Charlie Adams
1953–2008 Puvirnituq, QC
I have been listening to Charlie Adams’ music since birth; my father was always playing his music. I remember learning to sing his song “Quviasupunga” (I’m Happy) when I was just three years old. It was my father’s favourite song, and, after he passed away, I translated it from Inuktut into English, so my family could understand it. I included a recording of “Quviasupunga” in both languages on my first album Isuma (2014). When I was a child, I saw Charlie perform. I was part of a dance group that travelled to Inukjuak to perform at a festival in 2001. I watched him perform, and he was amazing! I even got to meet him afterwards, and I still have a picture of him and me. As I grew up, I was deeply immersed in his music and was moved by the sincere and humble stories he told in his songs. He was a wonderful storyteller, and I have so much respect for him. Although he died in poverty in Montreal, I see him as a man with many riches. He wasn’t able to get the help that he needed, but he helped me and many other people. It broke my heart when I found out that he had passed away, because he inspired me to be the Inuit singer that I am today.