Jackie Gabriel

Jackie Gabriel was a Canadian soul and rhythm-and-blues singer whose career connected several important stages of Toronto’s Black music history, from the city’s late-1960s R&B circuit through the emergence of Crack of Dawn in the mid-1970s. Originally from Springhill, Nova Scotia, Gabriel came from a family of thirteen children and was the only one to pursue music professionally.

After relocating to Toronto, she became part of the community of singers and musicians associated with the Toronto Sound. Gabriel appeared as a featured vocalist with Ronnie Hawkins and sang on his recording of Gordon Lightfoot’s ‘Home from the Forest’. She also worked with The Majestics, serving as guest vocalist on two of the band’s records beginning in 1968. Her strong, adaptable voice subsequently made her a sought-after backing singer for live engagements and recording sessions.

In the mid-1970s, Gabriel and her brother Grant Gabriel helped form Crack of Dawn with Rupert Harvey, Trevor Daley, Mark Smith, Alvin Jones and Carl Otway. Although Jackie and Grant left before the group recorded its Columbia debut album, they were part of the band’s original formation. Crack of Dawn later became recognized as the first Black Canadian band signed to a major record label.

Gabriel released ‘(Women) You Are the Dream’ backed with ‘My Time to Live’ on Wildfire Records in 1975. Both songs were written by William A. Hallworth and recorded with arranger Jack Turner, engineer Jim Applebaum and musical assistance from The Quorum. The single was her only release under her own name.

Gabriel later recalled a career that took her around the world and included performances for heads of state. After a personal tragedy left her unable to sing, she stepped away from the career that had established her as one of Toronto’s notable soul voices. She remained in Toronto and was the mother of singer Tyrone Gabriel.

-Robert Williston