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BILLBOARD CANADA FYI
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Barry Haugen
FYI
Obituaries: Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer Barry Haugen, Steve Cropper of Booker T & the M.G.’s
This week we also acknowledge the passing of Toronto organist and choir director Dr. Giles Bryant, famed session guitarist Phil Upchurch and Skyhooks guitarist Bob Starkie.
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Barry Haugen, a pioneer of the Canadian country music industry, died on Dec.1, at age 84, of cancer.
His work as a record label executive and a dedicated booster of Canadian country artists earned him induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009.
Born in Saskatchewan, his country music career began as a DJ at CFCW in Camrose, Alberta, where he learned from Hall of Fame members Bev Munro and Curley Gurlock.
A Celebrity Access obituary notes that Haugen then "moved to Toronto to join RCA Records in the early '70s as the first national country music promotion manager at a major Canadian record company. He expanded his portfolio to include domestic A&R in the mid ‘70s."
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"Haugen promoted such notable Canadian artists as Hank Snow, Carroll Baker, the Family Brown, Tommy Hunter, Ronnie Prophet, the Good Brothers, Dick Damron, the Mercey Brothers, Marie Bottrell and others. He also was pivotal in extending the national profiles of such RCA U.S. acts as Charley Pride, Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, George Hamilton IV, Waylon Jennings, Bobby Bare and Alabama."
A bio on the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) website notes that "Haugen helped produce and record Dick Damron's Canadian Centennial album and was involved with Carroll Baker’s self-titled 1976 LP on RCA, which saw her become the first Canadian country artist to be certified Platinum.
"When Artist and Repertoire duties were added to his responsibilities at RCA Canada, he became the label's point man to discover talent, sign them, arrange for production of their albums, and then market those albums, both domestically and internationally. Over his career, Barry built close personal friendships with international stars like Charley Pride, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings and Hank Snow."
On the CMAO Facebook page, Board Chair Patrick Duffy shares that "Barry was the first President of what is now known as the Country Music Association of Ontario and a founding member of the organization that became the CCMA. A true trailblazer, Barry helped carve the path for so many in this industry. He was, without question, the trail boss.
"We are profoundly inspired by his lasting legacy and join the Canadian music community in celebrating a life dedicated to championing country artists across this country. We honour his many achievements and accolades, and we mourn the loss of a true pioneer."
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In 1976, Haugen was a founding member of The Academy of Country Music Entertainment (now CCMA), serving on the board of directors for two terms and co-chairing (with Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson) the awards & balloting committee.
He co-produced the first CCMA Awards show in Halifax in 1982, was twice named Record Company Person of The Year by the CCMA (1982 and 1985) and won numerous Promotion Person Awards from trade and consumer magazines.
The first Ontario Country Music Association Board of Directors was established in October 2008, with Haugen as president. Shortly thereafter, it decided to adopt a new name: Country Music Association of Ontario (or the CMAOntario).
Since retiring from active duty, Haugen was involved with a management and booking company based in Saint John, New Brunswick, as well as private consulting.
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The CMAO tribute notes that "It was his abiding belief that Canada's country stars are world-class, and his smiling dedication endeared him to industry people everywhere."
That was certainly reflected in all the affectionate comments from artists and industry colleagues that have been shared after his passing.
Bruce Good of The Good Brothers sent Billboard Canada this tribute: "Barry Haugen was one of the first music industry people to welcome The Good Brothers to the RCA label. He was not only a record executive but soon became a true friend. After first meeting Barry, it soon felt as though he had been a friend for years. I will miss our bi- monthly lunches where we would discuss ongoing music industry issues.
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"Even after retiring he continued his involvement with music, becoming the first president of the inaugural year of the CMAO. Not many people knew that Barry was a card carrying Kentucky Colonel. Yes, there is such a thing. It’s a very exclusive club that welcomed him during his involvement with his dear friend Charlie Pride. The Good Brothers will miss his friendship and wisdom."
Ed Preston, former GM of RCA Canada, recalled to Celebrity Access that "Country was all Barry worked on, and he did a really good job for the artists. When he went to Nashville to work on some of our own acts recording there, they just loved him down there. When he came back, he always had the Nashville accent. It used to take him a week or so to get rid of it.”
Brian Allen, secretary of the CMAO Board, offered this tribute to Billboard Canada: "I have nothing but warm memories of working with Barry. Although he could present as a little crusty at times, he had a massive heart, an easy smile and a ton of valuable experience. He will be missed."
One of Canada's biggest ever country stars, Carroll Baker, posted on her social media that “My heart is broken. I have lost one of my best friends in the music industry. Barry Haugen was a beacon of hope and inspiration to country music. He was the one we all went to when we wanted to know something about the biz!”
"I have so many memories of Barry during the times I was with RCA Records. Barry Haugen was one of the biggest parts of those days. He would go on the road with me, and teach me the ropes about touring. He was one of my dearest friends who was like a protective armour keeping me safe from harm. So many laughs, so much love."
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On Facebook, Canadian country singer-songwriter Carolyn Dawn Johnson recalled that "Barry Haugen worked on my first record with me and he was amazing. He always had a smile and a positive attitude and made you feel special. He was very passionate about the artists he worked with. I am so glad I got to see him in recent years. It was like no time had passed. My deepest condolences to his family and his dear friends and all of us who were touched by his goodness and his life. A special human being for sure. RIP my friend."
Record label veteran Jim Campbell recalled to Billboard Canada that "I first met Barry Haugen before I actually began my career in the 'music business.' I’d see him around the RCA Studios on Mutual Street, just post my recording artist days with Nimbus 9/RCA and later while I was doing vocals for a bunch of radio and TV spots for Ben McPeek who was a partner in Nimbus 9.
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"Though my memory’s a bit fuzzy, I believe, at that time, Barry was co-head of A&R with Gordon Lightfoot’s drummer Barry Keane, reporting to the late great Jack Feeney. When I eventually joined RCA in early 83 after 8+ years at WEA, Barry immediately became my go to guy and guided me thru my first few months there.
"Barry had already gained valuable experience and expertise in A&R, Promotion, Marketing and he had exemplary Artist Relations skills, being the perfect fit for our heavily weighted country music artist roster. I worked alongside Barry for the ensuing 15 years before I moved to RCA/BMG’s New York H.Q. During my tenure there, he eventually pivoted to sales while remaining tight with the country music community. "
"Barry was the epitome of the all-round music business guy. Every visiting artist or executive, not to mention his colleagues and competitors over the years, recognized Barry’s unique gifts and talents, his endearing personality and his genuine warmth and kindness. He loved to call me 'Soup'” I and many of our colleagues, often lovingly called Barry 'Haystack.' I will miss him…Rest easy my friend."
A fellow Canadian Country Hall of Famer, veteran radio promoter and publicist Anya Wilson sent Billboard Canada this tribute: "Barry was a tremendous mentor to me starting when I began promoting country music to radio in Canada. Of course, he was a pioneer in the field being the first full time radio promoter of country music in Canada. Barry had a BIG personality! Stories he told me of his experiences as a radio announcer, and being a sales and promotion director would make me laugh until I cried.
"I can't even begin to say how much I revered him as a comrade, and as an ally in a very small lonely sector of our industry. He gave country music a national ‘face,’ and the big and tireless way he represented his artists, created promotions, supported shows, and worked with booking agents and promoters led to making the country music that he loved so much very, very cool! Importantly all the artists he represented became his lifelong friends, and loved him dearly. As we all did."
Veteran Canadian record label executive and artist manager Jill Snell, on Facebook. "Last night, at the Unison party [the annual holiday Schmoozefest in Toronto], my long time friend Sheila Hamilton let me know that this lovely human Barry Haugen had passed away. Barry made huge contributions to the Canadian country music industry over multiple decades, starting out as a DJ in Camrose, AB, and then moving to Toronto to join RCA Records as a promo and A&R man.
"For me, Barry was a long time friend through my years at BMG and once he retired he was a welcome, smiling face across the room at any industry event. Barry was a true gentleman who built a wonderful legacy through his work, his family and his pure love of country music. He will be missed by so many. Condolences to his family."
On Facebook, radio veteran Dave Charles posted that "We worked together in the early days to help build the CCMA. It was Barry's experience and advice that helped the CCMA shape and develop a distinct Canadian country music star system. Barry introduced me to the heavyweights in country music in Nashville. There are many country music artists working today who owe much to Barry Haugen's guidance and support. Thank you for your friendship, thoughtfulness and good humour. You were one of a kind and will be greatly missed by many."
A fellow RCA Canada/BMG veteran Ken Bain posted this on Facebook: "RIP Barry Haugen. A great mentor and he always had a smile for everyone. His vast knowledge of music will be missed."
Dr. Giles Bradley Bryant, a renowned Toronto organist, choir director and educator, has died at age 91.
He is widely known as the beloved pioneer of St. Paul’s Bloor Street Annual Christmas Carol Concert in Toronto, an event that has run for many decades.
"Described as a 'musical titan,' Bryant’s legacy encompasses much more than his renowned musical achievements," a Toronto Star obituary notes. "Those who knew him remember him not only for his professional excellence, but for the warmth, generosity, and humanity he brought to every interaction."
Bryant developed a passion for music, singing in the chapel choir during his youth. The Star reports that "He soon developed a fascination with the church organ, which he affectionately referred to as 'the monster in the corner.' After much persistence, he began organ lessons and quickly started playing for services, practicing late into the night. His early experiences in music led him to a lifelong devotion to the organ and its mechanics, lessons he passed on to his students before his death..
"However, Bryant’s influence as a mentor and musician extended far beyond the walls of All Saints Anglican Church, where he was organist and choirmaster until his retirement in 2015. Known for his humility and devotion to his craft, he was named Canon of St. James Cathedral, a role he cherished for many years."
"But perhaps he was best known for being one of the pioneers of the Christmas Carol Concert, created in support of the Star’s Santa Claus Fund. The concert has taken place at St. Paul’s Bloor Street church every year since it began in 1979, cementing Bryant’s legacy in the city."
A celebration of Giles Bryant's life will be held at the Royal St. George's College, Toronto, in the spring.
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Steve (Stephen Lee) Cropper, a guitarist and songwriter famed for his work in Booker T & the M.G.’s and with The Blues Brothers, died on Dec. 3, at age 84.
A Billboard obituary notes that "the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer also co-wrote such classics as 'Green Onions' & '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay' and played on seminal recordings by such artists as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Sam & Dave and many more.
"As the guitarist for Booker T & the M.G.’s, which served as Stax Records’ house band during the 1960s, Cropper was architect of the sound, with his ringing, often spare guitar work and deft touch heard on R&B and pop classics including Redding’s '(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,' Eddie Floyd’s 'Knock on Wood,' Pickett’s In the Midnight Hour' and Sam & Dave’s 'Soul Man' (Sam Moore immortalized Cropper with his 'Play It, Steve,' ad lib on 'Soul Man').“
Steve Greenberg, reissue producer of 1991’s Grammy-winning The Complete Stax-Volt Singles box set, frequently worked with Cropper, and he told Billboard that "Steve Cropper was a towering figure in the history of rock and R&B. As one of the all-time great electric guitarists, his unique playing style brought deep character to hits ranging from ‘Green Onions’ to 'Dock of the Bay' to Rod Stewart’s ‘Tonight’s the Night.’ Add to that his songwriting and production on classics like ‘In the Midnight Hour,’ ‘Knock on Wood’ and, of course, ‘Dock of the Bay,’ and Steve Cropper goes down as one of the key creators of popular music in the 1960s.”
In 1969, Cropper released his first solo album, With a Little Help from My Friends. When Cropper left Stax in the fall of 1970, the label lost one of its most successful producers and songwriters. He then set up TMI Studios with Jerry Williams and former Mar-Key Ronnie Stoots. Artists he worked with included Ringo Starr, Rod Stewart, John Prine, and Jeff Beck.
By 1975, Cropper had moved to Los Angeles. In 1978, Cropper and bandmate Duck Dunn became members of Levon Helm's RCO All-Stars and his career was given a major boost in 1979 when comedy superstar John Belushi phoned him about his fictional blues duo The Blues Brothers (Jake and Elwood Blues, with his “brother,” Canadian Dan Aykroyd). Cropper recorded with the pair and made an invaluable suggestion, as he recalled in an interview for the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in 2019.
“What they wanted to do probably would have made it anyway, I don’t know, was basically all slow, kind of medium-tempo blues songs. Nothing wrong with blues songs, but there was nothing in there commercial to dance to," said Cropper. He suggested Sam & Dave's "Soul Man," and The Blues Brothers remake reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979 and introduced the classic to a new generation.
Cropper went on to figure prominently in the Blues Brothers Band. This led to two albums, appearances in the movies The Blues Brothers and Blues Brothers 2000, and the movies' soundtracks.
Cropper lived in Los Angeles for the next thirteen years before moving to Nashville and reuniting with the Blues Brothers Band in 1988.
In 2011, Cropper released the album Dedicated which was his tribute to the "5" Royales. In 2013 he was a special guest at selected concerts as part of Peter Frampton's Guitar Circus Tour, including the first performance which featured Frampton, Robert Cray, and Vince Gill.
In 2021, Cropper's Fire It Up was nominated for a Grammy Award in the best contemporary blues album category. In August 2024, under the band name Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour, Cropper released the album Friendlytown. Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top is featured on lead guitar throughout the album, while Brian May of Queen also guests.
Cropper was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T & the M.G.’s, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2010, Cropper was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
As a producer, his work on "Dock of the Bay'"earned Cropper one his two Grammys, winning for best rhythm & blues song in 1969. He won at the 1995 ceremony for best pop instrumental performance for the Booker T. & the M.G.’s track "Cruisin’." Cropper was nominated for nine Grammys in total, most recently in 2024 for best contemporary blues album for Friendlytown.
His versatility as a player is shown by an extensive list of recording credits that includes Alabama, Big Star, Richie Havens, Chris Hillman, Art Garfunkel, Peter Frampton, Jimmy Buffett, Frank Black, Wynonna Judd, Paul Simon, The Staple Singers, Rod Stewart, Roy Orbison, Albert and B.B. King, Dolly Parton, Aaron Neville, William Bell, John Mellencamp, Levon Helm, Canadian David Clayton-Thomas (on his self-titled solo album), Leon Russell, Delaney & Bonnie and many more. Cropper released 12 solo albums over his long career.
In a statement, Pat Mitchell Worley CEO, Soulsville Foundation — which includes the Stax Museum and Stax Music Academy - noted that “Steve Cropper’s offerings to American music are significant but his contribution to soul and R&B music are immeasurable.
“As a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s and a cornerstone of the Stax Records sound, his songwriting and guitar work shaped the very language of soul music. A gifted songwriter, producer, and musician, Cropper helped create timeless hits that continue to influence artists and people worldwide. His signature style helped define an era and cemented his legacy as one of the most important guitarists in modern music history.”
Tributes to Cropper poured in from around the globe. One former Torontonian, Marty MacDougall posted this on Facebook: "Sad to hear the news. He was a guitar hero of mine, a Telecaster master. When the Blues Brothers played the Horseshoe in Toronto, Steve was looking to rent his go-to amplifier, a Fender red knob evil twin and couldn't find one.
"Kenny Sprackman [then-Horseshoe co-owner] said 'I know a guy who has one,' so I ended up loaning him mine and then we were friends for life lol. The next time they came into town I accommodated him again with the amp."
Phil Upchurch, a jazz and R&B guitarist who played with Quincy Jones, Donny Hathaway and Michael Jackson, died on Nov. 23, at age 84.
Billboard reports that "Over a remarkable career, Upchurch recorded nearly 30 albums and appeared on more than 1,000 recordings. Notable contributions include Chaka Khan’s 1978 hit 'I’m Every Woman,' which topped Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for three weeks, and Jackson’s 'Workin’ Day and Night,' from his 1979 solo album, Off the Wall."
"Upchurch was also featured on all of Hathaway’s solo studio and live albums, as well as Curtis Mayfield’s soundtracks for the films Superfly, Claudine, Let’s Do It Again and Sparkle, the latter featuring Aretha Franklin. He also performed or recorded with other music legends, including George Benson, Bob Dylan, Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, John Lee Hooker and Stan Getz.
Early in his career, the Chicago-born Upchurch was influenced by jazz greats Oscar Peterson and Jimmy Smith. In 1961, he scored a hit under his own name with “You Can’t Sit Down.” Two years later, he was part of a studio band that backed Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) on the spoken-word/comedy album I Am the Greatest!
After serving two years in the U.S. Army in Germany in the mid-'60s, Upchurch became a regular session musician at Chicago’s Chess Records, collaborating with legends such as Ramsey Lewis, John Klemmer, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, the Dells and Etta James.
Beyond performing, Upchurch authored two instructional music books and completed an autobiography, which is set to be released posthumously.
Bob 'Bongo' Starkie, guitarist in popular Australian rock band Skyhooks, died on Nov. 28, at age 73, after a battle with cancer. Starkie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia earlier this year.
A statement released on Skyhooks' official Facebook page announced his passing: "For the past year, he has fought the brave fight against leukaemia, hoping to get back on the road to perform more shows. Bob was the guitarist in the iconic Skyhooks, the youngest in the band, and he embraced the theatrics from striking facial make-up to unique stage costumes. The music always came first, and touring and playing onstage was his absolute joy. Music was in his blood till the very end."
Skyhooks had a big impact on the Australian rock scene in the 1970s. Their song "You Just Like Me 'Cos I'm Good In Bed" was played during top Australian radio station's 2JJ's (later triple j's) first ever broadcast on January 19, 1975.
The group formed in Melbourne in 1973, and Starkie joined a few months later, replacing his older brother, Peter. Skyhooks were known for their flamboyant make-up and costumes. Their debut album Living in the 70's was released in October 1974, and spent 16 weeks at the top of the national albums charts from February 1975. A second album, Ego Is Not a Dirty Word (1975) topped the Kent Music Report for 11 weeks.
Bob Starkie and Red Symons shared lead guitar duties on their biggest hits. The group split up in 1980, but then had a series of reunions the the '80s and '90s. Skyhooks scored another No. 1 song, "Jukebox in Siberia," in 1990.
In its obituary, Rolling Stone Australia reports that "In the ’80s, Starkie bought and ran Collingwood live venue The Jump Club for five years, which hosted concerts from a stack of major local talent including INXS, Midnight Oil and Models as well as comedy acts.
In 1992, they were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame.
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