BIOGRAPHY:

William Harold Moon started his career before the age of 20 as a writer and by the time he retired 40 years later, he was general manager of BMI Canada Ltd. Moon was not only a business man, he was also a songwriter but his strength rested in encouraging others and his strong relationships with the broadcast and music industry, which had a strong influence on Canadian music.

In 1930, Moon founded a band-booking business in Montreal, bringing groups to the city. In 1942, he changed his career path and joined the Royal Air Force Transport Command, where he began writing scores for camp shows to entertain his fellow RAF members. Upon completion of his duties, he became manager of North American Music Ltd., which was set up to publish and distribute Canadian music.

In 1947, Moon was appointed managing director of BMI Canada Limited, an affiliate of BMI Ltd. in the United States. The establishment of this organization was widely appreciated by Canadian broadcasters, who for a long time had wanted an alternative source for licensed music other than Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (CAPAC). In 1976, BMI Canada Ltd. changed its name to PROCAN - the Performing Rights Organization of Canada, with Moon becoming chairman in 1977, a position he held until his death. In 1990, PROCAN merged with CAPAC to form SOCAN - the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada.

To many, William Harold Moon was considered the 'best friend' of budding Canadian songwriters, helping them get their music heard across Canada. He sponsored numerous seminars in Canada that involved North American program directors. He was also responsible for setting up the BMI Canada Awards, which have now evolved into the SOCAN Awards, at which the Wm. Harold Moon Award is given to a member who has brought international recognition to Canada through their music.

William Harold Moon was the first non-American member and a founding member and officer of the Country Music Association, as well as a founding member of the CCMA. He received the first Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame Award from RPM Magazine and a Gold Bessy Award from the Broadcast Executives Society.