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Anne has showed no signs of slowing down in the past decade. In 1996, she signed on with a new manager - legendary Bruce Allen, who also manages the careers of Bryan Adams and Martina McBride. She recorded her first live album in 1997, and in 1999, she released WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, an inspirational album. This 26-song collection combines ageless hymns with tunes from the pop music world that have lifted the hearts of millions. Included on the album is the debut single "Let There Be Love", which Anne recorded with her daughter Dawn.
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Bruce Allen & Bryan Adams
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Anne and Dawn
What a Wonderful World
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"...although I've been making music and receiving fan mail for more than 30 years, nothing could have prepared me for the letters, e-mails and faxes I received after the release of this album. Some people found themselves emotionally overwhelmed by certain lyrics; other people spoke of tunes that unleashed an unexpected flood of childhood memories. Many, many people wrote to tell me that these songs, and these sentiments, were continuing to help them through troubled times in their own lives. And their letters continue to be an inspiration to me."
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Anne's fans
remain inspired by the moving songs of this album. The WHAT A WONDERFUL
WORLD television special (now available on video and DVD) was first
aired in early 2000, and continues to be televised throughout North America.
A special gift book, ANNE MURRAY WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, combines
the stirring lyrics from the album with beautiful and inspirational colour
photographs of Anne's home province of Nova Scotia. (A companion CD of 12
songs, selected from Anne's WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD album, is included
with the book.) Also published is an album-matching songbook, with sheet
music for all the songs on the inspirational album.
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In October 2001, Anne released a new Christmas album, entitled WHAT A
WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS, which has now reached gold status in Canada. The double CD and cassette includes new recordings, a
children's medley and previously released material. The album has been released
internationally in Australia, Belgium, Colombia, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong,
Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia and Singapore. The television
special "ANNE MURRAY WHAT A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS", with guest
stars Diana Krall and Leahy, was first broadcast by CBC in December 2001.
In late 2001, Anne re-released her award-winning children's album THERE'S
A HIPPO IN MY TUB, adding three popular new tracks -"Sing High,
Sing Low", "I Can See Clearly Now" and "What
A Wonderful World".
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On the set of
"What A Wonderful Christmas". |
Country Croonin'. |
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The year 2002 was a busy one for Anne. She recorded and released her 32nd
studio album COUNTRY CROONIN', which Anne describes as "the
best thing I've ever done". This album of '30 Timeless Country Classics' is Anne's
tribute to the great country songs and artists of the late 1940's to the early
1980's. In the fall of 2002, Anne was presented with a platinum award for
COUNTRY CROONIN' sales in Canada.
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Fans throughout North
America continued to flock to Anne's shows in 2002. Backed by her band and
symphony musicians, Anne gave almost 80 performances during the year, including
a week of shows at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
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Anne and her band in Toronto October 2002.
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Las Vegas November 2002.
Anne Murray & Ron MacLean
RSVP - February 2003
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In February 2003, Anne's fans were treated to a first in Canada - Anne starred
in a televised live request concert. The show "ANNE MURRAY RSVP" gave
audiences across the country a chance to request songs for Anne to perform.
This two-hour CBC television special showcased fans' favourites from the 33
albums that span Anne's 35-year career. Hosted by one of Anne's biggest fans,
CBC sportscaster Ron MacLean, this live show was watched by viewers throughout
Canada and the northern United States.
Anne has always enjoyed going out on the road to bring her music to fans.
(During 2004, she is taking a well-deserved break, after a very busy concert
schedule over the previous three years.) Anyone who's seen Anne Murray in
concert knows that she makes a special connection with her audience.
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"I think that, when you leave a performance, you should feel that you
know the performer a little better."
Just one more reason why, after 36 years, Anne continues to delight
and bring joy to her fans - both old and new alike.
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Some material in "Anne's Story So Far..." appears in the Anne Murray Centre Scrapbook
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