Born in Glasgow, Scotland in the year 1956, a pivotal moment in time that would ultimately shape the trajectory of his life, Lawrence's early years were spent in Scarborough, a picturesque eastern suburb of the vibrant city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In a humorous remark that would become a hallmark of his wit, he humorously remarked, "My marks in high school were of a caliber that left me with no option but to pursue the occupation of Rockstar." Undeterred by his academic struggles, he dedicated himself to honing his skills, undergoing rigorous training in classical piano at the esteemed Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Upon graduating in 1976, he embarked on a five-year journey as a member of his local band "Rhinegold", an experience that would lay the groundwork for his future success. Following the band's eventual disbandment, he briefly joined the cover band "FUNN", a stint that would serve as a precursor to his later work with the renowned Ronnie Hawkins, where he would assume the role of keyboard player, further solidifying his reputation as a talented musician.
In the year 1982, Gowan took a pivotal step in his burgeoning music career by submitting a demo tape to the esteemed CBS Records, which ultimately led to a contract being signed with Sony Music Canada.
This momentous occasion marked the beginning of a new chapter in Gowan's life, as his self-titled debut album was released mere months later, effectively setting the stage for what would become a long and illustrious career.
However, it was his sophomore effort, "Strange Animal", released three years subsequent to his debut, which would ultimately cement his status as a household name and bring him widespread commercial success.
Noted Canadian musician and performer, Gowan, has amassed a plethora of prestigious musical awards and accolades throughout his remarkable career, earning widespread critical acclaim and admiration from his peers.
Beyond his impressive musical accomplishments, Gowan has also ventured into the realm of acting, making notable appearances in his own music videos, showcasing his versatility and range. Additionally, he has made a memorable cameo in a 2005 music video cover of his hit single "Strange Animal", performed by renowned Canadian hip-hop artist Maestro.
Furthermore, Gowan has leveraged his celebrity status to make appearances on popular television shows, including MTV's "Cribs" and VH1's "Behind The Music", solidifying his status as a household name.
To this day, Gowan remains the esteemed lead singer of the iconic rock band Styx, a position he has held since 1999, cementing his legacy as one of Canada's most accomplished and enduring musical talents.
