Portia White Sings "Think on Me"

In the 1940s contralto Portia May White was celebrated as Canada’s singing sensation.

Produced by Kate Jaimet

 — Posted November 8, 2021

Born in Truro, Nova Scotia, in 1911, Portia May White became an international singing sensation in the 1940s with her rich contralto voice. But her career was short-lived due to management difficulties and ill health. Although she never made a commercial recording, some of her practice sessions were recorded backstage.

A selection of those tracks, digitized by the National Archives of Canada, was released by her family on CD in the early 2000s. In this video, White performs her signature song, “Think on Me.”

RELATED ARTICLE

Think on Me

In the 1940s contralto Portia May White was celebrated as Canada’s singing sensation.

Your history. Your inbox.

With 7 uniquely curated newsletters to choose from, we have something for everyone.

Sign up now!
You can help share true stories of Canada’s diverse history

Thanks to Section 25 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canada became the first country in the world to recognize multiculturalism in its Constitution. With your help, we can continue to share voices from the past that were previously silenced or ignored.

 

We highlight our nation’s diverse past by telling stories that illuminate the people, places, and events that unite us as Canadians, and by making those stories accessible to everyone through our free online content.

 

Canada’s History is a registered charity that depends on contributions from readers like you to share inspiring and informative stories with students and citizens of all ages — award-winning stories written by Canada’s top historians, authors, journalists, and history enthusiasts.

 

Any amount helps, or better yet, start a monthly donation today. Your support makes all the difference. Thank you!

Make history now!

You can read a full length article about Portia White’s life, written by filmmaker Sylvia D. Hamilton, in the December 2021-January 2021 issue of Canada’s History. You can also find this issue on your local newsstands!

Themes associated with this article

Related to Women

Soldier Girl: The Emma Edmonds Story

She cropped her hair, donned a uniform, and became a soldier in the American Civil War. No one ever knew that he was a she. Until she told them.

Article

Women on the Force

Canada’s first female Mounties had a tough time fitting in — and you won’t find their stories in the RCMP’s official histories.

Article

Exporting Equality

Development programs have to reach women and girls if those programs are going to be effective and sustainable.

Article

Willing to be Thrilling

Her skirt was transparent. Her midriff was bare. Canadian-born pioneer of modern dance Maud Allan scandalized Edwardian London. In more ways than one.

Article