artist:  Bryan Adams

songwriters:  Vallance James Douglas, Adams Bryan

date released:  1985 by Bryan Adams

Singer-songwriter, artist and photographer, Bryan Adams was born in Kingston, Ontario, in 1959.  His parents were British.  As a diplomat, Adams' father travelled around the world with his family, so Bryan spent his youth growing up in Europe and the Middle East.  Part of his childhood was spent in Birre, Portugal, where he learned the Portuguese language.  In 1973, the Adams family returned to Canada and settled in North Vancouver, the city Bryan would regard as home.  

As a child, Bryan was fond of music and in his teens, he worked in many part-time jobs to support his music habit.  Much to the chagrin of his parents, he quit school so he could sing in nightclubs with various bands.  Fortunately, he met Jim Vallance working in a record store, and the two set a course in songwriting which changed the face of Canadian music.  By the time Bryan Adams was eighteen, he had already signed a recording contract with A&M Records in Toronto for the head-spinning sum of one dollar.

The eighties brought success to the songwriting team of Adams-Vallance.  "Cuts Like A Knife" was their breakout album soaring up the record charts in Canada and the U.S.  'Reckless' soon followed to consolidate Adams's fame.  By the nineties, Adams was established as a major international recording star.

"Everything I Do, I Do It For You" was written specifically for the film "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves," but the single was released before the release of the film.  Immediately, it shot to Number One in the U.K. music charts and became one the most recognizable songs in the world.  The songwriting team of Adams, Lange and Kamen went on to collaborate on other soundtracks for films: "Spirit:  Stallion Of The Cimarron," "The Guardian" and "Don Juan de Marcos."  

"Everything I Do" brought the team a Grammy Award for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television.

Even as his busy songwriting and recording schedule did not abate, Adams found the time to develop his passion for photography.  His artistic efforts have been picked up by various fashion magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair and Harper's Bazaar.  Many of his recording peers have been the models for the lens of his camera which also led to CD covers and other publications of his oeuvre.  

In 2002, Adams was chosen in an elite coterie of photographers to photograph Queen Elizabeth II during her Golden Jubilee.  This image became a national stamp in Canada in that year.  Museums which have exhibitions of Adams's work are endless:  the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada House in Trafalgar Square in London, and the Leica Gallery in Vienna to name a few.

His success in so many artistic endeavours gave way to the formation of The Bryan Adams Foundation which advances education and learning opportunities for disadvantaged children around the world.  The foundation is completely funded by the proceeds of Adams's photographic activities.  In the way of his photographic exhibitions, his list of charitable activities is endless.  

It is not surprising that many awards and accolades have accompanied Adams' career.  In a grand total of 87 nominations, he has won:  3 Grammy Awards for his work on the Robin Hood soundtrack, 18 Juno Awards, 1 American Music Award, and 1 MTV Video Music Award. Bryan Adams was inducted into Canada's Music Hall of Fame in 2007. The pinnacle to his civilian life as a Canadian arrived when he was honoured by receiving membership in the Order of British Columbia as well as the Order of Canada for his contribution to popular music and philanthropic efforts.  

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The Inspiration Behind the Song, "Heaven":

“Heaven” is a love song that has stood the test of time.  While the song is unabashedly romantic, its inspiration came from an unlikely source: a roadie for the band.  During a break in rehearsals, Adams and Vallance overheard a conversation between one of the roadies and his girlfriend. The girl asked:  "Do you believe in heaven?"  Pensively, he responded, “I don’t know, but I believe in angels.”  Taken by by the simple yet powerful sentiment and decided to use it as the blueprint for a love song.

“Heaven” has remained popular for over three decades because of its universality. Almost everyone can relate to being in love and to long for someone who threads a beat in the heart.  The song’s simple lyrics and  melody perfectly portray the emotions many of us have felt at one time or another while smitten. 

It also helps that the song is expertly crafted. Adams’ gravelly voice is perfect for delivering the romantic lyrics, while the guitar solo that kicks in at the end of the song is absolutely iconic. These elements combine to create a timeless classic that continues to be played on radio stations all over the world.