Montreal music legend Gregory Charles brings joy to Jewish General Hospital through song

"It's a pleasure," says Gregory Charles, Montreal music legend who performed at the Jewish General Hospital on Friday afternoon, bringing hospital staff, patients, and families together in song. Pamela Pagano reports.

The Jewish General Hospital’s Humanization of Care Committee welcomed Montreal music legend Gregory Charles on Friday for a free musical performance dedicated to hospital staff, patients, families, and visitors — simply to bring joy and connection through song.

“For me, it’s walking into a place where my dad spent 40 years. I was born in this hospital, I also worked here — one of my first jobs as a teenager — and my daughter was born here as well,” said Charles. “I feel like I’ve been coming here for many years. I got a lot from this hospital, and it’s a pleasure to give back, even just a little, today.”

Gregory Charles singing at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital on June 13, 2025. (Pamela Pagano, CityNews)

From actor and choral director to teacher, producer, and entrepreneur, Charles has left his mark on television, radio, and the stage. He is perhaps best known for his record-breaking 43-performance run of Noir et Blanc at Montreal’s Bell Centre in the early 2000s.

“Looking at Gregory reminds me of his dad, Len Charles, who worked with me for many years,” said Frank Maniscalco of CT Transport at the Jewish General Hospital (JGH). “I knew Len very well. He was a sweet and positive person, and I see the same qualities in his son.”

Healthcare workers watching Gregory Charles sing at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital on June 13, 2025. (Pamela Pagano, CityNews)

Hospital staff were thrilled to welcome Charles for the performance.

“I’m happy — we’re happy and excited!” said Donna-Sue Kernohan, a licensed practical nurse at the Jewish General Hospital.

“I think it’s a good gift to give to people, and I’m very happy to be here,” added Julia Charles, Gregory’s daughter and a musician in her own right.

“In the hospital, people work so hard,” said Janis Brownstein, a member of the Tempo Concerts Committee. “We hope this is a small gesture that brings some joy into their daily lives.”

Gregory Charles and his daughter, Julia Charles , singing at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital on June 13, 2025. (Pamela Pagano, CityNews)

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