Paul Brandt & Harvey Gold Announced as 2017 Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees

The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) is pleased to announce that Paul Brandt and Harvey Gold have been selected as the 2017 inductees into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.

“Each, in their own way, has paved the way for those who have followed in their footsteps; and each has left an indelible mark on the legacy of Canadian country music,” said Don Green, President of the Canadian Country Music Association. “It is an honour to recognize and congratulate Paul Brandt and Harvey Gold on being the 2017 inductees into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.”

Paul Brandt has garnered the accolade of most played Canadian country artist in the history of country radio (Nielsen/BDS). According to Nielsen, of the top 25 Canadian country songs, six were released by Brandt, and his song “My Heart Has A History” is the most played Canadian country song since the chart began. His 1996 debut RIAA certified Gold album Calm Before the Storm has sold more than one million albums internationally, propelled by the #1 single and wedding classic “I Do”. Stateside, his #5 and #1 charting songs “My Heart Has A History” and “I Do” were the first to chart by a male Canadian Country artist since Hank Snow in 1974.

His 11 career albums have spawned hit singles and multiple awards, as well as Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications. In 2015, the Canadian Independent Music Association celebrated Paul reaching Road Gold Status as a top headliner and major box office draw in Canada, and his most recent EP Frontier was nominated for Country Album of the Year at the 2016 JUNO Awards. The hit single “I’m An Open Road” from that collection was recently certified Gold.

In addition to his musical achievements, Brandt is also the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and numerous other national and regional humanitarian honours. He currently serves as Mount Royal University’s “Storyteller in Residence” at the Bissett School of Business, where he works with students to create business and social enterprise projects.

“I’m thankful to the Hall of Fame Electors Committee for selecting me as an inductee into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame,” said Paul Brandt of his induction. “I’ll gladly share this great honour with everyone who encourages, advises, supports and helps me to pursue this calling of music and artistry which I love so much. I’m truly blessed.”

With an exceptional career in both multi-media and music, Harvey Gold’s work behind the scenes in the late 1980s and early 1990s significantly contributed to the elevating success of the Canadian Country Music Association, and the genre as a whole.

As co-chairman of Country Music Week 1987 in Vancouver, Gold worked to negotiate the financial backing of Labatt Breweries which enabled the CCMA to take advantage of the increased public awareness in country music at the time. This partnership put the CCMA on much needed solid financial ground for the first time in its history. Gold went on to parlay a long-term agreement with the CTV Television Network to broadcast the CCMA Awards Show, which became a ratings success. Moving from CCMA Board member, to Vice President and eventually becoming President, Gold worked tirelessly for the association. He founded the Country Music Talent Fund for the benefit of country music artists and had the CRTC recognize it as a significant benefit for new and renewing broadcast licenses. Gold completed seven successful applications to the CRTC.

After holding various executive positions in the media industry, Gold now operates and owns his own media and management consulting company. His diverse accolades include creating Canada’s first international fashion apparel exposition, producing two award-winning short subject films and heading the Government of India’s first commercial venture outside of the country.

“I never thought this would happen,” admitted Harvey Gold, of his induction. “I mostly worked behind the scenes, and I was doing it for a lot of people who brought joy to my heart…not for the credit. Nonetheless, the recognition feels very good.”

Inductees of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame are chosen annually by a selected Hall of Fame Electors Committee, comprised of over seventy (70) industry peers. The three-stage voting process begins in January of each year. The inductee in the Builder category receives the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Stan Klees Builder Award, established in recognition of RPM Magazine co-founder, Mr. Stan Klees, and his pioneering efforts in the creation of the CCMA Awards Program.

The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at a private industry event held during PotashCorp Country Music Week, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan from September 7-10, 2017.

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