CCMA Announces 2010 Artist Hall of Honour Inductees
June 8, 2010
Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour Inductees Announced
CCMA to recognize 10 artists in a special Hall of Honour Induction Ceremony
(Toronto, ON) June 8, 2010 – Today, the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) announced their 2010 artist inductees into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour. In a special induction ceremony on Friday, September 10th in Edmonton, the CCMA will induct the following artists into the Hall of Honour: Donna & Leroy Anderson, Willie P. Bennett, Marie Bottrell, Eddie Eastman, Ray St. Germain, Don Harron, Fred McKenna, Wayne Rostad, Joyce Smith and Hal & Ginger Willis.
“We felt it suitable that in 2010 we would honour ten artists who were pioneers and ground-breakers in our rich country music history as there were so many deserving of this induction – and what a list it is!” said Jill Snell-de Cartier, Chair of the Hall of Honour Electors Committee.“These visionaries are all legends and treasured Canadians – each carved their own path and helped pave the road for the incredible talent we see growing in this flourishing market each year. We look forward to seeing these talented recipients and their families in Edmonton this year at the Hall of Honour ceremony, sure to be this year’s most moving CCMA highlight. Congratulations to one and all on this remarkable achievement.”
Donna & LeRoy Anderson
The duo is probably best known for their regular performances on the Tommy Hunter TV Show. Donna was born in Sault St. Marie, Ontario and LeRoy is out of Balzac, Alberta. Both artists experienced success as solo acts before joining forces. The Andersons toured across Canada with Tommy Hunter and had several charted hits off of their 1981 album, Livin’ On Love.
Willie P. Bennett
Willie P. Bennett was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1951. Bennett was renowned as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, mandolin and harmonica player. Bennett began performing in 1971 in London, Ontario where he played regularly. In 1996, a band surfaced by the name of Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. This super group was formed as a tribute to Bennett’s 1978 album. Willie passed away in February of 2008.
Marie Bottrell
Marie Bottrell was born in London, Ontario in 1961. This singer, songwriter began her recording career at an early age as part of the Whitestone Country Band, in which she was joined by her brother, sister, and sister-in-law. Bottrell began recording for the Mercey Brothers’ MBS label at the ripe age of 17. Some of Bottrell’s hits include, This Feeling Called Love, Flames of Desire, and The Ballad of Lucy Jordan.
Eddie Eastman
Eddie Eastman was born Eddie Rowsell in Terra Nova, Newfoundland in 1949. Eastman had a string of hits in the late 70s while with the Bel Air label including, Eastbound 401, Easy, Love Is Such An Easy Word To Say, I Think I’ll Say Goodbye, and Liftin’ Me Up, Lettin’ Me Down. His greatest success was his recording of Gilles Godard’s From the Bar Room to the Bedroom. Eastman also had his own TV series on CBC from 1984-1986.
Ray St. Germain
Ray St. Germain was born in St. Vital, Manitoba in 1940. St. Germain began performing all over Canada as a teenager earning him the nickname, “Winnipeg’s Elvis”. He had made his mark on this great nation as a performer, television producer/singer/host, radio host and program manager.
Don Harron
Don Harron established himself as a fixture in the Canadian arts scene as comedian, actor, director, journalist, author and composer. He is best known for the character Charlie Farquharson (a rural Ontario farmer) a personality he first portrayed in 1952 on the CBC series The Big Revue and used as part of the cast of the U.S. country music television show, Hee Haw and was reprised in Canada as part of The Red Green Show. Harron was invested as member of the Order of Canada in 1998 and continues to write books; most recently (2008) he published a retrospective work on the history of the Anne of Green Gables musical.
Fred McKenna
Fred McKenna was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick in 1934. McKenna taught himself to play many instruments despite being blind from birth. McKenna made several appearances on the popular TV show, Don Messer’s Jubilee, which lead to a permanent part on the summer replacement program, Singalong Jubilee. McKenna recorded four studio albums before passing away at the young age of 43 in 1977 at his home in Toronto, Ontario.
Wayne Rostad
Born in Ottawa, Ontario, as a recording artist, Wayne has shared billings with many of the best entertainers in the business including Johnny Cash, Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn and Emmylou Harris – just to name a few. During the late-70’s through the 80’s Wayne Rostad released three albums and a series of hit singles, including the Top 10 hits, “Willie Boy” and “King Of Fools”. Rostad also spent many years hosting the popular TV series, On The Road Again. Wayne is also a member of the Order of Canada.
Joyce Smith
Joyce Smith was born and raised in Alberta. Smith started out performing on radio and television shows before joining a band and opening up for touring acts passing through. Smith went on to have international success in the United States while signed to MCA Nashville. Her biggest hit was Leavin’ On Your Mind, which was later recorded by Patsy Cline.
Hal & Ginger Willis
Hal Willis met Ginger while she was playing a show with her band Ginger & Her Melody Rangers. He was hired as part of the band during this time. The two became a duet and were married shortly after. Hal & Ginger’s songs have been recorded by such country luminaries as Patsy Cline, Ernest Tubb, Bobby Helms, Charlie Walker and the list goes on. Their song, “The Lumberjack,” reached #5 on the Billboard Charts and earned Gold status in Canada. The record sold over one million copies worldwide. Ginger remained active in the industry until her passing October 2003. Hal released his latest album in 2001 titled Better Than Ever.
The special Hall of Honour induction ceremony in Edmonton will be a ticketed event, open to the public, and will be going on sale soon. For more details about the special Hall of Honour Induction Ceremony or Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards, stay tuned to www.ccma.org.
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For more information:
Brandi Mills
Canadian Country Music Association
(p) 416-947-1331 ext.211
