Born in Saskatchewan in the 1950’s and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Big Dave McLean truly is the Prince of The Prairies.
Along with contemporaries such as Downchild, The Powder Blues and Dutch Mason, he is one of the forefathers and architects of Canadian Blues music. Not an imitator, an originator! He learned it from the source having befriended and performed with his hero, blues godfather Muddy Waters in the 1970’s. Since then, Big Dave has been touring relentlessly across Canada performing at blues and folk festivals and just about every hall with a stage.
Known for his explosive performances and his prowess on the national steel guitar and harmonica, Dave lights a fire in the soul of his audiences and sings like it’s his last day on Earth. This passion has attracted the attention of many young upstarts in Canadian music over the years. Dave has been a hero to many and a mentor to a lucky few. His influence on the canon of Canadian Roots music is immeasurable. Artists like Colin James, Shaun Verrault (Wide Mouth Mason), Luke Doucette (Whitehorse) count among his disciples.
Finally recognized for his contribution to our country’s cultural fabric, Big Dave was honourably inducted into The Order Of Canada in 2019— a first for a Prairie Boy Bluesman. Previous accolades include a Prairie Music Award, Great Canadian Blues Award, Toronto Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award, Juno Award and a Western Canadian Music Award.
“Big Dave’s been the quintessential behind-the-scene bluesman. He’s done more to shape the Western Canadian blues scene than perhaps any other artist” – Billboard