Canadian Singer Songwriter Marshall Dane Dedicates Powerful Single “No Need To Speak”
to the Deaf and ASL Community
Canadian singer-songwriter Marshall Dane is a natural born storyteller whose journey has been shaped by a life full of victories and setbacks. He doesn't shy away from sharing his vulnerabilities and emotions, making him and his music both relatable and heartfelt. His unique blend of country, rock and singer-songwriter has, to date, earned him five nominations for Male Artist of the Year at the Country Music Association of Ontario awards.
What sets Marshall apart is his use of American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with the Deaf community. As the son of a minister, he was raised with a strong sense of compassion and inclusivity. Since learning ASL in 2017, he has been incorporating the language into his performances to break down barriers and make his music accessible.
He co-wrote his new single, “No Need To Speak,” with award-winning singer-songwriter Rosanne Baker Thornley (RBT). “The motive was my appreciation, understanding and conviction that we don’t need words to understand each other. We just need to pay attention, use our eyes, our hearts,” says Marshall. “If there’s someone you love and you need them to know how strongly you feel, that they can count on you in that moment, this song will support you.”
“When the founder of the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf relayed a story of one of his congregation members not being able to speak in her final moments of life…and he looked at her and said ‘don’t worry, I see what you’re saying’...That message—along with my understanding that in the Deaf culture, it is an ultimate display of ignorance to turn away from someone who can only communicate by visual connection—made me realize an underlying value inside of me that I don’t quit on the people I love…I don’t and won’t turn away from them,” Marshall concludes.
Born into a family of musicians, Marshall has a unique background, his upbringing influencing his music with depth and soul. His passion shines through in every performance. Whether he is playing for 40 people or 4000 people, he leaves it all on the stage, pouring his heart into every song with a boundless energy and unforgettable presence that captivates his audience.
Marshall has graced the stages of renowned music festivals such as Boots and Hearts, Sarnia Bayfest, CNE (Canadian National Exhibition), and the Calgary Stampede, and performed shows supporting Alan Jackson, Blue Rodeo, Eric Church and many more.
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Freelance Writer
Emily Hinde
