Al Simmons Returns with ‘The Whistling Egg Man —and other tall tales’: A Whirlwind of One-Man Wonders and Musical Marvels Spanning Over Five Decades
Al Simmons, the master of one-man, multi-prop, music-filled performances, is back with his latest release, The Whistling Egg Man —and other tall tales. For over 55 years, Al has entertained audiences worldwide, spreading joy and laughter to people of all ages with his clever comedy, delivered with heartwarming charm.
Hailing from Anola, Manitoba, Al has performed in theatres and at festivals across North America, sharing the spotlight with every major symphony orchestra in Canada and gracing the stages of Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and Japan. However, in 2018, a fire devastated most of the props and costumes built over Al’s illustrious career. The outpouring of support from his fans, including donations and musical instruments, inspired Al to rebuild and continue, a testament to his enduring connection with his audience.
The next year brought the challenge of the COVID pandemic. Undeterred, Al turned adversity into an opportunity and revisited his vault of song ideas. He first recorded tracks “COVID Style” following every pandemic protocol– one musician at a time, everyone masked, and everything sanitized between takes. As restrictions lifted, Al switched from laying down individual tracks at Scott Nolan’s Song Shop, to bringing in an entire band for a fun-filled recording session at Larry Roy’s studio.
Al Simmons’ commitment to spreading laughter and joy is evident in every single one of these 14 novelty songs and stories. The Whistling Egg Man—and other tall tales is a delightful collection of music and whimsy that showcases Al’s inventive wordplay, imaginative storytelling, and the puns we have come to love and expect.
The biggest surprise of this recording does not come from puns or the delightfully goofy yet instructional lyrics, but from the poignant “We Came Here Too Late.” For the first time, listening to an Al Simmons song just might bring a tear to the eye. While Al’s mad cap songs offer something to kids and the children in all of us, “We Came Here Too Late” is for all the aging children, looking back over long lives.
First off, care to introduce yourself?
I’m Al Simmons from Anola, Manitoba.  I was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
My inventive songs, eccentric costumes, and musical contraptions have entertained folks for the past 55 years.
My favourite audience is a child sitting on an adults knee —both of them laughing. Â
I have been called “A one-man cast of thousands”, “A lightning bolt of lunacy” and “The Einstein of entertainers.” Â
During my 55-year career, I have performed from Hong Kong to Alaska, from Las Vegas to the Bahamas, and from Hong Kong to Australia. I’ve done shows with 12 symphony orchestras, in theatres and at festivals in 4 countries, and at World’s Fairs on 3 continents. I won a Juno Award (The Canadian equivalent to a Grammy), I’m a Member of the Order of Manitoba, a Paul Harris Fellow, an Honourary Air Marshall, and the recipient of the Winnipeg Symphony’s Golden Baton for Artistic Achievement.  I was a gold medal winner at the 2005 World Championship Zuccini Race, and a restaurant in my hometown named a hotdog after me. I have recorded four hilarious CDs, written a book, and created a DVD movie that includes 6 of my zany music videos.
Tell us about the process of recording “Digging A Hole”?
In 2020 The Harvest Sun Music Festival in Kelwood, Manitoba was cancelled because of COVID-19.  They offered recording studio time to all the musicians who lost work.  I went to Scott Nolan’s Song Shop and, with Scott’s help, I laid down the bed tracks to Digging a Hole.  I invited any singers who were waiting for their time in the studio to join in on the chorus. Â
I enjoyed the process immensely and decided to record more songs.  We recorded a few more stories and songs “COVID Style”  —one musician at a time.  Everyone was masked and everything was sanitized between takes.
Once the pandemic subsided and restrictions were lifted I booked time at Larry Roy’s studio and brought in an entire band made up of a bunch of my musician friends and we completed 14 songs in just a few fun-filled days. Â
What’s it like being a musician now for kids and families used to just popping an iPad in front of them?
My shows have always been fast-paced and funny.  Children are truthful. If they lose interest I take notice and crank it up a notch.  I’ve always thought of the audience as my editor and director. Â
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
In the late 1960s, I was a big fan of a couple of Winnipeg show bands. “The Vicious Circle” and “The D-Drifters.” They were talented, professional, and totally entertaining. Â
These days if Winston Wuttunee is putting on a show anywhere near me I’ll be in his audience. Â
You’ve been making music for a bit of time now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
Don’t try and do someone else’s act. Be yourself, or a slightly exaggerated version of yourself.  Engage with the people who are watching you.  It is totally natural to have a bit of anxiety before a show, but don’t worry, the audience wants you to succeed. Â