Yonge Street: Toronto Rock & Roll Stories
Series Overview
Before Barenaked Ladies, Broken Social Scene and Rush rose from Toronto's music scene, there was Rompin' Ronnie Hawkins, Robbie Robertson and Gordon Lightfoot making a name for themselves on Yonge Street. This three-part documentary reveals the history of how Toronto's main drag became the leading destination for singers, musicians and music fans not only in the city but across Canada as well. It began in the mid-1950s and flourished until the early '70s, and in between such artists as David Clayton-Thomas, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Levon Helm, Led Zeppelin and Jeff Beck performed on Yonge Street. In addition to archival audio and video footage, featured interviewees include Hawkins, Robertson, Lightfoot, music producer Daniel Lanois and festival promoter John Brower.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
1 Season • 3 Episodes
46 min per episode
2011 – 2011
Premiered: Mon, Mar 21, 2011
Creative Production Team
Latest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 3: “1965-1970”
By the mid-60s, Yorkville had become the mecca for folk music until Dylan went electric and everything changed. Clubs for rock 'n' roll and psychedelic music became part of the same lineup as the folk music of coffeehouses. Artists like Neil Young, Rick James and The Myna Birds, John Kay and The Sparrow, John & Lee & the Checkmates, and The Paupers were all big names playing the Yorkville clubs, but Canadians didn't have the airtime support needed to sustain them. Toronto musicians had outgrown Toronto, so they left to find fame and fortune in the U.S. The Rock Pile, at 888 Yonge Street (now CTV's Masonic Temple studios and home of MTV) became a focal point for great bands like Led Zeppelin, The Who, Jeff Beck, and Frank Zappa on their pit stops to Toronto. Finally, Part 3 looks at the early '70s and how the proliferation of strip clubs drove the final nail in the coffin of the Yonge Street music scene.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
YONGE STREET: TORONTO ROCK & ROLL STORIES - SIZZLER
Type: Trailer • Published 2013-06-04
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Bruce McDonald
Jan Haust, David Brady
Department Leadership Roster
Bruce McDonald
Director
David Brady
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance Suggested.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Yonge Street: Toronto Rock & Roll Stories.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yonge Street: Toronto Rock & Roll Stories
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What is Yonge Street: Toronto Rock & Roll Stories about?
Before Barenaked Ladies, Broken Social Scene and Rush rose from Toronto's music scene, there was Rompin' Ronnie Hawkins, Robbie Robertson and Gordon Lightfoot making a name for themselves on Yonge Street. This three-part documentary reveals the history of how Toronto's main drag became the leading destination for singers, musicians and music fans not only in the city but across Canada as well. It began in the mid-1950s and flourished until the early '70s, and in between such artists as David Clayton-Thomas, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Levon Helm, Led Zeppelin and Jeff Beck performed on Yonge Street. In addition to archival audio and video footage, featured interviewees include Hawkins, Robertson, Lightfoot, music producer Daniel Lanois and festival promoter John Brower.
How many seasons does Yonge Street: Toronto Rock & Roll Stories have?
Yonge Street: Toronto Rock & Roll Stories comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in Yonge Street: Toronto Rock & Roll Stories?
Key cast members in Yonge Street: Toronto Rock & Roll Stories include Not specified.
Who created or directed Yonge Street: Toronto Rock & Roll Stories?
Yonge Street: Toronto Rock & Roll Stories was developed and directed by Bruce McDonald.