Brakeman Jack – known off-stage as Jack Godwin – is a heritage singer, storyteller, and songwriter who bridges history with heartfelt music. His work as a performer, educator, and chronicler of Canadian stories breathes life into the forgotten eras of steam railways, community struggles, and local tales, all delivered with wit and emotional resonance.
From Teacher to Troubadour
Jack Godwin’s journey began in Vancouver, where his curiosity and keen observations shaped his formative years. After earning a degree at the University of British Columbia, Godwin became a high school teacher, quickly discovering a knack for engaging his students by “hooking” their emotions and interest through storytelling. Whether teaching history or sharing perspectives on life, he mastered the art of making content relevant and engaging – a skill that would later define his musical style.
After 18 years of teaching, Godwin and his wife traded city life for the serenity of Naramata, an idyllic village nestled along Lake Okanagan. It was here that the former teacher transitioned into a full-time storyteller and musician, using his passion for history to shape songs that captivate audiences.
The Kettle Valley Brakemen: Keeping Railway Lore Alive
In the mid-1990s, with the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland bringing steam trains back to life, Jack founded The Kettle Valley Brakemen – a folk/bluegrass ensemble dedicated to telling the stories of Canada’s steam rail era. Combining his research skills with a natural flair for entertaining, Brakeman Jack crafted original songs and narratives about train life, construction camps, and legends surrounding the Kettle Valley Railway.
The Brakemen’s music celebrates more than nostalgia; it preserves a piece of Canadian heritage for future generations. Their performances blend fact and folklore, delivering songs that are equal parts education and entertainment. From ghost trains to life in railway towns, Jack’s music immerses listeners in an era when railways connected not just places, but people and stories.
The Craft of Songwriting
Brakeman Jack is a songwriter who leans into the folk tradition of storytelling. Unlike emotive lyricists who write from spontaneous inspiration, Jack’s process is deliberate and structured. Each song begins with discovering a story worth sharing – whether a local legend, historical event, or everyday experience. He polishes each tune through careful ideation, writing, and weeks of refinement, ensuring every lyric resonates with purpose and emotional impact.
His songs, often rooted in history or personal observation, are crafted to “hook” the listener emotionally. By blending elements of nostalgia, humour, shock, or surprise, Brakeman Jack makes history and storytelling accessible to all. Tracks like “Railway Crossing” and “When the War Was New” exemplify his ability to balance history with humanity, creating music that connects deeply with his audience.
A Voice for Naramata and Beyond
Beyond rail-inspired music, Brakeman Jack’s passion extends to his community. The Naramata Project is a musical tribute to the village that became his adopted home. Songs such as “Naramata, I’m Coming Home” reflect life in this serene corner of the Okanagan Valley, while others like “Plum Outta Peaches in Penticton” weave humour and local culture into catchy, memorable tunes.
In addition to his recordings, Jack has been a fixture at the Naramata Museum, where he shares his love of history through live “noodling” sessions in the summers. These intimate gatherings offer visitors a chance to hear Jack’s songs up close, learn about local history, and enjoy timeless folk singalongs.
Accolades and Legacy
Brakeman Jack’s work has not gone unnoticed. His song “True Confessions” earned national recognition, winning a top spot in the National Campus and Community Radio Association contest. The tune, brimming with wit and charm, highlights Jack’s ability to blend humour with universal truths – a testament to his skill as a songwriter.
Jack remains an independent artist, unbound by corporate influence. This freedom allows him to experiment and infuse his recordings with personality, charm, and occasional studio playfulness. Whether capturing the humour of daily life or the weight of historical events, Brakeman Jack’s music is an authentic reflection of his storytelling philosophy: engage, entertain, and leave the listener moved.
Why Brakeman Jack Matters
Brakeman Jack’s music reminds us that history isn’t just dates and facts – it’s stories, emotions, and human connection. His concerts resurrect the heritage of the Kettle Valley Railway and share the spirit of Naramata, and celebrates the lives of everyday people who might otherwise be forgotten.
In a world that moves too fast, Brakeman Jack invites us to slow down and listen – to the hum of a steam train, the echoes of the past, and the stories that shape us.
For bookings and to find out more about Brakeman Jack, his music, and upcoming projects, visit brakemanjack.ca.
