By FYI Staff
A simple press release released by CARAS Tuesday (July 23) announcing Music Canada’s sponsorship of a newly minted and expanded Music Hall of Fame ceremony, and complementary CBC TV show, masked the fact that several years of backroom arm twisting, in-fighting, and sometimes outright acrimony preceded the deal being struck. But it’s over, and the credits go to Academy president Allan Reid, Music Canada counterpart Graham Henderson, and the major labels, for working through innumerable obstacles and saving the day and giving due justice to Canadian music icons past and present. Credit must also go to the committee that was tasked with finding harmony in a category that tested the mettle of everyone involved.
Here’s the press release announcing mission accomplished.
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) today announced the inaugural multiple-induction Canadian Music Hall of Fame Ceremony Presented by Music Canada, taking place at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre in Calgary on October 27, 2019.
This celebration of Canadian music will honour four new inductees into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. A fifth inductee will be recognized during the 2020 Juno Awards Broadcast, on Sunday, March 15 in Saskatoon. The Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in September. An hour-long special showcasing career highlights from the inductees will air as part of Music Day on CBC, broadcasting Sunday, March 15, 2020, ahead of The 2020 Juno Awards.
“Canadian artists have made such a meaningful impact on music and our culture both at home and internationally, and they deserve to be recognized and celebrated,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The Juno Awards and MusiCounts. “By expanding the number of inductees in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, we’re able to honour even more iconic Canadian artists each year.
“Music Canada is proud to present the Canadian Music Hall of Fame Ceremony, which will see more of Canada’s greatest artists take their place in the Hall of Fame,” said Graham Henderson, President & CEO, Music Canada. “Celebrating the milestone achievements of artists is one of the pillars of our organization. Our member companies - Sony, Universal, and Warner - have contributed to the success and legacy of many Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees. We’re happy to support this inaugural ceremony, which will honour the artists who helped define Canada’s cultural identity with their music.”
“We’re proud to have built a physical home for music in Canada where the stories of Canada’s diverse artists can live and thrive,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO, National Music Centre. “We’re thrilled to welcome these latest inductees into the Halls of Fame galleries at Studio Bell, home National Music Centre, to share their incredible contributions with music lovers from far and wide.”
Calgary’s Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, will open its doors to invited guests for the event featuring red carpet arrivals, an induction ceremony, performances, the unveiling of exhibitions dedicated to each inductee and a post-event cocktail reception where the recipients will place their name plaques in the Hall of Fame. Also, that evening, the MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award (MIMAA) will be presented. This award recognizes individuals who have had an extraordinary impact on music education and on the charity MusiCounts over the course of its history.
Since 1978, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame has celebrated and honoured Canada’s music trailblazers for their immeasurable cultural impact. These artists have shaped the musical landscape and given a powerful voice to the country. The richness of their storytelling and quality of their songs have paved the way for other artists, not just in Canada, but around the world.
The Canadian Music Hall of Fame is governed by CARAS and falls under one of the organization’s four key pillars: Educate through our music education charity MusiCounts programs and initiatives, Develop emerging artists through mentorship and development programs, Celebrate Canadian artists with year-round JUNO Awards showcasing, and Honour music industry icons through the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
The 49th Annual Juno Awards and Juno Week will be hosted in Saskatoon from March 9 through March 15, 2020, culminating in The Awards’ broadcast live from the SaskTel Centre on Sunday, March 15, on CBC, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, the free CBC Gem streaming service in Canada and globally on cbcmusic.ca/junos.
