Debbie Lori Kaye – I Remember You (The Smart As Trees Podcast)

Deborah Kaye, known professionally as Debbie Lori Kaye, has been recognized by the Museum Of Canadian Music, a one-of-a-kind digital archive dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich and diverse history of Canadian music.

The Museum Of Canadian Music: citizenfreak.com/debbie-lori-kaye

Deb Kaye’s father was a disc jockey at CKCY. At 14, Debbie signed a contract with Columbia Records. For much of its 27-year run on CBC, she was a regular on The Tommy Hunter Show. Debbie was nominated for two Juno Awards – for Best Country Female Artist and for Best Female Artist. Debbie was inducted into the Northern Ontario Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2005.

A live cassette, recorded in 1973, became a cherished keepsake among admirers, passed down and replayed for decades — a personal soundtrack to friendships, parties, and fond memories. Following her vehicle accident in 2006 that ended Debbie’s singing career, the rediscovery of this tape and the fans’ testimonials became part of her recovery story, illustrating the profound and lasting impression she left on those who encountered her voice and spirit.

Recently, Debbie’s unreleased song “I Remember You” was re-created by Larry Babic, with Debbie’s consent. He put Debbie’s lyrics through artificial intelligence technology to create a recording.

I Remember You
(Written by Debbie Lori Kaye, 2005)

I remember driving Daddy’s car down Queen Street after dark,
Slowing down past Muio’s then off to Bellvue Park,
Coffee breaks at Guffins, and parking at the locks,
Before the mall and boardwalk, taking walks along the docks.
Sneaking cigarettes and kisses out behind Marconi Hall,
Go-go boots and mini skirts all led to our downfall.
Pictures of our faces show us young and full of hope,
We had to learn our lessons and we had to learn to cope.
I remember you — do you remember me?
I remember everything, and I remember you.
Pictures of our faces and the things we used to do,
Everything I ever had began in time with you.
You and I are older now, our hair is full of gray,
And children of our own have grown up and moved away.
Algoma Steel got some of us, and some just passed away,
I wonder what you’re thinking now about your childhood days.
I used to walk in graveyards just to catch a call of time,
The names upon the stones are good old friends of mine.
I beg you now to call someone and tell them you’re still here —
Success in life is how you love, not your damn career.
I remember you — do you remember me?
I remember everything… and I remember you.

“Thanks again for making me part of history.”
— Debbie Lori Kaye, in a personal note to Robert Williston/Museum of Canadian Music

Running time: 52 minutes.