Deane Cameron to receive the 2014 Hank Smith Award of Excellence

July 11, 2014 (Toronto, ON)  – The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) announced today that Deane Cameron will receive the 2014 Hank Smith Award of Excellence. 

“Deane Cameron has left an indelible impact on the Canadian country music industry. His tenacity for finding and mentoring great talent, and ability to stay humble amid successful results speaks to his strengths over a storied career,” said Ron Kitchener, Chair of the CCMA Board of Directors.

Cameron worked his way up through the ranks of the music industry, eventually making history when he became the youngest Canadian President of a major music label in 1988. He has played a significant role in the careers of such Canadian artists as Susan Aglukark, Terri Clark, Tom Cochrane, Stompin’ Tom Connors, Rita MacNeil, John McDermott, Anne Murray, The Rankin Family, Johnny Reid, Serena Ryder, Buffy Sainte-Marie and more. He worked equally hard in developing international musicians in Canada. Cameron has contributed to the soundtrack of nearly four eras of great music for Canadians. During his 24 years as President of EMI Music Canada, Cameron was a trailblazer when it came to signing labels for distribution. In 2010 he became a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to the arts and music, and in 2011 he was the recipient of the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award at the JUNO Awards.

“As Canadians, we proudly hold our place as the second most significant supporters and contributors to the global country music business. Past, present and future, the Canadian country music industry is a hotbed of talent,” said Deane Cameron. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many extraordinary artists thus far, and look forward to more exciting things to come. I’m honoured, humbled, and THRILLED to be the recipient of the Hank Smith Award of Excellence.”

Cameron was on the CCMA board of directors for 12 years. He has served on the CARAS board since 1985, and has played a key role in the development of MusiCounts. Cameron also currently sits on the board for Unison.

Deane Cameron will receive the 2014 Hank Smith Award of Excellence during a private industry event held during Country Music Week, which takes place September 4 – 7 in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information on the Hank Smith Award of Excellence, and other CCMA Awards of Achievement, click here.

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About the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to educate, elevate and celebrate Canadian talent, the CCMA progressively heralds the spirit, community and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards.

Media Contact
Sonya Koson
Communications Lead, CCMA
skoson@ccma.org
416-947-1331 x210