The Canadian Country Music Association Awards were broadcasted from Saint John, New Brunswick’s Harbour Station September 11th, in the native city of best male artist winner George Canyon.
Carolyn Dawn Johnson picked up the female artist of the year nod, despite her split from Arista Nashville in 2005; Corb Lund roped in double wins – album of the year and roots artist of the year – for Hair In My Eyes Like a Highland Steer; and The Road Hammers landed the best group and video of the year awards.
CCMA Hall of Famer Anne Murray paid tribute to Brian Ahern of William Morris Agency, who produced many of Murray’s early albums and was honored for his induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Murray also presented her manager, Bruce Allen, with the Leonard T. Rambleau international award, named after the artist’s former manager who passed away in 1995.
Other industry winners included Julien Paquin of Paquin Entertainment for booking agent of the year; Ron Sakamoto for promoter of the year; and Ron Kitchener (The Road Hammers) for manager of the year.
Keeping with Alberta’s winning streak, Ranchman’s Restaurant in Calgary won country club of the year and Camrose, Alberta’s Big Valley Jamboree was named the best country festival of the year.