Canadian singer - songwriter Ron Sexsmith didn't put out his first record until he was 31. That's old in the music business. Now at 47, Sexsmith describes himself as a work in progress.

by Mike Kravinsky

There are two types of late bloomers. There's the person who has struggled for years to achieve success, eventually finding it late.  And there's the person who leaves a career they're dissatisfied with late in life to pursue something they always felt was a calling.

International fame has always been just out of reach for Ron Sexsmith. But now, his latest record "Late Bloomer", is getting long overdue recognition. The song is part of a documentary on his struggles to get public notice called "Love Shines". He said on Qtv that he's always tried to make hit records. "They all sounded like hits to me," he says, "but for some reason in the production of the record or my singing, I could never quite make that translate." Sexsmith does have a good following in his native Canada these days.

Sexsmith admits he may have a hit, but he notes it's not really what you hear on the radio these days. A big supporter of Sexsmith is Elvis Costello. He said, "I think Ron is slightly cursed as being born out of time," adding, "The quality and nuance of his songs is greatly appreciated by people like myself who grew up with Tim Hardin and Paul McCartney." Sexsmith has had plenty of critical acclaim, but not commercial success. That may change soon. 

Here's the trailer for Love Shines, that premiered at SXSW 2011: