Born: Lynn Lake
Born May 14 1953, Lake Lynn MB, to Violet & Tuck Cochrane, a bush pilot. At the age of four the family re-located to Acton, ON & later to Etobicoke, Ontario. He purchased his first guitar at age 11 by selling a toy train set. Cochrane attended Martingrove Collegiate Institute in the late 1960s
Hang On To Your Resistance
Tom's debut album Hang On To Your Resistance was released in 1974 on Daffodil Records under the name Cochrane. Cochrane produced the album which featured the singles “You’re Driving Me Crazy” & “Charlie Was A Dancer”.El Mocambo
After meeting at the famous El Mocambo Tavern in Toronto, Tom joined the Canadian rock band Red Rider in 1978 and served as their lead singer and main songwriter for more than ten years. Red Rider included Ken Greer, Jeff Jones, Peter Boynton & Rob Baker. Bruce Allen managed the band from their debit until 1985.Don't Fight It
Red Rider’s fourth studio album Breaking Curfew was released in 1984. It included the hit song Young Thing, Wild Dreams (Rock Me). The title track was also released as a single. Breaking Curfew became the fourth straight Gold album for Red Rider. The album was produced by Cochrane & David Tickle at Metalworks studios in Toronto and Startling Studios in England.
As Far As Siam
Red Rider’s2nd album As Far as Siam was released in June 1981 & included Lunatic Fringe. The song was inspired by a book about humanitarian Raoul Wallenberg.
Lunatic Fringe became Red Rider’s biggest hit. The song was featured in the movie Vision Quest.
The album also included the single What Have You Got To Do (To Get Off Tonight). The album achieved Platinum sales certification in Canada (100,000+ sales) It was recorded at Sunset Sound studios in L.A. & was produced by Richard Landis & Michael James Jackson.Neruda
Red Rider’s critically acclaimed third album Neruda was released in 1983 & included the singles Human Race, Power & Crack The Sky (Breakaway) plus the song Napoleon Sheds His Skin. Neruda became Cochrane’s 3rd straight Platinum album in Canada with Red Rider. The album was recorded at Metalworks Studios in Toronto with David Tickle producing 8 of the album’s 10 songs.Breaking Curfew
Red Rider’s fourth studio album Breaking Curfew was released in 1984. It included the hit song Young Thing, Wild Dreams (Rock Me). The title track was also released as a single. Breaking Curfew became the fourth straight Gold album for Red Rider. The album was produced by Cochrane & David Tickle at Metalworks studios in Toronto and Startling Studios in England.Tears Are Not Enough - Ethopian Famine Relief
In 1985 Tom participated in the recording of the Northern Lights song Tears Are Not Enough with the proceeds going to Ethiopian famine relief.
Vision Quest
Vision Quest soundtrack was released in 1985 to accompany an American coming-of-age romantic drama film starring Matthew Modine and Linda Fiorentino.
It included Lunatic Fringe as well as tracks from Journey, Foreigner, Madonna and many more.Tom Cochrane and Red Rider
The self-titled 1986 album was the first using his name as part of the band’s name. The album achieved Platinum sales status in Canada.It included the hit singles Boy Inside The Man, The Untouchable One, Ocean Blues & One More Time. The album earned Tom two Juno Awards for Composer of the Year and Group of the Year. The album was produced by Cochrane and Patrick Moran at Rockfield Studios in Wales & Cedartree Studios in Kitchener.Over 60 Minutes With...
Over 60 Minutes with Red Rider is a compilation album released by Capitol Records -EMI of Canada in 1987 featuring singles and tracks from all four of Red Rider's studios albums.Hang On To Your Resistance (The Early Years)
Hang On To Your Resistance (The Early Years) was originally released on Daffodil Records under the name Cochrane. This album was rereleased in 1987 with new artwork by Capitol Records - EMI of Canada.1987 Juno Awards
The 1987 Juno Awards took place on the 2nd of November 1987 at the O'Keefe Centre in Toronto. Group of the Year went to Tom Cochrane and Red Rider.
Tom was also nominated for Canadian Entertainer of the Year and Composer of the Year.Victory Day
Victory Day released in 1988 included 3 major hits: Big League, Good Times and Victory Day. The album was produced by Don Gehman in Woodland Hills, Burbank, Vancouver, Toronto and Hollywood, L.A.The Symphony Sessions
The Symphony Sessions was recorded live in concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra on March 17-18, 1989 in Edmonton, AB. It featured many of Tom’s hits with Red Rider plus Leonard Cohen’s Bird on the Wire. The concert featured a 56-piece orchestra. The album achieved Platinum sales status in Canada.Mad Mad World
MMW was released in 1991. Singles were Life Is a Highway (d #1 in Canada & #6 US Billboard Hot 100). No Regrets, "Sinking Like a Sunset, "Washed Away, Bigger Man & Mad Mad World. The album was produced by Joe Hardy.The album featured 2 different album covers. 1992 Juno Awards
At the 1992 Juno Awards held at the O'Keefe Centre in Toronto, Tom picked up the following awards. Best Male Vocalist, Songwriter of the Year, Best Album (Mad Mad World) and Single of the Year (Life Is A Highway).Ashes To Diamonds A Collection
Ashes to Diamonds (A Collection) was a ltd edition box set released in 1993 by EMI Music Canada that spanned the music of both Tom Cochrane & Red Rider. Amongst the 3 tapes/ cds were singles, popular tracks as well as demos & live versions of certain songs.Ragged Ass Road
Ragged Ass Road was released in October 1995. Named after a street in Yellowknife, NWT. Singles included I Wish You Well, Wildest Dreams, Dreamer's Dream and Crawl. The album was produced by Cochrane and John Webster.
Songs Of A Circling Spirit
Songs of a Circling Spirit was released in 1997. The album contains newly recorded acoustic versions of songs written by Tom and previously recorded either by him or Red Rider. Musicians included Tara Maclean, Gregor Beresford and Bill Bell.Power Aid Live Benefit Concert
On February 8th 1998 CBC hosted a benefit concert on tv and radio in support of the people affected by the ferocious ice storms that had struck eastern Ontario and southern Quebec leaving many without power. Artists incldued Tom, Lawrence Gowan and ValdyXray Sierra
Xray Sierra was released in Febr 1999. It included the singles I Wonder, Willie Dixon Said, Heartbreak Girl & Stonecutters Arms. The album was recorded at Metalworks Studios, Toronto and Hipposonic Studios, Vancouver. It was produced by Tom & John Webster.Muhammed Ali - In Person
At the Toronto Argonauts game, legends of the sports & entertainment paid tribute to Muhammad Ali for his contributions to humanity. Proceeds from the event went to the Parkinson Society Canada and to Parkinson's research.Trapeze: The Collection
Trapeze: The Collection was released in 2002 by EMI Music Canada. It contained 2 new tracks Just Like Ali and Pictures From The Edge alongside past singles from both Tom & Red Rider. The CD came in both 2 disc & ltd edition 3 disc versions with 7 live songs on the bonus disc.Anthology 1980-1987
Anthology 1980-1987 was a 2002 compilation album released on One Way Records ) in the US. It contained 10 Red Rider songs along with Boy Inside The Man & The Untouchable One from the Tom Cochrane & Red Rider album.Canadian Music Hall of Fame Induction
Tom was inducted into the Canadian 
Music Hall of Fame on April 5, 2003 for his outstanding contribution to Canadian music. The following night, he was honoured in a speech by Jeff Healey at the Juno Awards at the Corel Centre.
Music Hall of Fame on April 5, 2003 for his outstanding contribution to Canadian music. The following night, he was honoured in a speech by Jeff Healey at the Juno Awards at the Corel Centre. Canada For Asia
Tom, his wife Kathy & Alex Lifeson organized a benefit concert in support of tsunami relief in Asia. 150 artists appeared including Anne Murray, Bryan Adams, Blue Rodeo, The Tragically Hip, Rush. The concert was televised by CBC TV and raised over $4 million in pledges.Canadian Music Industry Humanitarian Award
In March 2005, Cochrane received the Humanitarian Award at the Canadian Music Industry Association's (CMIA) gala dinner in Toronto during the annual Canadian Music Week Festival.
Honorary Doctorate
On May 28th 2005, Tom received an honorary doctorate in music from Brandon University in Brandon, Manitoba. The event was held at the Keystone Centre.Live 8
The Canadian Live 8 Concert took place at Park Place, Barrie, ON on July 2, 2005, Tom sang "Life Is A Highway" and "No Regrets". The idea of the concerts was to pressure world leaders into dropping the debt of the world's poorest nations.No Stranger
No Stranger was released in Oct 2006, his first album for Universal Music. It included the singles Didn't Mean, The Party's Not Over, Northern Star & Out of My Head,. Produced by Tom. Recorded at Metalworks Studios and Layastone.
Honorary Colonel
In November 2007, Tom was formally invested as an honorary colonel (HCol) by the Royal Canadian Air Force's 409 "Nighthawks" Tactical Fighter Squadron.
Order Of Canada
In April 2008, Tom was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for a lifetime of charity involvement and his contribution to the arts. He accepted the award from Governor General Michaelle Jean.Rise Again Benefit Concert
On May 13th 2998 a Red Cross Manitoba Flood Relief concert took place at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, MB. The event was hosted by Tom Jackson and
Tom performed "Good Times".
Canada's Walk Of Fame
In September 2009, Tom Cochrane was inducted onto Canada's Walk of Fame. The induction was highlighted by a two-hour nationally televised gala at Toronto's Four Season's Center for the Performing Arts which was hosted by Anne Murray.
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
To mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II accession to the Throne, a commemorative medal was created. Tom was amongst the 60,000 Canadians that received the medal
Keys To The City Of Winnipeg
On June 18th 2012, Tom, who was born in Lynn Lake, MB was handed the keys to the city of Winnipeg Manitoba at a ceremony at city hall by Mayor Sam Katz.Alberta Flood Aid Concert
Over 32,000 people packed McMahon Stadium in Calgary for a benefit concert in support of thousands of people forced from their homes by flooding in southern Alberta. On the bill were Tom Cochrane, Jann Arden, Randy Bachman, Matthew Good and NickelbackAllan Waters Humanitarian Award
On April 20 2013, Tom Cochrane was presented with the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award at the 2013 Juno Awards gala dinner at the Brandt Centre, Reginsa, SK.
Canadian Music Industry Hall Of Fame Inductee
Tom was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame on May 8, 2014, as part of the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards at the Kool Haus in Toronto. Gil Moore formerly of the band Triumph made the presentation.
Henry H. Knowles Humanitarian Award
Also on May 8th 2014, OPSEU honoured Tom with the Stanley Knowles Humanitarian Award.
Take It Home
Take It Home was released on Feb 10 2015 & was Tom's 2nd album for Universal Music. It featured 2 singles Sunday Afternoon Hang & Diamonds. Tom produced the album and it was recorded at Metalworks Studios.Order Of Manitoba
On July 9th 2015, Tom was amongst 12 Manitobans who received the Order Of Manitoba from Lt-Gov Janice Filmon at the legislative building in Regina.Mad Mad World (Deluxe)
On October 28,2016, UMC released an expanded 25th-anniversary edition of the album. Including the original demo for Life Is A Highway (Love Is A Highway), & an additional concert recorded on May 14,1992 in Chicago, Illinois.
Tom Cochrane's Life Is A Highway
On October 31, 2016, the provincial legislature of Manitoba announced a 322-kilometre section of PR 391, Manitoba's premium highway, connecting Lynn Lake and Thompson would be renamed Tom Cochrane's Life Is A Highway.
Revisited
Releasedf in March 2019, Revisited is a collection of 11 Tom Cochrane & Red Rider songs that have been revisited and rerecorded by John Webster, Bill Bell and Tom at Soleil Studio and Metalworks.Stronger Together Broadcast Benefit
Stronger Together broadcast (TV/Radio/Online) raised over $6 million in donations for Food Banks Canada. The 90 minute special featured many performers including Ryan Renolds, Michael Buble, Justin Bieber and Bryan Adams. Tom performed an acoustic version of Life Is A Highway.
SOCAN Cultural Impact Award
Tom Cochrane was awarded the SOCAN Social Impact Award at the 33rd Annual SOCAN Awards held in Toronto, Ontario on October 17th 2022. The theme of the event was inspired by Tom's iconic song Life Is A Highway.