Song dedicated to fallen Snowbird member amasses more than 100,000 Spotify streams

A song dedicated to a Captain Jennifer Casey has taken off across Canada, gathering more than 100,000 streams on Spotify.

Casey died after a Canadian Forces Snowbird crashed in a Kamloops neighbourhood shortly after takeoff in May. The Snowbirds were flying across Canada at that time, as part of Operation Inspiration, which aimed to boost morale and show support for frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

READ MORE: Trauma from Snowbird crash remains for Kamloops neighbourhood long after debris cleared

Together We’re Strong, by Ontario-based country band Kansas Stone, features artists from across the country and footage of the Snowbirds.

The song was released May 29 and all proceeds are being donated to Unison Benevolent Fund, to support musicians struggling during COVID-19. Spotify is also matching donations raised from the song.

"We were devastated to find out about the tragedy and it was about a week before that we were in contact with her,” said band member Brian John Harwood. “She loved the song and was all for the cause,” he said.

Harwood knew Snowbird and fellow musician Cory Marks, and was able to connect with the Snowbirds prior to the crash, gathering footage for the music video.

“Originally I had the idea in the middle of March. Quarantine just happened and I thought I had a lot of musician friends who don’t get government assistance and that’s how they pay their bills,” he said, adding that he’s been blown away with the nationwide response to the song.

“We started off trying to uplift our community but we ended up affecting the whole nation," he said. "We’re honoured and happy about that."

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.