Last week’s announcement of new recipients of the Order of Canada highlighted pop-punk star Avril Lavigne, who garnered significant attention alongside other distinguished musicians. Among them were Quebec singer-songwriter Daniel Lavoie, American-born conductor Kent Nagano, and percussionist Beverley Johnston.
According to Canada’s Governor General, Mary Simon, Daniel Lavoie is celebrated as a prominent ambassador for Franco-Canadian culture, achieving chart-topping success with his essential track “Ils s’aiment.”
Kent Nagano, former music director of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM) until the 2019–2020 season, was recognized for his contributions to commercial recordings under labels like ECM New Series, Analekta, and Decca.
Beverley Johnston, described by the Canadian Music Centre (CMC) as an internationally acclaimed percussionist, has been pivotal in advancing Canadian music. Her advocacy includes commissioning, performing, and recording compositions by Canadian composers since the 1980s, many of which have become integral to global percussion repertoires.
In related news, the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) announced Gilles Godard as the 2024 Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Stan Klees Builder inductee. Gilles Godard, hailing from Cornwall, Ontario, boasts an illustrious career spanning over five decades in the music industry. Currently serving as President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville, Godard has been instrumental in nurturing Canadian country songwriters such as Meghan Patrick, Chris Buck, Jimmy Thow, and Patricia Conroy under Anthem’s banner.
Recognized for his multifaceted contributions as a writer, publisher, artist, and producer, Gilles Godard’s accolades include two CCMA Awards, two BMI Awards, four SOCAN Awards (including an International Songwriter Achievement Award), a Felix Award, and multiple JUNO Award nominations. His extensive catalog boasts over 400 recorded songs by notable artists spanning genres from country to folk and beyond.
The induction ceremony for Gilles Godard and fellow Hall of Fame Artist inductee k.d. lang will take place during Country Music Week 2024 in Edmonton, scheduled from September 11 to 14.
