Sam Smith bestowed Canadian singer and songwriter Beverly Glenn-Copeland with the legacy award at the PTP Pink Awards on Thursday, recalling a particular kinship they felt upon first meeting some time ago.

The British superstar flew into Toronto specifically to honour the Hamilton-based musician, who may be best known to Canadians for his frequent appearances on CBC's "Mr. Dressup." Smith described him as "a true statesman of the queer community."

"Like everyone who hears his incredible voice, I was immediately transfixed by Glenn's beautiful talent," Smith told the audience in the ballroom of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

"Listening to him sing is like feeling a warm embrace ... a calming voice for our times."

Smith met Glenn-Copeland when the pair recorded a new version of the 81-ye

See Full Page