October 23, 2018
(aka Henry “Hank” Lariviere) (Born – Jan. 23, 1917 – Hawkesbury, ON) (Died – May 7, 1996 – London, ON) (by Larry Delaney) The early years of Canadian country music were largely dominated by national heroes Wilf Carter and Hank Snow… but, flying under the radar at that time was the equally talented Hank Lariviere, who was influenced heavily by the songs and recordings of Carter and Snow as well as Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams. Henry Lariviere was born January 23, 1917, in Hawkesbury, Ontario, with the family relocating to Ottawa when he was still a youngster. By his pre-teen years, Henry was playing guitar and singing the songs made famous by his idols. At the outbreak of WW II, Henry found himself in […]
September 19, 2018
Born: March 4, 1928 – Toronto, Ontario Died: February 3, 2005 – Nashville, Tennessee (by Larry Delaney) Frank Jones’ contributions to the world of country music are massive, and unmatched for a Canadian-born individual. His credits cover everything from being a performer and recording artist to concert promoter, radio personality, major artist record producer, A&R Director for various major labels, and even Chairman of the Board of the Country Music Foundation in Nashville. Toronto-born Frank Jones entered the entertainment world while in his late teens, performing in Fiddler’s Fling, a Barn Dance Show in Ottawa. He then moved into promoting Wilf Carter’s national tours across Canada, and then entering the radio world, working at stations in Chatham, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. Then Frank joined […]
August 15, 2018
Born: James R. Jordan – Stayner, Ontario Died: January 28, 1991 – Niagara Falls, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Jerry Warren was one of Cancountry’s top vocal talents of the 1970’s, with many calling his vocal work equal to that of Nashville’s top country stars of the day. Jerry Warren proved the point by scoring a series of Top 40 hits on the RPM Country Charts during the first half of the 70’s, including a #1 hit in 1975 with his truckin’ song, “Big Red Jimmy.” Jerry Warren was born James R. Jordan in small-town Stayner, Ontario. His love for music was nurtured in the family home and by the early 1960’s, he formed his first band, Tremble, working out of Hamilton, Ontario, and playing the […]
May 9, 2018
Congratulations to Big City Lights, Mackenzie Leigh Meyer, and Nicole Rayy on being selected to perform on the main stage at the Mississauga Waterfront Festival-Credit Goes Country. The win comes as part of the Emerging Country Music Artist Showcase presented in partnership with New Country Spirit. The CMAOntario is also pleased to announce Joshua David as the winner of the performance spot at Brooklin Spring Fair. Each of these artists successfully submitted to the CMAOntario’s recent performance opportunities made available to members. Mississauga Waterfront Festival – Credit Goes Country takes place June 16 and 17, 2018 in Port Credit (Mississauga), Ontario. Brooklin Spring Fair is held at Brooklin Spring Fair Grounds on May 31 – June 3 in Brooklin, Ontario.
May 9, 2018
(aka Donna Anderson) Born: (1951) Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Donna Ramsay was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario; the daughter of Canadian Hall of Fame radio broadcaster Don Ramsay. Thanks to her father, she began singing as a young child and meeting many of the top stars of country music while on their Canadian tours. As a teenager, she was already making guest appearances on various TV shows including: The Gary Buck Show taped at studios in Kitchener, Ontario. Canadian recording star / producer Gary Buck recognized the potential in the young singer and brought her into the recording studio to record her debut album Cool Green Waters, released on Capitol Records in 1969. The album yielded three charted singles, including the […]
May 7, 2018
Photo Session Opportunity for Artists/Bands SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MAY 6, 2018 If a picture’s worth a thousand words, what is your photo saying about you? CMAOntario is offering members an exclusive opportunity for a professional photo shoot to deliver that striking photo that will help you make a powerful first impression. Up to eight (8) artists/bands will have the opportunity to be selected for a 45-minute photo session with the eminent Canadian photographer Rob Waymen during the CMAOntario Festival & Awards weekend in London, Ontario, June 1-3, 2018. Widely recognized for delivering award-winning images for over twenty years, Rob Waymen’s attention to detail, mastery of lighting and colour, and ability to get the shot – no matter how demanding – is valued by a diverse group of clients and […]
April 12, 2018
FEATURING, Jason Mercer Band, Rebekah Stevens, Josh David Band & Julia Haggarty Working off past success of Music Cities Exchange, London Music Office has partnered with the Country Music Association of Ontario in the lead up to CMAOntario Festival and Awards (this May 31st – June 3rd in London) for a special Music Cities Exchange with The City of Kitchener and Music Works. Two nights of live country music featured at Cowboys Ranch (London) Friday May 4th and Saturday May 5th at Dallas Night Club (Kitchener). Both nights are free running 7:00pm – 10:00pm and are 19+ events. OFFICIAL LINE-UP: Rebekha Stevens (Kitchener) Jason Mercer Band (London) Julia Haggarty (London) Joshua David (Waterloo) Full details: London: https://www.facebook.com/events/776020179250473/ Kitchener: https://www.facebook.com/events/759876514218827/ http://www.londmusicoffice.com http://www.cowboysranch.ca http://www.dallasnightclub.ca
April 9, 2018
Congratulations to Brad Battle, Johnson Crook, Kelsi Mayne, Joshua David, and The Redhill Valleys on being selected to perform at the New Faces Showcase & Concert being held at Market Square on Saturday, June 2nd in London, Ontario during the CMAOntario Festival & Awards weekend. This free event will feature a headline concert by star talent (TBA) to closeout the show. Performance times are to be confirmed. See you there!
April 9, 2018
(by Larry Delaney) Al Brisco’s tasty steel guitar work has been featured on countless albums recorded by many of Canada’s top country recording acts. You can hear his stylish “steelin’” on albums by such notables as Ian Tyson, Tommy Hunter, George Hamilton IV, The Good Brothers, The Cooper Brothers, Gary Buck, Smiley Bates, Gordie Tapp, Sylvia Tyson, Wayne Rostad, Joe Firth, Artie MacLaren, Johnny Burke… and the list goes on and on; with not the least being his steel guitar contribution to the Dick Damron classic, “Countryfied.” Perhaps one of Al Brisco’s more illustrious appearances on a recording goes back to 1972, when he was called upon to add his steel work on the Pure Prairie League album “Bustin’ Out”, recorded at RCA Studios in […]