NEW YORK (www.ccma.org) - The Canadian Country
Music Association (CCMA) today named the latest industry stars who will be inducted into the Country
Music Hall of Fame in 2004. This year's honorees are in the Artist and Broadcaster category, plus two additional Award of Achievement presentations will be made for the Hank Smith Award of
Excellence and Leonard T. Rambeau International Award during Country
Music Week Edmonton,
September 10 – 13.
CCMA Hall of Fame Inductees
Induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame recognizes long-term contribution to the growth and development of Canadian country music. The recipient may be living or deceased, an Artist, Broadcaster, or Builder, but must be recognized for his/her achievements as a Canadian in the industry.
Hall of Fame Inductee: The Good Brothers, Artist
Formed in Richmond Hill, Ontario, The Good Brothers as we know them today played their first gig at the Riverboat in May of 1974. Bruce and Brian Good had formed a folk group that opened for Grand Funk Railroad at Maple Leaf Gardens and played on the famous "Festival Express" train across Canada with Janis Joplin, Ian & Sylvia, The Band and many more. With the addition of Larry, the brothers released their debut album in 1976, and went on receive eight straight Juno Awards for Best Country Group. Their eclectic blend of classic Country, smokin' Bluegrass, traditional Folk and good ol' Rock and Roll, included instrumentations from autoharp, dobro, harmonica, drums, guitars, mandolin, fiddle, and their signature banjo. The trio of brothers has dined with the Queen, played for Presidents and Prime Ministers, and also graced the stage with Neil Young, Roy Orbison and their "mentor" Gordon Lightfoot.
Audiences continue to enjoy the on-stage antics and dynamic performance of The Good Brothers as they travel the world with their music.
Hall of Fame Inductee: "Weird" Harold Kendall, Broadcaster
Harold Kendall's knowledge and passion for country music is legendary in the field of broadcasting. He committed to radio early and says by the time he left high school he knew he wanted to work in the music business. He spent two decades at CKWX in Victoria, BC (1973 – 1993) as a savvy and passionate Music Director, becoming one of the most knowledgeable sources for music facts and history in the industry, at a time when computers were non existent. He was known as an accurate source about the music and its artists, right across Canada. He received his "handle" when asked to entertain visiting star Roger Miller who had a reputation as a very fun and outgoing star. By the time Miller left, a co worker thought Kendall so effected he dubbed him "Weird" Harold Kendall and the country radio personality was born.
Hank Smith Award of Excellence
Hank Smith was the first President of the CCMA and worked tirelessly as one of the founders of the Association, almost thirty years ago. The Hank Smith Award of Excellence was created to honour individuals who have contributed extraordinary time and talent behind the scenes to aid in the advancement of Canadian country music.
2004 Hank Smith Award Inductees: Diana Kelly and Claude Lelievre of Active Mountain Entertainment
Diana Kelly and Claude Lelievre of Active Mountain Entertainment founded Merritt Mountain Music Festival to bring country artists to the city of Merritt, B.C. The festival grew with such ferocity and with such passion, the annual summer music event was soon considered one of "the" premiere festivals in North America to perform at. The City of Merritt has benefited tremendously from the efforts of Diana and Claude, and has been named the "Country Music Capital of Canada". The couple's unwavering support led to the creation of the "Merritt Walk of Stars" in 1993, featuring artist handprints and signatures collected from Country music's top performers at the MMMF.
In the summer of 2004, a goal of 100 stars will be reached on the Walk of Stars. The Walk will continue to grow each year as an added attraction and support for the town of Merritt, B.C., along with year round country music events created by Diana and Claude Lelievre. A partnership with the BCCMA has created a B.C. based Country Music Hall of Fame.
Leonard T. Rambeau International Award
This tribute is given to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary effort in assisting the aims and initiatives of the Canadian country music industry internationally.
The presentation of the Leonard T. Rambeau International Award will be made during the CCMA Gala Dinner, September 12 at the Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton during Country Music Week September 10 – 13.
The 2004 Canadian Country Music Awards, will be broadcast on Monday, September 13 on CBC at 8 p.m./ 9 p.m. AT/ 9:30 p.m. NT from Rexall Place in Edmonton. Encore presentations are scheduled on CMT in Canada.
Tickets for the 2004 CCMA Awards are available through TicketMaster by phone at (780) 451-8000 or at www.ticketmaster.ca. For more information about the 28th annual CCMA Awards, visit the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) web site at www.ccma.org.
