Huntsville native Hawksley Workman: A career in music

Hawksley Workman has built a diverse, acclaimed career spanning two decades, blending theatrical flair with musical innovation

Hawksley Workman, born Ryan Corrigan on March 4, 1975, in Huntsville, Ontario, has established himself as one of Canada’s most versatile and innovative musicians. Raised in the Muskoka region, Workman’s early years were shaped by the natural surroundings of his hometown, as well as a musical environment fostered by his family. His father’s drumming and the family’s collection of vinyl records provided the foundation for his musical development, while local performances and involvement in theatre nurtured his artistic ambitions.

Following his secondary education in Huntsville, Workman relocated to Toronto to pursue a professional career in music. Adopting the stage name Hawksley Workman, he began recording in modest studio settings, including a basement studio on Hillsdale Avenue. It was here that he produced his earliest works, including his debut album, For Him and the Girls, and its follow-up, (Last Night We Were) The Delicious Wolves. These releases were met with critical acclaim for their distinctive blend of glam, cabaret, and pop elements, establishing Workman as a uniquely theatrical and inventive artist.

Workman’s career gained momentum in the early 2000s with albums such as Lover/Fighter (2003) and Between the Beautifuls (2004). His work has been characterized by its stylistic diversity, encompassing rock, pop, folk, and experimental genres.

Beyond his solo career, Workman has also collaborated with numerous Canadian artists, including Serena Ryder, The Skydiggers, Great Big Sea, and Tegan & Sara, contributing both as a performer and as a producer. His prolific output and innovative approach have earned him multiple JUNO Awards and recognition in the Canadian music industry.

Despite challenges, including a temporary hearing loss in one ear during the Lover/Fighter period, Workman has continued to evolve as an artist. Recent projects, such as the 2021 collaboration Breit Workman with guitarist Kevin Breit, explore jazz and instrumental textures, highlighting his continued commitment to musical exploration. In 2025, Workman released the EP Fly Like An Ego, featuring the single “Save My Life,” further demonstrating his enduring creative vitality. In addition to recording, he co-hosts the podcast The Stumble Forward, engaging in discussions on artistic challenges and achievements.

Select Songs by Hawksley Workman

1. “Striptease” – The Delicious Wolves (2001)
2. “Jealous of Your Cigarette” – The Delicious Wolves (2001)
3. “Smoke Baby” – Lover/Fighter (2003)
4. “Safe and Sound” – For Him and the Girls (1999)
5. “Battlefords” – Median Age Wasteland (2008)

Hawksley Workman’s career reflects both his roots in Huntsville and his enduring commitment to artistic innovation. Over more than two decades, he has maintained a distinctive voice in Canadian music, blending theatrical performance with musical sophistication, while continuing to engage new audiences through both recorded works and live performance.

Sources

• The Canadian Encyclopedia
• Wikipedia
• Spill Magazine
• The Coast
• Apple Music

Image Licensed Under Creative Commons,   Author: jbach