1. Your release mentions the competition reaching its Top Five stage on October 29. How did it go, where do you stand now, and what are the next steps and timeline?
Last night (October 29) in my category ( see attached explanation of the standings , I maintained a solid 7 th which kept me in the top 10 ! Now this week I must stay in the top 5 to move to the next round ! Competition is tight ! And will be right till the end . So having the community vote daily and on the double vote days will keep me at the forefront !
2. Take us back to the start. What was your first paid performance, and how did it come about?
Well , as many baby boomers can remember The Mark VI and the Tiffany Trio and the Hymn Brothers were well known in the community. Members of the American Musicians Guild at the time where my dad Rolly was the base player for the Tiffany Trio and was called to be the base player for many top names when they came to Cornwall in the 60’s and 70’s !
So at the young age of 5 , the had a huge gala with a big orchestra that I was invited to come sing my the maistro . First song I sang was Elvis : “ Blue Suede Shoes “ and cued in the orchestra ! The maistro laughed and said : “ Been doing this for a long time – never had a 5 year old cue me in !”
Equally I was a proud winner thanks to Raymond Samson my school teacher 7 years in a row the Kinsmen Music Festival ! It’s amazing when I look back to the early years and as a bullied kid , how far music has been my healer and strength !
3. What first drew you to the music of the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s?
It was the feeling and the lyrics. There was an arora and where feeling were real , times were simple yet hard , and values were different . I thank my family for letting me be exposed to all the various music in all the gendres and styles . It’s truly made me appreciate music at a young age ! Blessed !
4. Is there one performance or moment over the past 50 years that stands out as a career highlight?
I can chat about the collaborations with LBR Music , Homegrown Cafe and performing with the best musicians of the Canadian Forces during the Afghanistan Commemoration Ceremonies for the Silver Cross Families . But the best performances of all is the ones where I’m in front of a crowd and a simple song that touches a few heartstrings brings back a memory . I just lived this last weekend when this happened to a couple sharing 66 years of Marriage , both walking with cane , put them down and both dancing in each others arms . These are the moments that I keep close to my heart !
5. How did you hear about Top Host, and what made you decide to enter?
Ironically , it was a Facebook promo promoting it . Sent my idea for the podcasts and was selected . I decided to enter because we see the deaths of many greats in the industry. I strongly and have always felt that we as performers have a responsibility to keep this music alive . And to enter into this contest , would allow me to possible share this idea and have a discussion started ! Would love to make a few connections and if I can help bring this effort back to the children’s hospitals for the kids it would be great .
I personally have witnessed a few amazing kids from our community grow up , graduate , undergo many obstacles in there treatments and recoveries to come on top
Sharing there stories of strength and resilience.
You can cast a free vote daily at:
https://tophost.org/2026/Kevin-Rivette
About the Author
