Roland Lebrun was born into a family of musicians in Amqui, Quebec (east of Rimouski). During World War II, much of the province resisted conscription efforts to fight what was seen as Great Britain’s battle. But Lebrun signed up with the regiment des Voltigeurs, only to become ill for some time. While recovering, he began composing songs that reflected the hopes and anxieties, religion, patriotism and love of family felt by soldiers. His recordings, including L’adieu du soldat, were heard on radio station CHRC in Quebec City. In turn, Canadian Army authorities enlisted Lebrun in a new war effort. He made several tours of army bases, radio stations and music stages in Quebec, in the Maritimes and in other provinces. After the war, Lebrun had a successful career as a country artist – one song was titled La vie d’un cowboy. Accompanying himself on guitar, he continued to sing until well into the 1960s. At one point, he toured in Quebec with his family of five children. He recorded more than 200 songs over his career and sold more than 1 million copies. He died in 1980.