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Steve McAuley
FYI
Obituaries: Record Label Veteran Steve McAuley, Canadian Tributes to Dolly Parton, Tim Curry
This week we acknowledge the passing of a popular EMI Music Canada exec, a global country music icon and a famed English actor and rocker.
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Steve (Stephen) McAuley, a veteran label executive at EMI Music Canada, died on Aug. 24, at age 71. He had been living with Alzheimer's disease.
His official obituary notes that "Steve was born in Happy Valley- Goose Bay in Newfoundland/Labrador and is husband to his soul/song mate, Jennifer Loucks. He had many friends who were like family, having spent 25 years of his music career with Capitol/EMI Records of Canada in Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto.''
Jennifer Loucks informs Billboard Canada that ''Steve’s interest In music began early on as he was in the Nepean Marching Band when they lived in Ottawa, Ontario. His love of drumming and music grew over the years. As a teenager he was involved in music tech while attending Confederation High.
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''In those years he also loved hanging out at the clubs including the Sly Fox where he was involved in the disco scene and began his DJ years. He then moved to Calgary in his early 20s where he was a DJ at the Refinery Club while working for DJ services, handling music distribution to discos. He then became promotion rep for RCA Alberta before joining Capitol Records/EMI Music Canada.''
McAuley's tenure at EMI began in May 1980 and lasted until July 2005. He held different roles within the company, primarily focusing on artist and media relations and promotion, working with a large number of Canadian and international artists on the roster.
One of his longtime friends and label associates, Peter Diemer, recalls to Billboard Canada that ''I knew Steve back in the early '80s when I was the music director at CJAY 92 in Calgary. Steve worked for Capitol, but up in Edmonton. In 1983, Steve actually approached me and made a job offer to hire me, but Lesley Soldat (at the exact same time) offered me a similar position in Vancouver and I chose MCA instead.
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''Then in the summer of 1990, Deane Cameron [EMI president] approached me to join EMI, which I accepted. Steve was the director of artist relations then and he reported to me. He truly was my right hand guy.''
A 2015 press release reporting on McAuley's appointment as general manager of Downtowns Miramichi in New Brunswick noted that ''Steve started in the music promotion division at EMI, working with radio and television. He quickly proved to have a natural ability in relationship building and event planning, along with marketing, media relations and PR experience. His vision and perseverance enabled him to serve in various executive management positions throughout his 25 year tenure, eventually leading him to establish his own company.''
''Steve McAuley Management clients have included Canadian Idol, The Juno Awards, Canadian Music Week, and the City of Saint John’s 225th anniversary of becoming Canada’s first incorporated city.''
Loucks informs Billboard Canada that ''Steve moved to New Brunswick approximately 16 years ago to look after his father, Mac McAuley, as he had Alzheimer’s disease. He was a WW2 veteran and Steve moved him into Ridgewood Veterans Home in Saint John.
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''It was at the Long Term Care there that Steve and I met as I was working with his father as a recreation therapist on the dementia unit. We have been together for 15 years and married for 7 years Aug 10, 2019.''
She notes that "in his New Brunswick years, Steve worked for the City of Saint John 225 Celebrations. 'When he moved to Miramichi he worked for Downtown Miramichi Business Districts. When we moved to Memramcook, just outside of Moncton, he worked as the general manager of the Moncton Farmers Market.''
As news of McAuley's passing spread, his former music industry peers and colleagues and friends flooded social media with affectionate posts. Here is just a small selection, taken from Facebook unless otherwise noted.
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Rhonda Ross (formerly with Capitol/EMI Music Canada), to Billboard Canada: ''I had the pleasure of working with Steve at Capitol Records (Myself as national artist & media manager, Steve as central region promotions rep). He was a true Eastern Canadian — always a warm welcome, the right joke or smile @ the right time, knowing how to make others feel at ease.''
''Steve was passionate about his work and true to his word. Whether it was navigating through backstairs and dark corridors to get Duran Duran safely away from (unexpected) hordes of screaming fans, or talking promo promo plans at the office, we always had fun. Too many artists to name: Crowded House, Kate Bush, Tina Turner, Anne Murray, Tom Cochrane, Glass Tiger. Felt like family.''
Peter Diemer: ''I knew Steve for about 45 years. I have so many incredibly fond memories. The things we did together, the Juno parties and, after the last guest left, we always had a celebratory Grand Marnier at around 6 am. The 'Garth' trip across Canada [with Garth Brooks], the countless days and nights that we spent with all of the Canadian and international artists and executives on the label, and many others in our universe.
''But most of all, I’ll remember the day we spent together with the Air Canada 'Dreams Take Flight' Team. It was a day that changed us both forever, and we realized how fortunate we were and how important enjoying life and good health really truly is. Steve was a dear friend. I’ll miss his laughter, that big smile and sense of humour.. Godspeed Steve.''
Denise Donlon (MuchMusic, Sony Music Canada): ''Oh no! How sad to hear. Steve was salt of the earth and always had a fabulous joie de vivre. Sending strength and peace to his family and dear ones.''
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Dave MacMillan, to Billboard Canada: ''I worked with Steve at EMI Music Canada for 13 years, plus several more when he headed up the distributed labels department. As EMIs’ artist relations contact Steve developed solid relationships with artists, management, agents, promoters and road managers along with organizing release parties, award presentations, meet & greets and EMI's legendary Juno parties.''
''Steve moved to the East Coast and met the love of his life, Jennifer Loucks McAuley, his loving and caring wife. I had the pleasure to meet Jennifer when I visited Steve earlier this month.He said few words and smiled a lot, especially when he would look at the photo of his infant grandson. God bless you Steve. It was great to know you.''
Manager and record label head Ron Kitchener: ''Saddened to be told this news tonight. RIP Steve McAuley, one of the most fun loving positive record promoting pros I had the pleasure of knowing.''
Veteran record label executive turned author Kevin Shea: ''I, like you, am tired of reading death notices, but Canadian record and radio members will be saddened to learn that we have lost Steve McAuley, the former Capitol/EMI promotion representative who passed away this evening, a victim of the cruel Alzheimer’s.' Steve was so fun and so funny, always smiling, always laughing and always passionate about his artists.''
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Scott Carmichael: ''A sad day. Goodbye my friend. Thank you for all the opportunities you gave me. The EMI Juno Aftershow Parties were without a doubt the place to be.''
Longtime Canadian music industry photographer Barry Roden: "I worked every EMI post-Juno party with Steve since the Junos in Vancouver, 1991. Steve ran the door then and at all Juno pos- parties. He was the guy that needs to know you if you are not on the list and need to be let in. Not an easy job at all...He was sober at ALL of them. Working the door, not a drop. That's who Steve was.''
Veteran concert music promotion executive Susan Rosenberg: "Sincere condolences. Steve was always one of the most cheerful and welcoming of gents in a biz not often known for such honesty & integrity.''
Jazz artist Jane Bunnett: ''Larry Cramer and l are so saddened to hear of Steve's passing. When we were at EMI....he was definitely one of the good guys, kind and caring...sending our condolences on to his family...RIP Steve.''
Sarah Norris (formerly with Capitol): ''He was indeed such a beautiful, kind, generous, and always positive human being. There needs to be more Steves in this world.''
A Celebration of Life will for Steve McAuley will be held at Hillside Baptist Church, 2290 Mountain Road, Moncton, on September 3 at 2 pm. The service will be live-streamed here for those who are unable to attend in-person. In memory of Steve, a donation can be made to Hillside Baptist Church or the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick.
International
Dolly Parton, the extraordinarily versatile singer, songwriter and actor who built up her artistic credibility and commercial fortunes in both country and pop music plus films over more than half a century, died in Nashville on Aug. 25 at the age of 80, after a brief battle with cancer.
Billboard's obituary reports that ''Parton had been mostly out of sight eye for the past year following a struggle with unspecified health issues that forced the '9 to 5' singer/songwriter to curtail public appearances and postpone, then cancel her planned 2025 Las Vegas residency.
''Parton was famous for her wall of self-conscious artifice — she modeled her done-to-the-nines appearance on a prostitute in her hometown, and she always had a self-teasing quip at the ready. But she was also a magnificent singer, with an aching soprano trill that never left her, and a virtuosic songwriter whose work was adopted by artists from Whitney Houston ('I Will Always Love You') to the White Stripes ('Jolene').''
Those two Parton compositions are firmly established as pop and country classics covered by countless artists, while her own recordings of ''9 to 5'' and ''Islands In The Stream'' (with Kenny Rogers) were huge hits.
Billboard named Parton the top country artist of all time in 2024. She landed 49 albums in the top 10 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, the most of any woman. She also scored more No. 1s on the Hot Country Songs chart for a woman artist at 25.'
In the wake of her death, Parton's large discography found new life on streaming platforms. Billboard reports that Parton’s catalogue experienced a major surge on Tuesday following the news of her passing. After drawing a little over 1.2 million official on-demand U.S. streams the previous Tuesday (Aug. 18), her streaming totals were all the way up to 26.3 million on the 25th — a gain of 2,056%.
As Billboard notes, ''though primarily lauded as a country artist, Parton made detours (with albums and/or songs) into such genres as Americana/folk, bluegrass, children’s music, Christian, dance/electronic and pop.'' She also enjoyed major commercial success as part of the female supergroup Trio, alongside Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. Their 1987 self-titled album sold platinum and a sequel went gold. 1993’s Honky Tonk Angels, a collaboration with fellow country music legends Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette, also went gold.
Parton also scored hits as an actor in such films as 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.
She experienced a major resurgence late in her career, including reaching a Billboard 200 career high in 2023 when Rockstar, largely a collection of rock covers, debuted at No. 3, her pinnacle on the all-genre chart. The star-studded album, which featured contributions from Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Sting, goddaughter Miley Cyrus, Lizzo, Elton John and others, also debuted at No. 1 on the Top Album Sales chart, providing her with her biggest sales week in the modern era.''
In 2022, Parton was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Over the course of her 70-year career, Parton was nominated for 55 Grammys and won 11, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, and was twice nominated for an Oscar.
She also earned a reputation as a savvy business person, retaining the publishing rights to songs that became big hits, as well as running a hit theme park dubbed Dollywood.
Parton used her considerable wealth to fund many major initiatives and worthy causes. In the early days of COVID, she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which helped fund the Moderna vaccine.
Leading these good works was her creation of the Imagination Library, which provides books monthly to children from birth to age 5. This has spread to other countries, including Canada, and has distributed an estimated 300 million books internationally to date.
Though she carefully avoided taking overt political stances, Parton enthusiastically supported the queer community and championed diversity.
Parton's passing elicited an avalanche of stories and tributes in major media outlets around the globe and across social media. As has been remarked, the fact that virtually no negative stories or comments about Parton surfaced is quite remarkable in this age.
Billboard Canada recently reported on tributes flowing Parton's way from major Canadian artists. ''My mentor is gone,” wrote Shania Twain, posting a clip of her performing Parton’s “Coat of Many Colours” with her in 2003. Twain termed Parton “My songwriting teacher and hero of grace and humility. There is a hole in my heart but the joy of just the thought of her smile will continue to fill me with inspiration for as long as I live,” sharing that dueting the 1971 hit with Parton is a moment she’ll cherish forever. When Parton was awarded the Kennedy Center Honour in 2006, Twain performed the track once again, while Parton sat in the audience, expressing gratitude.
During a performance in London, rising country star Orville Peck told the crowd he was deeply affected by Parton’s passing: “I’m a little bit of a mess right now,” he said. “She really stood for kindness and I think that’s something that is really lacking in the world these days… I feel we can always remember what she stood for.”
He continued his tribute, saying that he didn’t often use the word 'hero' to describe anyone, but confirmed: “Dolly was my hero,” as his voice cracked. “I think as a gay man coming into country music and feeling sort of alone, the thing that always felt comforting is, like, just knowing Dolly existed in country…made me feel like maybe I had a friend there.” Peck went on to perform a cover of “I Will Always Love You,” saying: “We love Dolly and this is for her.”
On Instagram, Celine Dion posted this tribute: '“Dolly…you were pure light, with a kind heart and a generous spirit,. We will now be missing one of the most joyful voices this world has ever known. Thank you for the music, the laughter, and the love you gave us all. We will always love you.''
On social media, Michael Bublé recalled that ''Dolly once wrote me a letter asking if I’d listen to a song she’d written and consider singing it with her. It was so sweet, gracious and unbelievably humble. The truth is, I didn’t even listen before I said yes. When Dolly Parton asks, you say yes.
''Everyone seems to have their own Dolly story. She was a generational talent. If there’s one person in this business I could choose to emulate, it would be her. Humble, generous, clever, kind and insanely funny. When God made Dolly, He broke the mold. I feel so lucky our lives crossed.This one really hurts.''
On CBC, Canadian country singer Brett Kissel shared a story from a few years ago, when he got a call from an unfamiliar number — but didn’t pick it up. About an hour later, he noticed the voicemail, congratulating him on his success: ''I said, ‘Oh my God, you'll never believe it! Dolly Parton just called me,’” citing it as one of the best moments of his life and career.
"It just goes to show how much she cares about the industry, how much she cares about others, and other people who are doing well in the business. She didn't have to do that. But that little 15-second voicemail is something that I'm gonna cherish for the rest of my life."
In a press release from Sexton Entertainment Group that collected tributes to Parton, Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer Michelle Wright recalled that “I’ll never forget the first time I met Dolly backstage at the CMA Awards. She has been such an inspiration and example to so many of us. 'I Will Always Love You' was my encore song for many years.''
''There will never be another Dolly Parton. Her extraordinary talent, her heart, her humor, her generosity, and the way she has touched generations of people are truly one of a kind. What a life. What a legacy. And what a gift she has been to all of us.”
Veteran Toronto music publicist Victoria Lord worked extensively with Dolly Parton. In a Facebook tribute, she writes that ''One of the absolute highlights of my career was having the privilege of working with Dolly Parton, representing her in Canada on a number of album releases and a Canadian tour. One of my most treasured memories was putting together an afternoon of media interviews and a press conference around the release of Pure & Simple, and then working with her again around the Canadian tour dates that followed.
''She was extraordinary. Warm, gracious, funny and the consummate professional. But what I remember most was how incredibly present she was. When Dolly spoke with you, she held your gaze and made you feel that, in that moment, you had her complete attention. With someone of her stature, that was remarkable, and something I will never forget.''
''I feel incredibly fortunate that my career gave me the opportunity to spend even a little time in her orbit and to see firsthand the warmth, humanity and professionalism behind the icon.Absolutely gutted to hear that she is gone. What a life. What a legacy. Rest in peace, Dolly.''
On Facebook, honkytonk singer-songwriter Lindi Ortega posted that '''Dolly inspired so many. The outpouring of love for her today is a testament to who she was not only as a music artist but as a person. The world lost a beautiful butterfly!''
Also on Facebook, Toronto musician and bandleader Greg Jarvis (Flowers of Hell) offered this tribute: ''I've had a lot of nights with great musicians, but having dinner with Dolly Parton in London in '98 was exceptionally special. By the end of the evening it was just me, Dolly, and her manager discussing the plans for her Hungry Again album. I was elated to find that she was as down to earth and authentic as the Dolly I'd seen on TV all my life.''
Former BMG Canada label executive Ken Bain on Facebook: ''She did so much for so many. Back when I arranged a meet and greet Dolly set up everything with me directly. Never did meet a tour manager. RIP.''
Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Amanda Marshall, on Facebook: ''We were live on SiriusXM Canada when the news broke. The word 'icon' is overused, but in this case it’s appropriate. Dolly Parton was a genius songwriter and entertainer who used her vast wealth to actually make the world a better place. May she rest in peace.''
Veteran Toronto country-rocker Lori Yates offers this tribute to Billboard Canada: '“I was 13 when Johnny and Dickie, two tough kids from Halifax, introduced me to ‘Coat of Many Colors’ and ‘Jolene,’ and I fell in love with Dolly’s voice and songwriting. She made a huge impact. To end up on the same record label as her decades later still feels surreal. She was a gift to the universe.”
On Facebook, Canadian roots-rock duo Whitehorse posted this: ''RIP to the absolute Queen, Dolly Parton. We will always love you.'' They re-posted a video clip of a version of ''Islands in the Stream,'' explaining ''We recorded this in our kitchen at the beginning of lockdown after hearing about the passing of Kenny Rogers. An iconic duet from two of the all time greatest.''
A private funeral for Parton has taken place. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com.
Tim (Timothy James) Curry, the acclaimed British actor, author, comedian and singer best known for playing cross-dressing Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the cult classic movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show , died on Aug. 25, at age 80. A cause of death has not been reported.
Billboard reports that ''After gaining notice as part of the original cast of the British production of the musical Hair in 1968, Curry rose to international stardom in the role that would come to define his half-century career as the lascivious, lingerie-wearing Frank-N-Furter in the original stage production of The Rocky Horror Show, a b-movie send-up that chronicles the misadventures of a naive couple who take refuge from a storm in the home of mad scientist Furter.
''Though he would go on to perform in dozens of other plays and movies, it was his role in Rocky Horror that made Curry an international star. He famously reprised the role in the musical film adaptation in 1975, with that movie becoming a staple of interactive midnight screenings in which fans dressed up as his character (and others), and came armed with props mimicking the action on screen.''
Following his breakout role in the Rocky Horror stage musical, Curry appeared in a string of stage plays and TV projects, including a lauded performance in the title role of the six-part 1978 British Will Shakespeare mini-series. His film career also took off, landing him roles in another cult classic, Times Square [directed by Canadian Allan Moyle], as well as a scene-stealing turn in the 1982 film adaptation of Annie.
Curry also excelled in 1985 in the Ridley Scott fantasy film Legend as the Lord of Darkness, and also that year as Wadsworth the butler in the film adaptation of the board game Clue. He earned a best lead actor Tony nomination in 1980 for his titular role in Amadeus and spent much of the next two decades bouncing between Broadway and London’s West End in a series of starring roles in The Threepenny Opera, The Art of Success, My Favorite Year (for which he earned his second Tony nomination) and as Scrooge in the 2001 musical A Christmas Carol.
He scored classic roles in 1985 in the Ridley Scott fantasy film Legend as the Lord of Darkness, and as Wadsworth the butler in the film adaptation of the board game Clue. Curry's versatility as an actor was confirmed via roles in such films as Home Alone 2, Loaded Weapon 1 and Addams Family Reunion.
Billboard reports that ''after moving to the U.S., Curry began a run of television roles, including his Emmy-nominated portrayal of Winston Newquay in the triple role on the 1983 anthology series Tales From the Crypt, as well as a return to horror as Pennywise the Clown in the 1990 miniseries Stephen King’s It.
Curry also made a mark as a recording artist, beginning with an appearance on the Rocky Horror soundtrack, which reached No. 49 on the Billboard 200 album chart in 1978 . That same year he released a debut album, Read My Lips, one that has a very strong Canadian component.
Recorded in Toronto, it was produced by superstar Canadian rock producer Bob Ezrin (Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, KISS) and includes covers of songs written by his fellow Canadians Joni Mitchell, Tony Kosinec and Rough Trade's Carole Pope and Kevan Staples. It also features ''Sloe Gin,'' a song written by Ezrin and Michael Kamen (who played keyboards on and arranged Read My Lips) that has had a fascinating life.
Bob Ezrin tells Billboard Canada that ''Michael Kamen and I wrote 'Sloe Gin' specifically for Tim. Michael was my best friend and Tim and I had developed a deep friendship as well. Now they are together somewhere singing “I’m so fucking lonely!…” and laughing about it.''
''In 1978, when we played the album for the great Jerry Moss (the M in A&M Records, Tim’s label) and we came to 'Sloe Gin,' his eyes widened on hearing that expletive and he quietly shook his head. But to his credit, he did not ask us to take 'Sloe Gin' off the album.
''Years later, Kevin Shirley told me he had sent the song to [US blues-rock guitar star] Joe Bonamassa and they recorded it. It was a fabulous version and Joe’s first hit. Tim, Michael and I were all very proud.''
A highlight of Read My Lips is Curry's striking cover of a Rough Trade song, ''Birds of a Feather.'' Canadian rock icon Carole Pope tells Billboard Canada that ''We connected with Tim through Bob Ezrin. Tim, Kevan and I became friends while he was recording at 'Toronto studio] Manta. I sat in on a few of Tim's recording sessions in Toronto and New York. We were thrilled that he covered 'Birds Of a Feather.' I think he really understood and owned the song.
''I saw Tim on Broadway in Amadeus. We kept in touch and hung out while we were both living in LA. He was brilliant, funny and insanely talented. He leaves an amazing legacy that will live on forever.''
Another album track, ''Alan,'' was written by Toronto singer-songwriter Tony Kosinec. He tells Billboard Canada that ''I'm pretty sure Bob [Ezrin] brought it to Tim. Bob likely decided to produce me because of that song which was on my 1973 Consider the Heart album. He was the executive producer on my Almost Pretty album in 2000 and Michael Kamen was the session producer.
'Michael was also working on Tim's album for Bob around that time and brought Tim to a couple of our sessions in LA, so I got to hang with him. He was funny, down-to-earth and fun to be with. A big guy with a powerful presence that oozed kindness.''
Curry went on to release another two solo albums. 1979’s more rocking collection of originals, Fearless, reached No. 53 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the minor hit “I Do The Rock,” which reached No. 96 on the Billboard Hot 100. Curry’s third album, 1981’s Simplicity, peaked at No. 112 on the Billboard 200.
Curry was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2002 for Best Spoken Word Album for Children for his reading of A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning.
After suffering a stroke in 2012, Curry spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair. He released his acclaimed memoir, Vagabond, in 2025.
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