2021 JUNOS turns 50!
For all my Juno Week events and both award coverage you can visit peices found at The Wire MEGAzine’s website at http://www.thewiremegazine.com under Seeing Shows column.
Friday, June 4 at 8 p.m. ET I was so honored to be included once again in the Junos Award Week Media Centre, 1st year was 2015 in-person both media room, scrum interviewing, and photographing on the Red Carpet. This year, 2021, was a virtual media center due to the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic. I thoroughly enjoyed this Zoom format where I got to mingle with the familiar faces of my peers, and got to make new acquaintances as well. It was a smooth flowing production, excited for the new categories, and there were no lineups to the bathroom!!!
Juno opening night awards were presented by Music Canada with Host Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe high atop the downtown Toronto Globe and Mail Centre. She acknowledged the Dish With One Spoon Territory Friendship Treaty, leading into a night of musical magic with 213 nominees. Of the 213, 95 were 1st time Juno nominees, and a whopping 148 nominations were for Independent artists, with 24 1st time Juno winners. 37 JUNO Awards were presented virtually, including the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award, the MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award was presented by the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation, and we were thoroughly entertained with six engaging performances while the wonderful event was hosted by CBC’s Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe from CBC Music’s The Block.
WE celebrated the amazing music and artists across the country during the 50th year of the Juno Awards. Canadian Artists continue to dominate the charts and live up to Canada’s reputation for punching far above its weight in the worldwide scene, and we are here to celebrate that. The JUNOS has always encouraged and celebrated the growth of Canadian music, which was the dream when the awards began in 1971, AND NOW IT’S 2021, a new JUNO year and a new JUNO. A new shiny Gold statuette has been designed for this 50th-anniversary ceremony, and moving forward building on the elegant look of the trophy designed by Shirley Elford.
This has not been a normal year for anyone but, its no surprise that the artists in this country have risen to the unprecedented challenges of the past 15 months. We’ve seen live-streamed concerts, fundraisers, and the continued production of stunning original music. Tonight, we seen awards given out to those songs, and albums plus we heard great performances from some of the nominated artists who continue to work at their craft over the past year, while making music for a very different world. This year’s JUNO nominations crossed a broad spectrum as nominated albums ran from coast to coast, coming from areas both urban and rural, and recorded in languages in English, French, and even Inuit.
ALLAN REID, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards & MusiCounts dropped in to welcome everyone. “This past week has brought to light, a hard and terrible truth in Canada, says Allan. He continues to share that CARAS, The JUNO Awards, and MusiCounts would like to take this time to acknowledge the deep pain felt by the Indigenous communities, we offer our deepest condolences to the families of the 215 children, whose lives were taken at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Colombia.” We joined in a moment of silence in remembrance and to stand in solidarity, Miigwech. “It is my honor to be standing before you tonight to celebrate the 50th Annual Juno Awards. This academy has been 50 years in the making, and we have the vision of Walt Grealis and Stan Klees, our founders to thank for it. They laid the foundation for CARAS, and The JUNO Awards, they were champions of our music industry, our artists, and our sound. We all know that this has been a challenging year but, it is our love of music that is helping us get through this, and we believe that celebrating, and recognizing our gifted artists, and creators is more important than ever. So we moved ahead to bring you the JUNOS Opening Night Awards presented by Music Canada tonight, and the 50th JUNO Awards broadcast on CBC June 6th because YOU, our nominees, deserve the highest recognition for your incredible work. Thank you for continuing to create, to inspire, and to comfort us with your music, and your art. Tonight I hope you are surrounded by closest friends, family, and colleagues, either virtually or however protocols will allow, because the night is about you, all 213 nominees this year. Your nomination is an incredible achievement, whether you are Julian Taylor who’s been at it for over 22 years who finally got his first 2 JUNO nominations, or Crown Lands who just put out their 1st album, or take Tate McRae, who is this years youngest JUNO Nominee, or Bruce Cockburn and Neil Young who are still being recognized for their amazing music 5 decades later. You see, when we celebrate, we inspire new generations of artists and sounds. The importance of the JUNO Awards is why we forged ahead, and made sure this recognition was able to happen this year, and we are so excited to hand out 37 JUNO Awards tonight, so congratulations to you all. We are also honored to be recognizing our special awards recipients, Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee Jann Arden, presented by TD Financial Group, Our Humanitarian Award recipient presented by Music Canada to Kingston’s finest, The Tragically Hip, The Musicounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award to the 1 and only, Gary Slaight, and the Musicounts Teacher of the Year Award who will be revealed on the Juno Award broadcast June 6th and both are presented by Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation, and finally, Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award recipient, the Legendary Pegi Cecconi presented by Music Canada. Our artists and live music sector have been deeply affected by the pandemic, and although there is light at the end of the tunnel, it can’t come soon enough, but we will get through this pandemic. So we want to remind you of the amazing venues this country has, that we all miss going to. These venues have had an incredible impact on you and all music lovers, and they are going to need your help to recover. So over the next few nights, we will honor a number of venues to show our solidarity to the live music community, and be sure to check out CBC Music Special – If These Walls Could Talk, on Sunday, just before the JUNO Awards broadcast. As a Canadian cultural organization, CARAS is always looking to evolve, and serve our members, and the industry the best way we can. We’ve made an ongoing commitment to being a diverse, and inclusive organization that continues to amplify voices. CARAS is also proud to join CIMA, Advance, and over 150 other organizations in signing the breaking down of racial barriers declaration, to help end anti-Black racism. If you have not yet signed this declaration, I encourage you to do so, so we can all move toward to a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive industry. Tonight, you will also hear about 3 new categories that will be part of the 2022 JUNOS, a substantial change to our awards to help recognize even more diverse, and deserving talent. Now we simply can’t do what we do without the support of our lead sponsors. Thank you to TD Bank Group who strongly believes in the power of music to unite us, inspire confidence, and belonging, as well to create a sense of community. Together, over the last 10 years, we have traveled from coast to coast, and we are honored to celebrate our 50th Anniversary alongside you. We are also thrilled to welcome 4 new lead sponsors this year, SiriusXM Canada who has consistently supported the Junos over the last 15 years, they’ve also been instrumental to us with their ongoing support of Canadian music, comedy, and music education through our charity Musicounts. New this year, is Freedom Mobile, who has joined us as an official mobile partner, and presenting sponsor of the JUNO Fan Choice Award. This is the ONLY fan-voted Juno Award, and there is still time to vote before voting closes on Sunday evening. A big thank you also to Ford Canada, the official automotive partner, who we are pleased to welcome to the Juno family. As well, thsnk you to TikTok, who is the official voting platform for our JUNO Fan Choice Award, and will be live-streaming JUNO Awards on Sunday night to fans across Canada on their platform. I would also like to thank tonight’s Presenting Partner of the JUNO Opening Night Awards, our good friend at Music Canada, and Insight Productions, who are the producers of this JUNOS broadcast. and of course, to our exclusive broadcast, and content Partner, CBC, who is committed to recognizing the accomplishments of all artists, all genres, all the time. Thank you all for believing in and for supporting Canadian music, and to all the artists that make it. And finally, I want to thank the staff at CARAS. both past and present. This organization is made up of passionate people who love music, and the artists that make it. I can’t thank you enough for your dedication for the last year, and for all you have done to bring this year’s celebration to life. Thank you.” TOBi mesmerized us during the 1st performance of the night, he unleashed a medley of his hits with Made Me Everything & Family Matters.
The JUNOS have partnered with Johnny Walker, and World Class Canada to celebrate our world classed artists and their spirits. In 2021, James Grant is our Canadian World Class Bartender of the Year, and he has created the official drink of the 50th Anniversary, the JUNOS Johnny Walker’s Highball.
ROCK ALBUM of the YEAR
Crown Lands – Crown Lands
JJ Wilde – Ruthless WINNER
Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Colorado
Sam Roberts Band – All of Us
Silverstein – A Beautiful Place to Drown
JJ WIlde, has become the 1st Female winner in this Rock Album category since 1996, when Alanis Morisette won Best Rock Album of the Year for Jagged Little Pill.
ALBUM ARTWORK OF THE YEAR
JUST WORDS – Lynne Hanson – Jared Barter (Art Director & Designer), Michael Zavacky (Art Director & Illustrator), Maryn Devine & Remi Theriault (Photographer).
NOTRE-DAME-DES-SEPT-DOULEURS – Klô Pelgag – Julien Hebert (Art Director), David Beauchemin (Designer), Florence Obrecht (Illustrator), Marc-Etienne Mongrain (Photographer). WINNER
MISS COLOMBIA – Lido Pimienta – Lido Pimienta & Orly Anan (Art Directors), Mat Dunlop (Designer), Daniela Murillo (Photographer).
PALIMPSEST – Protest The Hero – Luke Hoskin (Art Director), John Meloche (Designer), Martin Wittfooth (Illustrator).
PRAY FOR IT – July Talk – Peter Dreimanis (Art Director, Designer, & Photographer), Scott Waring (Art Director & Designer), Leah Fay Goldstein (Designer), Calm Elliott-Armstrong, Lyle Bell, and Ty Snaden (Photographers).
Debut new award, 1st ever CONTEMPORARY R&B RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Before Love Came To Kill Us – Jessie Reyez
Where You Are – Savannah Re
Solaris – Shay Lia
After Hours – The Weeknd WINNER
Holiday – TOBi
Weeknd’s After Hours, released a year ago, but, is already the MOST streamed R & B album of ALL TIME.
CHILDREN’S ALBUM of the YEAR
Letters and Numbers – ABC Singalong
Goodnight to You All: Traditional Lullabies From Ireland & the UK – Charlie Hope
Small But Mighty – Ginalina
J’aime mon ecole – Njacko Backo and Kalimbas At Work.
Heart Parade – Splash’N Boots WINNER
Minister Steven Guilbeault Presented BREAKTHROUGH GROUP of the YEAR Sponsored by
FACTOR, The Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters.
2FRERES
Crown Lands WINNER
Manila Grey
Peach Pt
Young Bombs
CLASSICAL ALBUM of the YEAR – VOCAL or CHORAL
La Passione – Barbara Hannigan with Ludwig Orchestra
Massenet: Thais – Erin Wall, Joshua Hopkins, Andrew Staples, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir with Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Conducted by Sir Andrew Davis. WINNER
Nuits Blanches: Airs d’opera a la cour de Russie au XVIIE SIECLE / Opera Arias at the Russian Court of the 18th Century – Karina Gauvin with Pacific Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Weimann.
Sea Dreams – Luminous Voices, conducted by Timothy Shantz.
Sarah Slean and Symphony Nova Scotia – Sarah Slean with Symphony Nova Scotia, conducted by Bernhard Gueller.
Julian Taylor Presented GROUP of the YEAR Sponsored by SiriusXM Canada
Arkells WINNER
Half Moon Run
Loud Luxury
The Glorious Sons
The Reklaws
PERFORMANCE #2 – LINDSAY ELL & MACKENZIE PORTER performed a medley with MacKenzie Porter
of Lindsay’s – “Want me back” & Mackenzie’s – “These Days”
The Honourable Minister Lisa MacLead (Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and
Culture Industries) presented MUSIC VIDEO of the YEAR.
Wait No More – Scott Helman – Ben Knechtel, Scott Helman.
Wrap Me Up – Sheenah Ko – Brittney Canda & Vincent Rene-Lortie, and Sheenah Ko
No One’s in the Room – Jessie Reyez – Emma Higgins, Jessie Reyez WINNER
Intruders – Jessie Reyez – Les Solis (Solis Animation inc.) Peter Huang, and Jessie Reyez
Pomegranate deadmau5 & The Neptunes – Nick Denboer
JAZZ ALBUM of the YEAR: SOLO
Gang of Three – Andres Vial
Basico, No Basico y Dirigido – Elmer Ferrer
Elegant Traveler – Jocelyn Gould WINNER
Conpambiche – Junior Santos
VENA – Rachel Therrien
Jocelyn Gould is a Professor at Humber College and she is the only woman in the world, to be the Chair of the Guitar Department in a hired musical educational program.
SPECIAL AWARD – Gary Slaight received The MusiCounts Inspired Minds
Ambassador Award Sponsored by the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation. This award recognizes an individual who has had an extraordinary impact on education, and the charity over the course of its history. MusiCounts and the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation are pleased to present Gary Slaight with the 2021 MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award. Through the Slaight Family Foundation, Gary Slaight has contributed more than $750,000 over 10 remarkable years. His contributions have helped over 60 schools in the Greater Toronto Area, and First Nations communities in Ontario purchase instruments, and deliver culturally-relevant music programming to thousands of students. “Playing an instrument and bonding with other kids of a similar age helps build character and nurture creativity,” said Slaight. “Now with issues around the COVID-19 pandemic and learning from home, music is more valuable, and provides the kids an outlet to express themselves and connect beyond the virtual world. Music helps unlock a new universe for young people, just as it did for me in my early years. To me it’s very important. Music and a knowledge of music brings prosperity and vibrancy to our communities.” In honour of the MIMAA Recipient, $30,000 worth of MusiCounts Band Aid Program instrument grants will be awarded to Canadian schools. Each award recipient will also receive a statuette based on the JUNO Award design.
The late beloved friend of the JUNOS, Denise Jones, was the founding chair person of the Reggae Recording of the Year category in 1985, and now as we celebrate the award’s 36th year at the 50th here tonight, here are the nominees for Reggae Recording of the Year.
REGGAE RECORDING of the YEAR
Give It All – Ammoye
Black Man – Blessed
Roots Rock (ft. Micah Shemaiah, Lasai & Big Sugar) – Dubmatix
Let It Be Done – Kirk Diamond
I Pray – TOME X Sean Kingston WINNER
ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM of the YEAR
Such Pretty Forks in the Road – Alanis Morissette WINNER – 2nd female to win this category since inception in 2013. Alanis is 1 of 7 winners this year who are on the list of the TOP 100 JUNO recipients, and this is her 13th win.
Courage – Celine Dion
Starlit Afternoon – Craig Stickland
Pour dejouer l’ennui – Pierre LaPointe
CH III: The Come Up – Storry
Dione Taylor presented ALTERNATIVE ALBUM of the YEAR from Long & McQuade
Pity Party – Curtis Waters
The Son and Her Scorch – Dizzy Royal
Pray For It – July Talk WINNER
This Place Sucks Ass – Pup
Heavy Light – U.S. Girls
PERFORMANCE #3 – Klô Pelgag – “Mélamine”
WORLD MUSIC ALBUM of the YEAR – Presented by CBC Music
Velkombak – Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra
The Gold Diggers – Lengaia Salsa Brava
Patria – Mazacote
Espiral – OKAN WINNER
Kora Flamenca – Zal Sissokho
CONTEMPORARY ROOTS ALBUM of the YEAR
Julian Taylor – The Ridge
Leela Gilday – North Star Calling
Rose Cousins – Bravado WINNER
Tami Neilson – Chickaboom
William Prince – Reliever
Dominique Fils-Aimé presentsed FRANCOPHONE ALBUM of the YEAR
A tous les vents – 2FRERES
Notre-Dame-des-
Sept-Douleurs – KLO PELGAG
Les antipodes – Les Cowboys Fringants
Quand la nuit tombe – Louis-Jean Cormier WINNER
Pour dejouer l’ennui – Pierre LaPointe
SPECIAL TRIBUTE: IN MEMORIAM – Song Great Wide Open by William Prince
Alex Trebek, Allan Baekeland, Amoy Levy, Andre Gagnon, Barry Allen Rasmussen, Bobby Cairns, Bob Lanois, Brett Dakin, Bruce Murray, Curtis Shingoose Jonnie, David Hart, Denise Jones, Dennis Denny Christianson, Donald C Hahn, Doug Chappell, Erin Wall, Fran Herman, Fred Dixon, Gerald McGhee, Gerry-Jenn Wilson, Godon Laap, Graeme Williamson, Hugh Fraser, Ivan Sorenson, James Fotheringham, Jay NHS Jay Jay Alexander, Jay Jackson, Jay W McGee, Jennifer Campbell, John Valenteyn, jorge Perez Yanez, Kendall Chi Pig Chinn, Larry Green, Linda Dawe, Lucille Lucille Star Savoie, Michael Fonfara, Michael McCabe, Mike Bezzeg, Mike Lambert, Nick Cordero, Paul Humphrey, Peter Erdmann, Raymond Levesque, Rich Rock Priske, Roland Greenway, Ron Gaskin, Salome Bey, Scott Phillips, Sean Fitzpatrick, Stephane Gaudreau, Taylor Johnson, Victor Feldbrill, Warren Skip Snair, Zoe Chilc were fondly remembered.
Classical Album of the Year: Large Ensemble
Mozart: Concertos pour piano Piano Concertos Nos. 22 & 24 – Les Voilons Du Roy, conducted by Jonathan Cohen, featuring Charles Richard Hamelin
Saint – Saens: Piano Concertos Nos. 3, 5 & Other Works – Louis Lortie With BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Edward Gardner.
Jacques Hetu: Concertos Orchestre Symphonique De Laval, conducted by Alain Trudel, featuring Jean Philippe Sylvestre
Ginastera – Bernstein- Moussa: Euvres pour Violon et Orchestra/Works for Violin and Orchestra – Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal, conducted by Kent Nagano, feating Andrew Wan. WINNER
Penderecki: St. Luke Passion – Orchestre Symphonique De Montreal with Krakow Philharmonic Choir & Warsaw Boys Choir, conducted by Kent Nagano.
VOCAL JAZZ ALBUM of the YEAR –
This Dream of You – Diana Krall
Out of Dust – Laila Biali
Sinatra – Matt Dusk
With You – Sammy Jackson WINNER – Is the youngest black recipient in this category.
Clemence – Sophie Day
Thanks to the Junos Partners and Sponsors who’s ongoing support and dedication to CARAS and JUNO Awards and MusiCounts is instrumental both to the mission and purpose. SPONSOR VIDEO – Thank you to Exclusive Broadcast and Content Partner CBC. Lead Sponsors – TD Group, SiriusXM Canada, Freedom Mobile, Ford, and TikTok. Funding Partners-FACTOR, Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, City of Toronto, and Radio Maker Fund. Diamond Partners – music, pwc, and Slaight Music. Platinum Partners Advance, SOCAN, and SONOS. Gold Partners Aptn, Chatters, Johnny Walker, World Class Canada, MRC Data, Music Publishers Canada, Ontario Creates, and 50 UNO. Silver Parnters – Long & McQuade. Lead Promotional Partners – CBC, National Post, Pattison. National Promotional Partners Exclaim, Twitter, Facebook. Content Partner vidyard. MusiCounts Key Supporters – TD Group, Kitchen Party, Hot Topic Foundation, SiriusXM. TikTok, Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation cst, Slaight Family Foundation, Music Canada, and RX Music.
Celeigh Cardinal presented INDIGENOUS ARTIST or GROUP of the YEAR – Sponsored by APTN. For over 20 years, Aptn has brought Indigenous stories to homes across Canada through original and award winning programming.
Kiyanaw – Burnstick
Church House Blues – Crystal Shawanda
The Ridge – Julian Taylor
North Star Calling – Leela Gilday WINNER
Nunarjua Isulinginniani – Terry Uyarak
Buffy Sainte Marie back in 2017, delivered the 1st ever Land Acknowledgement at the JUNO Awards that also highlighted Gord Downie’s Secret Path project which focuses on the importance of context, reconciliation, and education. This has continued at every JUNOS since and it’s all the most impactful for having being introduced by such a legend of Canadian Music. Next year, JUNOS adds a NEW award for Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year. That year back then, Stoney Park was the 1st Traditional Drum Nominee for Best Aboriginal Music-making music history. Dedicating a category to Traditional Indigenous Music brings us full circle.
Mayor John Tory (Mayor of Toronto) shared, ” I am very pleased to welcome the JUNO Awards to Toronto, what an exciting evening this has been so far. The JUNO Awards celebrate the very best in Canadian music in recognition of the JUNOS, and by the JUNOS, is a milestone in an artist’s career. Music has helped us get through the last 15 months. The value of music and musicians has never been so apparent, not only is it the universal language but music comforts us, it inspires us, and it entertains us, especially in difficult times. Here in Toronto, like everywhere else in the country, we all miss going to our favorite venues, and festivals to support the incredible local artists, allowing them to do what they love to do, which is to perform live. Even during this last year, Toronto artists have continued to write, and record ground breaking music, and that is true right across the country. We can see the proof of that, in the long list of Toronto musicians nominated for the JUNO Awards this year, and people from right across this country, international stars to fresh new voices that showcase the depth, and diversity of our music scene, and the part of Canada’s dynamic music scene. We have worked with our artists and our venues, our City Hall Live Program for example, has provided 100 artists with paid performance opportunities, and we have reduced taxes for music venues to help them continue to thrive. Live music generates an annual economical impact of $850 million in Toronto and an equivalent of ten thousand 500 full-time jobs, and of course, that number is multiplied right across Canada. We are 100% committed to doing all that we can to support the entire Toronto music community both in recovering from the pandemic, and in the long term, that is just here in Toronto, but we are deeply committed to building up the music scene right across the country. It is a great way to support our artists, and to give them a chance to tell Toronto stories, and to tell Canada stories through music to each other, and to those around the world. I hope that you will join me in making this possible. Now it is my honor to present the nominees for the JACK RICHARDSON PRODUCER of the YEAR.”
“Rain (feat. Swae Lee)” (co-producer Mike ‘DZL’ Holmes) BACK HOME – Trey Songz, “Spell My Name” (co-producer Antonio Dixon) SPELL MY NAME – Toni Braxton – AKEEL HENRY.
“Fallin’” (co-producers Jonathan Martin, Toni Braxton) SPELL MY NAME – Toni Braxton, “Home” PROVERB – Dylan Sinclair – JORDON MANSWELL.
10% (feat. Kali Uchis)” BUBBA – KAYTRANADA, “Frontstreet (Freestyle)”, FRONT STREET (FREESTYLE) – Mick Jenkins – KAYTRANADA
“Motive (with Doja Cat)” (co-producers Joseph L’Étranger, Mr. Franks, Tommy Brown) POSITIONS – Ariana Grande, “Say You Love Me” (co-producers Joseph L’Étranger, OG Parker) SLIME & B – Chris Brown & Young Thug – MURDA BEATZ
“Aim For The Moon (feat. Quavo)” (co-producers 5ive Beatz, 808Melo, Dani, Dez Wright, TYY Beats) SHOOT FOR THE STARS AIM FOR THE MOON – Pop Smoke, “GANG GANG” (co-producer Vou) JACKBOYS – JACKBOYS & Sheck Wes –WONDAGURL WINNER – WondaGurl is the first Black female to win Producer.
4th Performance – Ammoye, Kirk Diamon, and TOME perfected Ammoye’s “Give It All”
Kirk Diamond’s “Greater,”and TÖME’s “Pray.”
CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN/GOSPEL ALBUM of the YEAR
All Things New – Allen Froese
The-Cure – K-Anthony
Alive & Breathing – Matt Maher
The Way – Shawna Cain WINNER
Wouldn’t You Love To Know – Steve Bell.
Jennifer Brown (Interim Chief Executive Officer of SOCAN) presented SONGWRITER of the YEAR.
Publisher – Epiphanies Publishing/Kobalt Songs Music Publishing
“Ablaze”, “Reasons I Drink”, “Smiling” – co-songwriter Michael Farrell SUCH PRETTY FORKS IN THE ROAD – ALANIS MORISSETTE
Publisher – Sony Music Publishing Canada
“Hell and High Water (feat. Alessia Cara)” – co-songwriters Bas Van Daalen, Jasper Helderman, Mickey Karbal, Philip Meckseper, Thomas Pentz MUSIC IS THE WEAPON – Major Lazer.; I Choose cosongwriter Brayden Deskins, Colton Fisher, Diana Studenberg, Jason Rabinowitz, Jon Levine, Jordyn Kane, Kris Pearn, Mark Mothersbaugh. I Choose From Netflix Film The Willoughby’s – Alessia Cara
“Welcome Back (feat. Alessia Cara)” – co-songwriters Ali Gatie, Amy Allen, Blake Slatkin WELCOME BACK – Ali Gatie ALESSIA CARA.
Publisher – BMG Rights Management Canada
“COFFIN (feat. Eminem)” – co-songwriters Andre Robertson, Marshall Mathers, Tobias Frelin BEFORE LOVE CAME TO KILL US – Jessie Reyez
“FAR AWAY” – co-songwriters Rogét Chahayed, Vegyn (Joseph Thornalley) FAR AWAY – Jessie Reyez
“NO ONE’S IN THE ROOM” – co-songwriters Dernst Emile II, Jordan Ullman BEFORE LOVE CAME TO KILL US+ – Jessie Reyez JESSIE REYEZ
Publisher – Sony Music Publishing Canada
“A Little Bit Yours” – co-songwriters Alex St. Kitts, Benjamin Rice, Ryan Marrone A LITTLE BIT YOURS – JP Saxe. “Golf On TV” – co-songwriters Lennon Stella, Ruslan Odnoralov, Simon Wilcox THREE. TWO. ONE. – Lennon Stella. “If The World Was Ending (feat. Julia Michaels)” – co-songwriter Julia Michaels HOLD IT TOGETHER – JP SAXE
Publishers – Kobalt Songs Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music Canada, & Universal Music Publishing Canada “After Hours” – co-songwriters Carlo “Illangelo” Montagnese, Mario Winans “Blinding Lights”, “Save Your Tears” – co-songwriters Max Martin, Oscar Holter AFTER HOURS – The Weeknd – THE WEEKND (ABEL TESFAYE), BELLY (AHMAD BALSHE), & JASON “DAHEALA” QUENNEVILLE WINNER
METAL/HARD ROCK ALBUM of the YEAR
Ballistic, Sadistic – Annihilator
Unconquered – Kataklysm
Palimpsest – Protest the Hero
Abyss – Unleash the Archers WINNER – 1st Metal winner in this category that contains a female.
Glory, Glory! Apathy Took Helm, Vile Creature.
JAZZ ALBUM of the YEAR: GROUP
The reMission – Andy Milne and UNISON WINNER
Surfboard – Brandi Disterheft Trio with George Coleman
Rythme de passage – Emie R Roussel Trio
First Spring – Florian Hoefner
Trio Trane of Thought, Live at the Rex – Pat Labarbera Kirk MacDonald Quintet
Blues Album of the Year
Hell Bent with Grace – Angel Forrest
Church House Blues – Crystal Shawanda WINNER – Is the 3rd Solo winner in this category since inception back in 1994.
Spirits in the Water – Dione Taylor
Solar Powered Too – Rick Fines
The Reckless One – Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
CLASSICAL ALBUM of the YEAR: SOLO or CHAMBER
Mosaique – Ensemble Made in Canada WINNER
Bach & Brahms Reimagined- James Ehnes, Jon Kimura Parker, Jens Lindemann
Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 4,5, & 8 – James Ehnes with Andrew Armstrong
La Peste – Les Barocudas
Ana Sokolovic: Short Stories – Quatuor Bozzini
PERFORMANCE #5
CROWN LANDS performs “End of the Road.”
RECORDING ENGINEER of the YEAR
“Good Love”, “Take Me Home” – TAKE ME HOME – Shawn Hook – George Seara
“All of the Feelings” CRAVE – Kiesza, “Whiskey Tonight: JADE EAGLESON – Jade Eagleson – Jason Dufour
HOME PROVERB – Dylan Sinclair, “LA MEMORIIA” BEFORE LOVE CAME TO KILL US – Jessie Reyez – Johann Deterville
“The End of a Love Affair” VEGAS BREEZE – Micah Barnes. “The Grand Bazaar (feat. Bela Fleck and Robi Botos)” REFUGE – Sultans of String – John ‘Beetle’ Bailey
“Blinding Lights” AFTER HOURS – The Weeknd, “positions” POSITIONS -Ariana Grande – Serban Ghenea WINNER
SPECIAL AWARD was presented to Pegi Cecconi for the Walt Grealis Special Achievement.
This prestigious award named after Walt Grealis, is in recognition of his extraordinary accomplishments, and recognizes individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the Canadian music industry. Big or small, Walt was a champion of Canadian artists. He was instrumental in cultivating Canada’s music industry as we know it today. “Walt Grealis dedicated his life to creating the Canadian music explosion…the sound heard ’round the world,” said long-time friend, and business partner Stan Klees. His goal was to open the door for all artists and build a star system in Canada.” Affectionately known as ‘Canada’s Music Man’, Grealis was a leading figure in the Canadian recording industry. In the early 1960’s when American acts dominated the Canadian radio waves, and Canadian talent was turning to the South, Walter recognized the need to promote Canada’s own ‘star system’. In 1964, Grealis pioneered Canada’s first national recording industry trade publication, RPM Magazine. Grealis used the magazine as a vehicle to promote Canadian acts to radio stations and the record business. RPM Magazine also charted a new course for developing the Canadian music industry by connecting key industry figures across the country. Walter Grealis was also a key figure in establishing today’s JUNO Awards. In 1964, he and business partner Stan Klees created RPM Magazine’s Gold Leaf Awards, which started out as simply a readers’ poll of favourite artists. By the mid-1970s the awards evolved into a broadcast ceremony that took Canadian talent to the national stage. In 1970, Gold Leaf was substituted for the nickname ‘JUNO’ after the then CRTC chairman Pierre Juneau. In 1993 Grealis was made an Officer in the Order of Canada, the second highest honour that can be bestowed on a Canadian. In November of 2000, Walt Grealis closed the doors of RPM Magazine after 37 years of weekly publication, including over 7000 charts and countless stories on the music industry in Canada. Walt Grealis passed away peacefully in 2004. He said near the end, “I lived a good life. What I did for a living, most people would like to do for fun.” PEGI CECCONI was this year’s recipient and she is a master in her field, Cecconi is a savvy and determined businesswoman who has nearly 50 years of experience in the music industry with diverse roles ranging from booking, legal and all aspects of artist management including publishing, recording, record production and merchandising. Having served as Vice President of SRO Management Inc. and independent record label Anthem Entertainment Group for much of her career, Cecconi has played a pivotal role in the development and success of numerous artists, including Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees Rush and Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies), songwriter Ian Thomas, Gowan, Matthew Good, Molly Johnson, and The Tea Party. Currently, Cecconi serves as a consultant for Anthem Entertainment. Her career in the music industry began at her high school in South Porcupine, ON, where she worked as a social convener booking bands. After graduating, she got her first job as an agent with Tommy and Vic Wilson at the Concept 376 Agency. When Ray Danniels and Vic Wilson later partnered to establish SRO Management, Cecconi made the move to join them and gained valuable experience in artist management. After a few years, she went on to work as a legal secretary for well-known entertainment lawyer, Bernie Solomon, where she learned more technical elements of the music business, including music publishing and master licensing. With this specialized knowledge, Cecconi went back to SRO Management and helped facilitate the company’s entry into publishing. Cecconi was an essential member of the team, helping the company grow from an artist management and booking agency into a comprehensive entertainment group. At SRO Management, Cecconi played a vital role when the team launched independent record label Anthem Entertainment Group in 1977 which went to release every Rush release in Canada. Throughout her career Cecconi has always fought hard to get the best deals for her artists, exploring every avenue within the music industry to get Canadian artists heard. With a knack for business development and negotiating with record companies, Cecconi helped Rush rise to the title of ‘world’s biggest cult band’ and Bob and Doug McKenzie sell millions of copies of their comedy album Great White North. Highly revered by her peers in the music Industry, Cecconi has received the Brian Charter Award from the Music Managers Forum for her significant contributions to the Canadian music scene. Cecconi has been an active member of the Canadian music industry for her career, having served on the board of directors for the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) for 18 years, FACTOR for 18 years including Chair, Independent Digital Licensing Agency (IDLA), and the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA).
INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM of the YEAR
Movements III – Blitz/Berlin WINNER
Crowing Ignites – Bruce Cockburn
Eleven Words – David Foster
Volume 1 – Flore Laurentienne
Prior Street – Gordon Grdina
Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe presented CLASSICAL COMPOSITION of the YEAR
Take The Dog Sled – Alexina Louie
Commedia dell’arte – Ana Sokolovic
Harbour – Anna Hostman
Violin Concerto “Adrano” – Samy Moussa WINNER
Tachitipo – Zosha Di Castri
Felix Cartal presented ELECTRONIC ALBUM of the YEAR Sponsored by Ford of Canada
Lavender God – Attlas
Desire – Bob Moses
Suddenly – Caribou WINNER
Juvenile – CRI
All the Time – Jessy Lanza
SINGLE of the YEAR
Drink About Me – Brett Kissel
If The World Was Ending (feat. Julia Michaels) – JP Saxe
Intentions (feat. Quavo) – Justin Bieber
Kissing Other People – Lennon Stella
Blinding Lights – THE WEEKND WINNER
TRADITIONAL ROOTS ALBUM of the YEAR
All Hands – Beolach
Debout! – Le Diable A Cinq
13 or So – Nick Hornbuckle
Bet On Love – Pharis & Jason Romero
The Thing About Fish – Rum Ragged
PERFORMANCE #6: Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class Short-listers MONOWHALES “Out With The Old”
INTERNATIONAL ALBUM of the YEAR
Music To Be Murdered – EMINEM
Fine Line – Harry Styles WINNER
What You See Ain’t Always What You Get – Luke Combs
Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon – Pop Smoke
folklore – Taylor Swift
ADULT ALTERNATIVE ALBUM of the YEAR
Sad Hunk – Bahamas WINNER
Are You in Love? Basia Bulat
Fear – Begonia
Unfollow The Rules – Rufus Wainwright
Are You Gone – Sarah Harmer
Ben Miner presented COMEDY ALBUM of the YEAR Sponsored by SiriusXM Canada
PanDerek (1st Wave!) – Derek Seguin
Horse Power – Jacob Samuel WINNER
Existing Is Exhausting – Matt Wright
The Pursuit of Comedy Has Ruined My Life – Nick Nemeroff
Decoxification – Shirley Gnome
JUNOS 2022 HOST CITY ANNOUNCEMENT – Mayor John Tory announced that TORONTO WILL once again HOST the 2022, 51st JUNOS.
COUNTRY ALBUM of the YEAR
Timeless – Dallas Smith
Jade Eagleson – Jade Eagleson
heart theory – Lindsay Ell
Drinkin’ Songs: The Collection – Mackenzie Porter
The Lemonade Stand – Tenille Townes WINNER – Tenille is the 5th Female winner in this category.
DANCE RECORDING of the YEAR
Mine – Felix Cartal, Sophie Simmons
Dancing In The Dark – Frank Walker
BUBBA – KYTRANADA WINNER – only black male solo winner in this category since start in 1992.
Someone Else – Rezz X Grabbitz
Voices – SO SUS
The 1st ever Rap Recording category was inserted in the JUNOS in 1991, and the 1st recipient of this was Maestro Fresh Wes. Also performing that show was none other than MC Hammer. Next year, this award will be split into 2 separate awards, Rap Single of the Year and Rap Album/EP of the Year. Rap is now the most consumed genre of music in the world, and the growing pool of domestic talent has exploded with submissions with the number of Canadian rappers showing themselves on the world stage so making this step is a logical one. It will be a way for the JUNO Awards to further highlight, and embrace this globally popular genre.
RAP RECORDING of the YEAR
New Mania – 88GLAM
Baby Gravy 2 – BBNO$ & YUNG GRAVY
Cold World – Eric Reprid
Good Intentions (Brown Boy 2 Deluxe Version) – NAV
ELEMENTS Vol. 1 – TOBi
June 6th at 8 pm EST for the JUNO Broadcast was aired nationwide on CBC TV, CBC Gem, and all CBC platforms including live-streamed on CBC Music’s TikTok, Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter pages visit http://cbc.ca/junos for full details. This was a not to miss show full of performances by Jann Arden, Jessie Reyez, Justin Beiber, William Prince with Serena Ryder, Tragically Hip with Fiest, and the 30th Anniversary Tribute to Rap at the JUNOS featuring Michie Mee, Maestro Fresh Wes, Julie Black, NAV, and soooooo much more.
Buffy Sainte Marie opened the 50th Juno Awards on a somber note, addressing the discovery of the remains of 215 children buried at a former Kamloops, B.C., residential school. She said, “while the news from Kamloops may be “shocking to some people and a revelation it is not surprising to Indigenous people.” She called for Canadians to offer their compassion, saying that “the genocide basic to this country’s birth is ongoing and we need to face it together.” The statement opened a show of celebration that aimed to recognize the diverse landscape of Canadian music on Junos’ golden anniversary. She further urged ‘compassion’ for the Indigenous community as Junos got underway with a performance by our very own Canadian singer. songwriter, internationally acclaimed recording icon, Justin Bieber. Did you know he is one of the most decorated award winners on this planet that is Canadian?. He has received an outstanding list of accolades, here’s just a sample of his earned tokens. Two Brit Awards, one Bambi Award, 18 American Music Awards, 23 Teen Choice Awards, 21 MTV Europe Music Awards (the most by any artist). Bieber is also a recipient of 23 Guinness World Records, two Grammy Awards and one Latin Grammy Award, 11 ASCAP Awards, Billboard Japan Music Award, 8 Billboard Latin Music Awards, 1 Billboard Live Music Award, 20 Billboard Magazine Music Awards, 2-time Gold, and a Bronze Bravo Otto Award presented as a German accolade honoring excellence of performers in film, television, and music. He also received 1 Canadian Radio Award, 7-time Capricho Awards, 3-time Thailand Music Video Awards, 1 CMT Award, 1 Electronic Music Award, a Georgia Music Hall of Fame, 6-time iHeart Radio Awards, and to top all that, he is an 8-time JUNO Award-winning artist. This Global superstar incorporated 80s style backdrop with some 80s inspired dance moves while he engaged us all the way from Los Angeles, with his hit, Somebody, from his 2021 newest released sixth studio album entitled Justice. He has been busy writing and recording throughout the pandemic as this new album comes just 13 months on the heels of his 5th studio masterpiece released in 2020 entitled Changes.
Presenting from REBEL, the 1st award for Traditional R & B / Soul Recording of the Year, which was Sponsored by ADVANCE, (Canada’s Black Music Business Collective), was non-other than Canadian Icon, Canada’s Queen of R&B and Soul, Jully Black. Alongside Jully was the first Black woman to receive a Juno Award, Liberty Silver. This music veteran, Liberty Silver, is widely known for paving the way for future generations of Black female artists in the Canadian music industry whether it be R&B, Jazz, Pop, Gospel, Reggae, or Rock. Both icons presented this award to 1st-time Juno-winning Canadian rhythm and blues singer from Scarborough, Savannah Ré for her recording SOLID (1Music/Universal). WOW, the list of talent for this category with Take Care of You feat. Syd with CHARLOTTE DAY WILSON, Proverb with DYLAN SINCLAIR, Alt Therapy Session1: Disillusion by EMANUEL, In This Thing Called Life with IAMTHELIVING.
2nd performance of the night was all the way from Los Angeles with Canadian singer, songwriter, JP SAXE, as he performed the title track off his 2020 album, If The World Was Ending, and the title track from his 2021 album, Like That, featuring the gorgeous vocal stylings of American singer and songwriter. Julia Michaels.
2nd Award presentation came all the way from London, the UK for Artist of the Year Sponsored by SiriusXM Canada. Who better to present this award, nonother than 6-time Platinum, 4-time Diamond selling artist, who has won a total of 188 awards featuring 4 Acadamy of Country Music, 6 American Music Awards, a Bambi, 7 Billboard Music Awards, 39 BMI Awards, 2 Country Music Association Awards, 29 Canadian Country Music Association Awards, 13 Juno Awards, and 1 of those Junos was a Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee, that’s right Shania Twain presented to The Weeknd, (Republic/Universal). his 3rd win in this category (2015, 2016, and now 2021). The Weeknd is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer and is among the world’s best-selling musical artists. CHECK THIS OUT – he has three Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, nineteen Billboard Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, nine Juno Awards, five SOCAN awards, and one BRIT Award, and has been nominated for an Academy Award. He holds several chart records, being the first artist to simultaneously hold the top three positions on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart with “Can’t Feel My Face”, “Earned It”, and “The Hills”. In February 2015, he was awarded the Allan Slaight Award by Canada’s Walk of Fame. In 2017, he was featured on the cover of Forbes for his annual earnings of $92 million. Elton John listed him as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2020 in Time. With these five wins at the 2021 JUNOS, that brings his career total of Juno Awards to 15, which puts him in sixth place on the all-time winners list behind Anne Murray (25), Bryan Adams (21), Céline Dion (20), Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (18), and The Tragically Hip (17). This category had some extreme competition Ali, Gatie, Celine Dion, Jessie Reyez, Justin Bieber,
Performance #3 celebrated with a stellar lineup of Canadian Rap talents performing a 30th Anniversary Tribute to Rap inclusion at the JUNOS featuring Canada’s first notable female MC and national hip-hop pioneer Michie Mee, Canada’s first Black certified platinum album artist, and 1st Juno recipient of Rap Recording, the God Father of Rap, Maestro Fresh Wes from all the way in the Imperial Theatre in Saint John New Brunswick, Canada’s Hip-Hop Ambassador, Kardinal Offishall, Canada’s Queen of R&B Jully Black, Toronto-area producer-rapper NAV from Los Angeles, and GTA’s Haviah Miahtv is a Hip-Hop superstar who is the first female rapper to win Polaris Music Prize.
Special Award – MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Sponsored by Candian Scholarship Trust Foundation was Presented by Canada’s most significant cultural treasures and Canada’s first Juno Award-winning Inuk singer-songwriter, Susan Aglukark, from REBEL in Toronto. This award was presented to Doctor Mary Piercey-Lewis of Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Piercey-Lewis holds a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology and her commitment to the Inuit music community has spanned over two decades. The majority of students at Inuksuk High School are Inuit, and many of those students are third-generation residential school survivors. By using music as a means to explore culture, heritage, and identity, Piercey-Lewis’ education practice is dedicated to building a stronger community. Piercey-Lewis has published a text of Inuit choral music – the first of its kind – and is working on a second book. She prioritizes collaboration and encourages students to explore new opportunities through performance. Ensembles from Inuksuk High School have performed at Qaggiavuut Centre for the Performing Arts in Nunavut and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, and have counted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau amongst their audiences. “Dr. Mary Piercey-Lewis exemplifies excellence in music education,” said Kristy Fletcher, Executive Director of MusiCounts. “She is committed to students and expertly delivers culturally relevant music programming to her community. It is not hyperbole to say that she has changed the landscape of music education in the territory of Nunavut for generations to come. MusiCounts is honored to recognize such an exceptional teacher with this award.” “She has changed the landscape of music education in the territory of Nunavut for generations to come.”-Kristy Fletcher, Executive Director, MusiCounts. Each year, the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award recognizes an inspirational Canadian music educator’s impact on students and music education. For the first time in the history of the award, the charity selected and highlighted five teacher nominees from across Canada. The winner was announced on the 50th JUNO Awards broadcast. Mary Piercey-Lewis is the recipient of a $10,000 cash prize, a significant contribution towards the music program of Inuksuk High School, as well as a JUNO statuette. “I am thrilled to be chosen as MusiCounts 2021 Music Teacher of the Year. It is an honor to be recognized as a dedicated, hard-working teacher, yet this award would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment from the students and staff at Inuksuk High School” said Dr. Mary Piercey-Lewis. “This award, in fact, is shared with the hundreds of amazingly musical students who have gone through the program over the past 13 years. It is because of their dedication, sharing, and resilience that the music program has been such a success. Qujannamiik (thank you) to all of my music students over the years. They have brought so much joy, learning, and gratification to the classroom and my life!”
Award Presentation #3 for Breakthrough Artist/Group of the Year Sponsored by FACTOR, The Government of Canada, and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters Presented by The Honorable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage from the Cabaret Lion d’Or in Montreal presented Grammy-nominated, Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter, now 1st-time JUNO winner, JP SAXE. Once again, quite the talented list of nominees Curtis Waters, POWFU, Ryland James,
Jim Cuddy Blue Rodeo
Introduction of The Canadian Music Hall of Fame Moment by 14-time JUNO, Canadian Music Hall of Famer who is an 8-SOCAN, Canada’s Walk of Fame recipient, who is also a Governor General’s Performance Arts Award recipient for the Lifetime Artist Achievement, and he also an Order of Canada recipient, yes, I am speaking about the singer, songwriter and Canadian gem, Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo). Joining him on stage socially distanced was 8-time JUNO, 2-time Billboard Music Awarded, 4-time MuchMusic Awarded, World Music Award recipient, and Canadian singer, songwriter, guitarist, and frontman for Barenaked Ladies, Ed Robertson, who shared their JUNO moment from Toronto’s REBEL Nightclub.
SPECIAL AWARD – Anne Murray is a four-time Grammy, 3-time CCMA, 3-time CMA, 17-time RPM Big Country Music award winner who is also an East Coast Music Awarded, 4-time Grammy, Country Music Association of Great Britain award winner. As well, she is an Academy of Country Music, 2-time American Music award recipient who is also a Gemini, and 20-time JUNO award-winning singer, and songwriter. Anne honorably from her Halifax home, inducted Jann Arden into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame during The Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee Award Presentation portion of the 50th JUNOS broadcast, which was sponsored by TD. 13 CCMA, CMA, CMT, 6-time GMA, 7-time JUNO and Allan Walters Humanitarian Awarded. Queen’s Diamond Jubliee and Canadian County Music Hall of Famer Paul Brandt introduced Performance #4, featuring Jann Arden and her hit Good Mother from her 2nd album, 1994’s Living Under June, all the way from The National Music Centre in Calgary, which followed her receivement of this prestigious award and was also sponsored by TD.
Jann Arden is a multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and author. Arden has released 14 albums with 19 top ten singles. She has now received 9 JUNO Awards with 1 of these being the Canadian Music Hall of Fame 2021 recipient. She also has won 10 SOCAN Awards, and 4 Western Canadian Music Awards, and was an Inductee into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2020 but due to the pandemic wasn’t inducted until June 6th, 2021. Arden has also been inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, has a Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, and has been awarded the Order of Canada. Arden has written five books, the most recent being her new memoir IF I KNEW THEN: Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging, released October 2020. IF I KNEW THEN follows Arden’s 2017 Canadian best-seller, FEEDING MY MOTHER: Comfort and Laughter in the Kitchen as My Mom Lives with Memory Loss, which spent a combined 44 weeks on The Globe and Mail bestseller lists. Season 2 of Arden’s CTV hit original comedy series JANN premiered in September 2020. With Arden serving as co-creator and star of the show where she plays a fictionalized version of herself, Season 1 of JANN was the most-watched new Canadian comedy series of the 2018-19 broadcast season. The third season of JANN is set to air on CTV in the Fall of 2021. Whether she is captivating audiences with her heartfelt music, entertaining them with her quick wit, or sharing her written word in a boldly honest voice – Arden is a Canadian original – a brilliant multi-dimensional talent.
Award Presentation #4 for Pop Album of the Year sponsored by CBC Music was presented by Arkells’s frontman Max Kerman and Canadian actor, improviser, and comedian, Kim’s Convenience star Andrew Phung from REBEL in Toronto. This award was presented to Justin Bieber for his album Changes. This is Justin’s 3rd win in this category and his 1st win for this was 10 years ago. Truly amazing list of nominees in this category like It’s Never Really Over by JOHNNY ORLANDO, Hold It Together, JP SAXE, Three, Two, One LENON STELLA, Ryland James, RYLAND jAMES.
Performance #5 was no other than the ever-engaging Iraqi–Canadian singer and songwriter Ali Gatie & this year’s youngest JUNO nominee, Canadian singer, songwriter, and dancer, Tate McRae. They expressed beautifully their hit Lie To Me, and the guitar-beat ballad and title track from Ali Gatie’s 2020 album What If I Told You That I Loved You all the way from Los Angeles.
Award Presentation #5 for Album of the Year sponsored by Music Canada was presented by Michael Buble from The Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, BC. This award was presented to The Weeknd (Republic/Universal) and this is his 2nd win in this category. My Lord, this category is just buzzing with talent with YOU by Ali Gatie, Courage by Celine Dion, Changes by Justin Bieber, Thanks for the Dance by Leonard Cohen.
Buffy Sainte-Marie returned. She is no stranger to award ceremonies. Check this out-she is a 6-time Honorary Doctor of Laws recipient, 3-time Honorary Doctorate recipient, an Honorary Doctor of Humanities recipient, 4-time Honorary Doctor of Letters recipient, an Honorary Doctor of Music, a 2-time Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts, is Canadian Music Week’s 2021 Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Awarded. It doesn’t stop there. She is a Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, an International Folk Music People’s Voice Awarded, 2-time Indigenous Music Award recipient, whos is also a Polarize Music Prize winner, is also an Americana Music Association Spirit of Americana/Free Speech in Music Award winner, is a Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer, an OSCAR, and a Golden Globe Award recipient, is a Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement and an American Indian College Fund Lifetime Achievement recipient, who was acknowledged on Canada’s Walk of Fame, as well, she is a Companion of the Order of Canada who has received 2 Queen Elizabeth Medals, is a Dove and a Gemini Award winner. To top that all off, she is also a 7-time JUNO Award winner and 1 of those was a Hall Fame induction and 1 for the Allan Slaight Humanitar4ian Award, Buffy introduced performance #6 featuring Winnipeg’s Canadian folk and country singer-songwriter, who is a Western Canadian Music Awarded, 3-time Folk Music Award-winning, JUNO, and SOCAN recipient, William Prince. He was accompanied by Toronto’s 4-time Platinum 2-time Gold-selling, Peterborough’s Folk Emerging Artist Awarded, 5-time JUNO recipient, Serena Ryder. They performed a beautiful duet version of Willam’s The Spark off his 2020 Reliever album, performing from the Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto.
Celine Dion has received numerous awards in recognition of her music and success. Beginning her career in 1981, Dion has been highly recognized all over the world and received various awards, including 12 World Music Awards, five Grammy Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards, six American Music Awards, 50 Felix Awards and the list is long. She’s also the most nominated artist at the Juno Awards, with 75 nods who has won 20 JUNOS. She stopped in to share one of her JUNO memories while congratulating the JUNOS on their momentous 50 years.
Canadian singer and songwriter, Sarah McLachlan, is a 3-time Grammy, and 9-time JUNO recipient who also won the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Visionary Award in 1998 for advancing the careers of women in music. She is an Order of Canada and Order of British Columbia recipient who received a Kiwanis International World Service Medal. As well, she is a Canada Walk of Famer and Canada’s Music Hall of Fame Inductee, along with the Governor-General Performing Arts life Time Achievement recipient. Sarah was thrilled to introduce the 7th performer of the night, Grammy-nominated, now 4-time JUNO, and triple Platinum-selling vocalist, Jessie Reyez. Jessie delivered a stellar rendition of her songs Do You Love Her and Before Love Came To Kill Us, both from her 2020 Before Love Came to Kill Us album all the way from Los Angeles.
Award Presentation #6 was for JUNO Fan Choice sponsored by Freedom Mobile, was presented by Canadian actor, producer, and Freedom Mobile’s spokesperson, Will Arnett along with TikTok sensations The Basement Gang. This prestigious award voted on by the fans was presented to Canadian singer and songwriter, 3-time American Music Awarded, People’s Choice awarded, 2-time Billboard winning, 7 -time BMI, now 11-time JUNO Award recipient, Shawn Mendes. This is his 3rd win in the category up against some fierce competition with the nominees being
7th and SPECIAL AWARD – The Humanitarian Award sponsored by Music Canada, was presented by Allan Walters Humanitarian Award-winning, Canadian Music Hall of Famers, 8-time Juno recipients, and Legendary rockers Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson (of RUSH) to The Tragically Hip, while under-construction of the Legendary Massey Hall. Gord’s brother Patrick Downie held the JUNO as he stood in the middle amongst the socially distanced members of The Tragically Hip as each of them spoke fondly about Gord Downie, their career, this Award, and about the connection to Leslie Fiest. Tragical Hip’s original members Rob Baker, Paul Langlois, Johnny Fay, Gord Sinclair, and Patrick Downie accepted the 50th JUNOS 2021 Humanitarian Award. The Tragically Hip often referred to simply as the Hip, were a Canadian rock band formed in Kingston, Ontario in 1984. They released 13 studio albums, one live album, two EPs, and over 50 singles over a 33+ year career. Nine of their albums have reached No. 1 on the Canadian charts. They have received numerous Canadian music awards, including 16 JUNO Awards. SOCAN, Canada’s Walk of Fame, Canada’s Walk of Fame, National Arts Centre Award, and Order of Canada. Between 1996 and 2017, the Tragically Hip were the best-selling Canadian band in Canada and the fourth best-selling Canadian artist overall in Canada,
Lifeson explained that “The bigger the band got, the more they gave back. The Hip’s philanthropic pursuits have raised millions of dollars for so many deserving social and environmental causes, including Camp Trillium, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Sunnybrook Foundation, War Child, the Special Olympics, Unison, and many more. They know that when you help those in need, it benefits all.”
Lee noted that “During their final tour, the band used their enormous spotlight to bring an important light to the attention of Canadians – the country’s systemic mistreatment of Indigenous peoples, or, as Gord put it, ‘the people way up north we were trained our entire lives to ignore.’ Gord’s brother Mike continues to expand the important work of the Gord Downie Chanie Wenjack Fund, which strives to bring reconciliation.”
Gordon Lightfoot is a 5-time Grammy nominee, 19-time RPM, and JUNO award-winning Hall of Fame Inductee, Royal Geographic Society’s Gold Medal. and Songwriter Hall of Fame recipient. He is also a Diamond Jubliee recipient, Toronto Art’s Lifetime Achievement recipient, Canadian Songwriters, and Canadian Broadcast Hall of Famer As well, he is Canada’s Folk and Canada’s Railway Hall of Famer. He is also Governor-General Awarded Canada Walk of Famer. As well, he is an Orillia Hall of Fame Inductee, along with a Medal of Service and Vanier recipient just to list but a few accolades over his 55-year career, and still remains one of Canada’s signature voices and Canada’s treasures. Gordon proudly introduced this year’s JUNOS 2021 Humanitarian Award recipients and the 8th and final performers, The Tragically Hip, as they performed for their first televised performance since frontman Gord Downie’s 2017 passing. Joining them on lead vocals was their 20-year dear friend, and 11-time JUNO winner Feist. Gord Downie adored Fiest and this was a perfect choice, the perfect voice to sing Tragically Hip’s hit, It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken, live from their 8th album 2002’s In Violet Light, upon the stage at Toronto’s Massey Hall.
The Weeknd cleans up, taking 5 awards at this years Junos Awsrds
