2018 Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award at 2018 JUNOS
Jan 25, 2018, 07:00 ET
TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) today announced music industry veteran Denise Donlon will be awarded the 2018 Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award for her long standing commitment to Canadian Music.
The Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award recognizes industry leaders who have vastly contributed to the growth and development of the Canadian music industry. Named after famed Canadian publisher and trailblazer Walt Grealis, this year's award will be presented to Donlon at the 47th Annual JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards Presented by SOCAN on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia.
With a career spanning close to 40 years, Donlon has been an integral part of Canada's music scene. Recognized for rising through the ranks at Much Music, Donlon transformed the cultural landscape as host, producer, Director of Programming and later Vice President and General Manager. She went on further to become the first female president of Sony Music Canada, where she worked alongside many of the country's music elite, including Céline Dion, Leonard Cohen, Chantal Kreviazuk and Our Lady Peace. Her passion for Canadian cultural expression was further realized as Executive Director then General Manager of CBC/Radio-Canada English Radio.
"We are thrilled to name Denise as the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award recipient this year and to celebrate her extraordinary career. Denise's exceptional business savvy and artistic excellence has made her a woman to admire, watch and learn from both within and outside the music industry," said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards and MusiCounts. "As a talented and fearless leader, whose deep understanding of the media landscape has resulted in groundbreaking Canadian programming, Denise has helped advance the careers of so many of this country's dynamic musicians and artists."
"When Allan called to tell me of this wonderful recognition, I almost drove off the road," said Donlon. "I consider myself extremely lucky to have been involved in the evolution of this creative industry. Thank you to CARAS and all of the incredibly talented artists and executives with whom I've been honoured to work. Canada is truly an Arts Nation. Long may we thrive."
Full press release available here.
For more information about CARAS and The 2018 JUNO Awards, contact:
Zai Karim, rock-it promotions, zai@rockitpromo.com, 416.656.0707 ext. 127
SOURCE Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
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