Loreena McKennitt

Inducted in 2025

Loreena McKennitt is a rarity in popular music – a self-managed, self-produced artist who owns her own record label, mounts her own tours, whose music crosses stylistic and cultural boundaries, and who has sold more than 14 million albums worldwide.

Her music, which combines elements of pop, folk and worldbeat styles, that’s often dubbed “eclectic Celtic”, resonates with enthusiastic listeners around the world. Her extensive catalogue includes eight studio recordings, three seasonal recordings, seven live recordings, one field recording, four compilations, a live in-concert DVD, and two DVD documentaries. Available in more than 40 countries, they have garnered critical acclaim worldwide and gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards in 15 countries across four continents including Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Greece. 

Career Highlights

2025

Loreena McKennitt will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in honour of her extraordinary contributions to Canadian music.

2023

McKennitt is inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in recognition of her exceptional contributions to music and songwriting blending Celtic, world, and folk influences.

2018

McKennitt releases her first studio album of original material in over a decade, Lost Souls, which receives praise for its rich storytelling and musicality.

2007

McKennitt releases Nights from the Alhambra, her first-ever live concert DVD filmed in Granada, Spain, at the historic Alhambra Palace, making her one of the few artists granted this prestigious venue.

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Loreena McKennitt busking. Date and photographer unknown.

2006

McKennitt releases An Ancient Muse which earns her a Grammy nomination and a spot Billboard’s Top World Music Albums chart.

1997

McKennitt achieves her greatest commercial success yet with The Book of Secrets, featuring the hit single “The Mummers’ Dance.”

1991

McKennitt releases The Visit, her first album under a groundbreaking distribution deal with Warner Music Canada which granted her unprecedented creative and business autonomy.

1985

McKennitt launches her own label, Quinlan Road, and releases her debut album Elemental.

Video Background

Videos

Quick Fact

Many of  McKennitt’s songs are inspired by literature, including works by William Blake, Shakespeare, and Tennyson. For example, “The Lady of Shalott” is based on Tennyson’s poem.