Beloved East Coast singer-songwriter Rita MacNeil got her place in the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday night. The late singer known as "Cape Breton's first lady of song," is among the most iconic performers to rise from Nova Scotia's music scene to national popularity, a feat she accomplished in her 40s. | CBC Nova Scotia

In 1989, Rita MacNeil was selling out concert halls across Canada, performing for more than 250,000 fans. At age 43 in 1987, she won the “Most Promising Female” Juno Award after years on the brink. Eric Malling interviews, the Cape Breton singer about her humble roots and her days as a feminist folk singer in the 1970s. MacNeil died in Cape Breton in 2013. the fifth estate is celebrating our 40th season and we are taking a look back at some of the people and places we have featured on the progra

Rita MacNeil..Live at The Crow...Sept.2,1982..Clip 2 | Cape Breton Music Media Historical Society