just happy to make the chart period in the beginning, but to see it go up each week has been amazing.' Just as important to Kennedy is the message of hope and comfort her song provides to people who have lost loved ones to suicide. 'It's reached people all over the world, as far away as Australia, Japan, Ireland and Mexico. It's mind-blowing to see how your song can just get out there and find people who didn't know they needed to hear it.' The 58-year-old took nearly two decades off from making any music. She isn't ruling out the possibility of coming up with more original tracks. 'I was talking with my song tracker to let him know how everything is just going crazy and he said he thinks it's time I thought about putting out another song.' Kennedy explained she swore up and down she was likely done because she hadn't done any new music since 2006. 'I put my whole heart and soul into 'You Never Said Goodbye', thinking that would be my last kick at the cat but at the same time my head had been filling up with lines.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CTV News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
‘You Never Said Goodbye': A heart wrenching song to a daughter lost to suicide
A Woodstock-based country musician has released a song about the devastating loss of her daughter to suicide. Traci Kennedy's daughter, K'Lee, passed away at the age of 30 in the summer of 2022, just a few short years after she shared the stage with her mother. It is a moment she recalled in an interview with CTV News London. Traci Kennedy and K'Lee K'Lee and Traci Kennedy sing together. (Source: Traci Kennedy) 'She did a couple of duets with me, and a friend just happened to capture that moment in a picture, and I will treasure that forever,' Kennedy said. K'Lee had long struggled with the loss of her father and grandfather and suffered anxiety during the pandemic while living alone in Toronto. Traci offered frequent love and support, but never anticipated the devastating phone call she received from a police officer, telling her K'Lee had died. 'All of a sudden, my world just exploded,' she recalled with anguish. Traci would spend the next year going through all the stages of unending grief. She would also question herself. 'Why didn't I see the signs earlier? And you just go through a roller coaster,' Kennedy said. Then, K'Lee's friend gave Kennedy a bound book with blank pages to write down her thoughts. Traci Kennedy and K'Lee K'Lee, Traci Kennedy's daughter. (Source: Traci Kennedy) Over many months, the thoughts became a song about her heartache. Kennedy, who recorded an album and toured Canada and the U.S. two decades ago, returned to the studio. The result is her new song, 'You Never Said Goodbye'. The song hit number one on an independent Canadian Country Top 100 list. It has also been nominated for the Josie Awards at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn. this November. Kennedy hopes the track reaches parents and families who lost loved ones to suicide. 'I want those who hear the song to know it's okay to feel the way you feel. It's okay to feel all of the emotions. It's okay to cry.'
