George Stroumboulopoulos Appointed to the Order of Canada

Governor General Mary Simon has named 78 new appointments to the Order of Canada on Thursday (Dec. 28), which "recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to our nation." This year's honourees include journalists, politicians, doctors and more, plus prominent figures from music and arts.

One name that stands out is George Stroumboulopoulos. Strombo, as he's often known, has been one of the most recognizable people in music media for more than two decades.

Stroumboulopoulos has had some brief crossover moments in the U.S., including a short-lived talk show on CNN and an ABC reality competition show called The One: Making a Music Star. But he's become a household name in Canada, a familiar face and voice across the the country's media over the years.

He first rose to prominence as a VJ on TV music station MuchMusic in the early 2000s and has since hosted a variety of shows on CBC, Rogers and Apple Music. He even dabbled in sports as the host of Hockey Night In Canada from 2014-2016. After Apple Music picked up his House of Strombo concert series in 2017, he became a host and curator on Apple Music Hits when it launched in 2020 as part of Apple Music Radio.

"With very rare exceptions, I have been 100% myself the whole way," he told Canadian Press.

Like fellow Apple host Zane Lowe, Strombo has become a tastemaker, often breaking up-and-coming artists or giving them a mark of approval with an interview. His Up Next Canada series has recently included rising musicians like Punjabi-Canadian producer Ikky and country singer-songwriter Owen Riegling.

Other notables appointed to Order of Canada in music and arts

Ardyth Brott, For her contributions to the Canadian orchestral community, and for her sustained support for youth involvement in music.

Deantha Rae Edmunds, For her significant contributions as Canada’s first Inuk opera singer, and for her original compositions and her mentorship of young Indigenous musicians.

Gary Alan Kulesha, For his contributions as an esteemed composer, conductor and mentor to the next generation of classical musicians.

Linda Jane Manzer, For her trailblazing contributions and achievements as one of the world’s leading luthiers (musical instrument makers).

Alfredo Caxaj, For his contributions to the arts and culture, and for his promotion and celebration of diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism in Canada.

Maia-Mari Sutnik, For her visionary leadership as the Art Gallery of Ontario’s first curator of photography and for her mentorship of the next generation of art historians.

Zainub Verjee, For advancing representation and equitable policy legislation within Canada’s arts and culture sectors as a leading artist, administrator and critic.

Lois McDonall, For her celebrated career as one of Canada’s leading sopranos and for her mentorship of the next generation of performers.

Joel Andrew Quarrington, For his contributions as a world-leading double bass player and respected educator.

Read the full list of Order of Canada appointments here.