Anne Murray, a renowned Canadian singer, achieved a significant milestone in 2013 when she made a guest appearance on the popular TV show “Family Guy.” Despite her numerous musical accomplishments, including being the first Canadian female solo artist to top the U.S. charts, her cameo on the show became a standout moment in pop culture.
In the episode titled “Chris Cross,” characters Stewie and Brian Griffin develop a strong admiration for Anne Murray and journey to Canada to inquire about the meaning behind her song “Snowbird.” When Murray reveals that she did not write the song, tensions rise as Stewie accuses her of being a fraud and takes her hostage.
During an extensive interview with Tom Power on “Q,” Murray shared that she enthusiastically agreed to voice herself on the show, recording her part remotely from a studio in Toronto. Despite her initial confidence, her children warned her about potential backlash. However, Murray remained unfazed, stating, “My kids said, ‘Uh-oh, mom, they’re going to criticize you — be careful.’ And I replied, ‘Ah, what’s the harm.'”
Following the episode’s broadcast, “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane disclosed that his father had always played Anne Murray’s music on car rides when he was a child. The exposure from the show led to a surge in Google searches for Murray, introducing a new generation of fans to her music and legacy worldwide.
Reflecting on the experience, Murray expressed joy in engaging with a younger audience and noted that royalties from her music spiked after the episode aired. Furthermore, she mentioned that her latest album, “Here You Are,” comprises 11 previously unreleased tracks from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, now available to listeners.
For those interested in hearing more from Anne Murray, the full interview with Tom Power can be accessed on their YouTube channel and podcast, “Q with Tom Power.” Murray also delves into why she avoided the U.S. throughout her career and her unexpected decision to release a new album at the age of 80.