FORT FRANCES, Ont. — An Easter version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah recorded by two sisters from Fort Frances has captured more than eight million views on YouTube and Facebook.
Ten-year-old Cassandra Star Armstrong and her older sibling Callahan originally recorded the tune for their grandmother, who's in hospital.
Their mom, Nikki Armstrong, told TBNewswatch the family then decided to share it on Facebook.
Within days, the song went viral.
Other artists have previously recorded the version, whose lyrics were written by Kelley Mooney.
Efforts are now underway to make the Armstrong sisters' recording available through iTunes, Apple music, and other sources.
Nikki Armstrong said "It's hard to even describe how we are feeling. We have received thousands of messages from every country. The kind words and personal stories from so many people are overwhelming."
Her daughters are now working on their version of the iconic hymn Amazing Grace.
Cassandra was featured in a TBNewswatch story in early January
Her mother says that, since the story was published, Cassandra has met weekly with Dan Micciche, the music director of the Broadway musical Wicked, and
sings for him over Zoom.
She recently finished recording two French-language pieces for the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Once her video portion is produced, it will be added to the TBSO's virtual concert series later this spring.
Next month, Cassandra will also sing live on Zoom for Michael Orland, who was the musical director of American Idol for 16 years.