Every once in a while someone asks me that question.

Firstly, I always have and always will give priority to those songs which originate with the composers and performers of Newfoundland and Labrador whether they be traditional or modern.

Secondly, It can't be denied that much of the musical heritage of our province comes either directly or indirectly from other sources. Many songs have been adopted into our culture from the other atlantic provinces, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, etcetera.

For example, did you know that...

• Between Two Trees, popularized by Harry Hibbs, was actually written by
  New Brunswicker Charlie McKinnon.
• Barrett's Privateers, was written by Stan Rogers from Ontario, but
  whose parents were Nova Scotian.
• I'm My Own Granpa, wasn't written by A. Frank Willis, but by Moe Jaffe
  and Dwight Latham in 1947 and is based on a Mark Twain anecdote.
• Maggie, the wonderful Irish classic was written by a homesick Irishman
  in Hamilton Ontario.