The Higgins

{{Short description|Canadian country band}} {{For|The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum in Bedford, England|The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum}} {{Infobox musical artist |  | name = The Higgins | | image = TheHiggins.jpg| | caption = John, Eileen, and Kathleen Higgins, June 14, 2008, Vancouver, Canada| | image_size =  | | | background = group_or_band | | origin = Delta, British Columbia, Canada | | genre = Country| | years_active = 1998–present | | label = Open Road | | associated_acts = | | website = [http://www.higginsmusic.com/ www.higginsmusic.com] | | current_members = John Higgins<br />Eileen Higgins<br />Kathleen Higgins | | past_members = Mary Higgins <br /> James Higgins| }}

'''The Higgins''' are a Canadian country music group from Delta, British Columbia. The Higgins comprise three siblings: John (born June 4, 1982), Eileen (born July 17, 1986), and Kathleen Higgins (born November 11, 1988). They have charted three singles on the Canadian Country Music charts, two of which were Top 15. Videos for "Flower Child", "Real Thing", and "Second Hand Car" all went to No. 3 on CMT's ''Chevy Cross Canada Countdown''.

The Higgins are songwriters as well as musicians, having written or co-written nine tracks on their national debut album ''Real Thing''. The Higgins were nominated for CCMA Group of the Year in 2008 and 2009, and have won six BCCMA awards including Album of the Year and Group of the Year (2008).<ref name="canada.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/theprovince/entertainment/movie-guide/story.html?id=df2ffa0b-b101-42bd-ae62-30122f5e8631 |title=Family country trio the real thing |website=www.canada.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105100513/http://www.canada.com/theprovince/entertainment/movie-guide/story.html?id=df2ffa0b-b101-42bd-ae62-30122f5e8631 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/surreynow/news/whatson/story.html?id=fa603d68-51d9-4bcb-a051-583a24611e4f |title=The Higgins hit Open Road with retooled Real Thing |website=www.canada.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105131243/http://www.canada.com/surreynow/news/whatson/story.html?id=fa603d68-51d9-4bcb-a051-583a24611e4f |archive-date=5 November 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The group is best known for its vocal harmonies, and character onstage. The Higgins combine their country roots, pop influences and a Celtic family background into "their unique musical sound".<ref>{{Cite web |title=CBC - Make Some Noise |url=http://www.cbc.ca/makesomenoise/stories/ep11/organic_farmers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061113084607/http://www.cbc.ca/makesomenoise/stories/ep11/organic_farmers/ |archive-date=2006-11-13 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.cbc.ca}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CBC British Columbia - Features - Sounds Like Summer |url=http://www.cbc.ca/bc/features/sls/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061108003515/http://www.cbc.ca/bc/features/sls/ |archive-date=2006-11-08 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.cbc.ca}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated3">{{Cite web |title=CBC - Make Some Noise - Music |url=http://www.cbc.ca/makesomenoise/music/ep11/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061104230501/http://www.cbc.ca/makesomenoise/music/ep11/ |archive-date=2006-11-04 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.cbc.ca}}</ref>

== Members == * John Higgins – Vocals, Acoustic and Electric Guitars * Eileen Higgins – Vocals, Mandolin, Tin whistle * Kathleen Higgins – Vocals, Acoustic guitar

== History == The Higgins grew up in Delta, British Columbia, as three of seven siblings in their Irish/Hungarian family. They began singing as young children, performing in local musicals and schools. They developed as musicians, matured as individuals, and committed their lives perfecting their music. The band's earliest incarnation included younger brother James, on drums, and their sister Mary on vocals. Mary left the group in 2005, in order to pursue other interests.{{cn|date=April 2026}}

The Higgins musical influences come from Emmylou Harris, Fleetwood Mac, the Dixie Chicks, The Corrs, James Taylor, Celtic, deep South traditional forms of folk, blues, and country. They write, arrange and accompany themselves on a variety of both modern and traditional songs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turner Music & Events - Live music booking: The Higgins |url=http://www.turnerme.com/higgins.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061116080636/http://www.turnerme.com/higgins.shtml |archive-date=2006-11-16 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.turnerme.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Country Music News Canadian country Music Artists CD's CDs CD Nashville report |url=http://www.countrymusicnews.ca/news.ihtml?step=2&article_id=1490 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014195624/http://www.countrymusicnews.ca/news.ihtml?step=2&article_id=1490 |archive-date=2008-10-14 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.countrymusicnews.ca}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{Cite news |work=North Shore News |title=Family ties |url=http://www.canada.com/northshorenews/news/pulse/story.html?id=6620a86a-57b8-4824-88df-2691e9a875ec |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104210008/http://www.canada.com/northshorenews/news/pulse/story.html?id=6620a86a-57b8-4824-88df-2691e9a875ec |archive-date=2012-11-04 |access-date=2025-10-31}}</ref>

In 1998, John broke his back in a workplace accident, when a forklift crushed him in a bottle-recycling plant. It made him a wheelchair user for almost a year. Formerly a basketball hopeful, the 16-year-old had to find something else to do. A friend lent him a battered, acoustic, steel-string guitar while he was in his wheelchair, and he and his sisters taught each other to play.{{cn|date=April 2026}}

John later became a spokesperson for WorkSafeBC, an organization dedicated to workplace safety. The Higgins performed at the WorkSafeBC 50th Anniversary, in June 2008.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Higgins - Biography |url=http://www.higginsmusic.com/the_group/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625061548/http://www.higginsmusic.com/the_group/index.html |archive-date=2008-06-25 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.higginsmusic.com}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.bclocalnews.com/richmond_southdelta/southdeltaleader/entertainment/26159174.html South Delta Leader – Your Best source for Local Community News delivered in print or online]{{Dead link|date=March 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>

=== Personal life === Just before their Canadian debut album, ''Real Thing'', was released in June 2008, two of The Higgins had weddings. John was married in April, his new wife travelling with the group, working behind the scenes. Eileen married in May 2008, though her new husband generally stays home while The Higgins go on tour.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Province |first=The Vancouver |title=Family trio in harmony for this gem |url=http://www.canada.com/theprovince/story.html?id=59ce6ebb-e030-4bf3-b86c-e4c47ab77dd7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104210825/http://www.canada.com/theprovince/story.html?id=59ce6ebb-e030-4bf3-b86c-e4c47ab77dd7 |archive-date=2012-11-04 |access-date=2025-10-31}}</ref>

==Awards and honours== In September 2006, they were honored with their own star on the Merritt Mountain Music Festival's Walk of Stars, in Merritt, British Columbia, Canada. Each year the town features a giant festival of the country music industry's top performers. Past performers include Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood.<ref>{{Cite web |title=:: George Canyon Official Website :: |url=http://www.georgecanyon.com/merritt2_2007.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927164606/http://www.georgecanyon.com/merritt2_2007.htm |archive-date=2007-09-27 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.georgecanyon.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Merritt Mountain Music Festival |url=http://www.mountainfest.com/default.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061105225735/http://www.mountainfest.com/default.asp |archive-date=2006-11-05 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.mountainfest.com}}</ref>

In November 2006, The Higgins were invited to represent Canada at the Guangdong International Tourism & Cultural Festival in China. For a week, they performed in places such as the 60,000 seat capacity Tian-He Stadium, and the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, in Guangzhou, China.<ref name=autogenerated2 /><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Higgins :: News |url=http://www.higginsmusic.com/news/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012092639/http://www.higginsmusic.com/news/index.html |archive-date=2007-10-12 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.higginsmusic.com}}</ref>

In 2007, The Higgins were nominated again with the BCCMA's, in 3 categories: Entertainer of The Year, Group/Duo of The Year, and the Gaylord Wood Memorial Award for traditional country performers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Awards Show 2005 |url=http://www.bccountry.com/Saturday%20Show.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060212204727/http://www.bccountry.com/Saturday%20Show.htm |archive-date=2006-02-12 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.bccountry.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=http://www.bccountry.com/index.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060708030906/http://www.bccountry.com/index.htm |archive-date=2006-07-08 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.bccountry.com}}</ref>

The Higgins "Flower Child" video was nominated in April 2008, for a LEO Award in the "Best Best Music Video" Category.<ref>[http://www.leoawards.com/nominees_2008.html LEO AWARDS Nominees 2008] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414061104/http://www.leoawards.com/nominees_2008.html |date=2010-04-14 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=LEO AWARDS 2008 |url=http://www.leoawards.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717065704/http://www.leoawards.com/ |archive-date=2008-07-17 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.leoawards.com |language=en}}</ref> In September 2008, The Higgins presented at the 2008 Canadian Country Music Association Awards Show. Eileen Higgins took home a CCMA All-Star Band Award (Special Instrument Category – Mandolin), from the event. The Higgins were also nominated as CCMA Band/Duo of The Year, which later went to the songwriters of their hit single "Real Thing" : Deric Ruttan, Chris Thorsteinson and Dave Wasyliw (both of Country Group Doc Walker).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fyimusic.ca/industry-news/ccma-industry-award-winners |title=CCMA Industry Award winners |website=fyimusic.ca |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706181732/http://fyimusic.ca/industry-news/ccma-industry-award-winners |archive-date=6 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ccma.org/pdfs/07-30-08-nomineesformatted.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2011-03-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626215157/http://www.ccma.org/pdfs/07-30-08-nomineesformatted.pdf |archivedate=2011-06-26 }}</ref>

In October 2008, The Higgins won 6 BCCMA Awards : Album of the Year (''Real Thing''), Group of the Year, Single of the Year ("Flower Child"), SOCAN Song of the Year ("Flower Child"), Video of the Year (Stephano Barberis for "Flower Child"), and Roots/Canadiana Group of the Year.<ref name="canada.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bccma.org |title=Home | Bethany Community Church | Mendon, MA |website=Bccma.org |date= |accessdate=2020-03-09}}</ref>

2008 also brought The Higgins as nominations for a CRMA, and an Indie Award.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cmw.net/cmw2008/awards_indies.asp |title=Canadian Music Week 2009 |accessdate=2010-01-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223063215/http://www.cmw.net/cmw2008/awards_indies.asp |archivedate=2009-02-23 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cmw.net/cmw2008/awards_crma.asp |title=Rogers Wireless CMW 2008 |website=www.cmw.net |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630083807/http://www.cmw.net/cmw2008/awards_crma.asp |archive-date=30 June 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In July 2009, The Higgins were nominated for 3 Canadian Country Music Associations (CCMA) Awards: Group/Duo of the Year, Roots Artist of the Year, and Eileen, for Special Instrument (Mandolin).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccma.org |title=Home - Canadian Country Music Association |website=Ccma.org |date= |accessdate=2020-03-09}}</ref> Their album ''Real Thing'' was also nominated for a 2009 Western Canadian Music Award, (Country Album of the Year).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.westerncanadianmusicawards.ca/nominees-artistic |title=Western Canadian Music Awards, Festival and Conference |accessdate=2010-01-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502013152/http://www.westerncanadianmusicawards.ca/nominees-artistic |archivedate=2009-05-02 }}</ref>

== Media == The Higgins performed at the 4th Annual Merritt Walk of Stars Gala, in June 2007, aired on CMT. This was their third year in a row they've performed at the ceremonies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Administrator |title=Merritt Tourism - CMT Gala Fundraiser |url=http://www.tourismmerritt.com/Media_Room/Latest_News/CMT_Gala_Fundraiser/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911044701/http://www.tourismmerritt.com/Media_Room/Latest_News/CMT_Gala_Fundraiser/ |archive-date=2007-09-11 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.tourismmerritt.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=GetAwayBC |url=http://www.getawaybc.com/story.cgi?id=5434&section=4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226133612/http://www.getawaybc.com/story.cgi?id=5434&section=4 |archive-date=2008-02-26 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.getawaybc.com}}</ref>

In 2006, the group made a music video (of their song "Hey Jamie"), for the CBC Television show ''Make Some Noise''. Other media appearances for 2006 included, CBC, Global TV, CityTV, CMT, CFJC-TV7.<ref name=autogenerated3 /><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Higgins :: Events |url=http://www.higginsmusic.com/events/index_2006.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024230546/http://www.higginsmusic.com/events/index_2006.html |archive-date=2007-10-24 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.higginsmusic.com}}</ref>

In February 2008, The Higgins released their first music video for "Flower Child", directed by award-winning director Stephano Barberis to CMT Canada. It peaked at No. 3 on the network's ''Chevy Cross Canada Countdown'' in June 2008. Their videos for "Real Thing" (in 2008), and "Second Hand Car" (in 2009) were also directed by Barberis, and both reached No. 3 on the countdown.<ref name=autogenerated1 /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chevrolet Cross Canada Countdown |url=http://www.cmt.ca/Programs/ProgramItem.aspx?prog_id=11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121052021/http://www.cmt.ca/Programs/ProgramItem.aspx?prog_id=11 |archive-date=2010-11-21 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.cmt.ca}}</ref>

==Discography== ===Studio albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! style="width:16em;"| Title ! style="width:18em;"| Details |- ! scope="row"| ''Coming Home for Christmas'' | * Release date: October 27, 2003 * Label: self-released |- ! scope="row"| ''Wild Minds'' | * Release date: October 4, 2004 * Label: self-released |- ! scope="row"| ''The Higgins'' | * Release date: April 13, 2007 * Label: self-released |- ! scope="row"| ''Real Thing'' | * Release date: June 24, 2008 * Label: Open Road Recordings |- ! scope="row"| ''Dreamers Like Us'' | * Release date: June 8, 2010 * Label: Open Road Recordings |}

===Singles=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2" style="width:12em;"| Single !| Peak positions ! rowspan="2"| Album |- style="font-size:smaller;" ! style="width:65px;"| CAN |- | rowspan="2"| 2008 ! scope="row"| "Flower Child" | — | style="text-align:left;" rowspan="3"| ''Real Thing'' |- ! scope="row"| "Real Thing" | 99 |- | 2009 ! scope="row"| "Second Hand Car" | — |- | rowspan="3"| 2010 ! scope="row"| "Free Like Love" | — | style="text-align:left;" rowspan="3"| ''Dreamers Like Us'' |- ! scope="row"| "Dreamers Like Us" | — |- ! scope="row"| "Burn You Back" | — |- | colspan="4" style="font-size:8pt"| "—" denotes releases that did not chart |}

===Music videos=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! Year ! style="width:12em;"| Video ! Director |- | rowspan="2"| 2008 ! scope="row"| "Flower Child" | rowspan="4"| Stephano Barberis |- ! scope="row"| "Real Thing" |- | 2009 ! scope="row"| "Second Hand Car" |- | 2010 ! scope="row"| "Free Like Love" |}

==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Association ! Category ! Result |- | 2008 | rowspan="5"| Canadian Country Music Association | Group or Duo of the Year | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="2"| 2009 | Group or Duo of the Year | {{nom}} |- | Roots Artist or Group of the Year | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="2"| 2010 | Group or Duo of the Year | {{nom}} |- | Roots Artist or Group of the Year | {{nom}} |}

== References == {{Reflist}}

==External links== === Official websites === * [http://www.higginsmusic.com/ www.HigginsMusic.com] * [http://www.myspace.com/thehigginsband/ The Higgins Official MySpace]

=== Interviews and other articles === * [http://www.peak.sfu.ca/the-peak/2005-3/issue11/ar-higgins.html The Peak - Nov 14, 2005] * [http://www.bccountry.com/Artist%20News.htm BC Country Music Association] * [http://www.canada.com/theprovince/story.html?id=59ce6ebb-e030-4bf3-b86c-e4c47ab77dd7 The Province - July 31, 2008] * [http://www.bclocalnews.com/richmond_southdelta/southdeltaleader/entertainment/26159174.html The South Delta Leader - Aug 1, 2008]{{Dead link|date=March 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * [http://www.canada.com/northshorenews/news/pulse/story.html?id=6620a86a-57b8-4824-88df-2691e9a875ec The North Shore News - July 25, 2008]

=== Videos === * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEWpNg0CiZw The Higgins "Flower Child" Video]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Higgins, The}} Category:Canadian country music groups Category:Open Road Recordings artists Category:Sibling musical trios Category:Canadian musical trios