Born in Prince George, British Columbia, a member of the Lheidli T'enneh Band and the 16th of 20 children in his family, Gagnon was involved in music from his youth, playing for dances, weddings and private functions in central British Columbia, as well as for radio shows in Alberta and British Columbia. His career was interrupted by severe alcoholism, but after undertaking a recovery program, he recorded his breakthrough album "Crazy Maker" at the Banff Centre for the Arts in 2001. The album was nominated for a Best Music of Aboriginal Canada award in the Juno Awards of 2002. He has produced two other albums.