Honorary Awards

Each year, the MusicNL Board of directors select recipients for 3 honorary awards: Lifetime Achievement Award, Denis Parker Industry Builder Award, and the Unsung Hero Award.

2024 Recipients

Dennis Parker Industry Builder: David Smallwood

Lifetime Achievement Award: Shanneygannock

Unsung Hero: Jean Hewson

About the Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious honour bestowed upon exceptional individuals who have made profound and enduring contributions to the music sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. This award recognizes the remarkable career and lasting impact of an artist, musician, or industry member, whose talent, creativity, and innovation have transcended generations and inspired countless others. Recipients of this esteemed accolade have not only achieved remarkable success but have also demonstrated a lifelong dedication to their craft, and leaving a mark on the hearts and minds of the province. The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates the extraordinary legacy of these individuals in the music sector, honouring their extraordinary talent, passion, and commitment.

Unsung Hero Award is a heartfelt tribute to the often-overlooked and behind-the-scenes champions who have played an indispensable role in shaping the music sector. This award aims to shine a well-deserved spotlight on individuals whose tireless dedication and selfless contributions have significantly impacted the industry without receiving the widespread recognition they deserve. Whether it’s a talented music producer, an exceptional session musician, an innovative sound engineer, or an influential music educator, the Unsung Hero Award acknowledges those whose passion, expertise, and hard work have supported and elevated the artistry of others. Through their unwavering commitment and influence, these unsung heroes have left a mark on the music community. The award is a poignant reminder that sometimes, the most significant contributions are made by those working diligently in the shadows.

Denis Parker Industry Builder Award is a prestigious accolade that recognizes visionary leaders and innovators who have played a pivotal role in the growth and evolution of the music sector. This award celebrates individuals who have excelled in their artistic endeavours and demonstrated exceptional business acumen, strategic vision, and a profound commitment to fostering growth and sustainability within the music sector. Recipients of the Industry Builder Award have left an indelible mark on the industry through their groundbreaking initiatives, entrepreneurial spirit, and forward-thinking approach. Whether through the creation of cutting-edge digital platforms, transformative record label strategies, innovative licensing and distribution models, influential advocacy for artist rights and fair compensation, or education, these industry builders have shaped the landscape of music, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Nomination

To put forward a nomination for the honorary awards, email info@musicnl.ca or fill out this form. Nominations have been closed for 2024

Past Recipients

2005

Lifetime Achievement award – Dick Nolan

2006

Lifetime Achievement award: Bud Daviage

Industry Builder of the Year: College of the North Atlantic

2007

Unsung Hero Award: Ken Ash
Industry Builder of the Year: Roger Skinner
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dermot O’ Reilly

2008

Unsung Hero award: Maxine Stanley
Industry builder award: John Steele
Lifetime achievement award: Simani

2009
Industry Builder: Folk Arts Society

2010 TBC

2011

Industry Builder Award: Fred’s Records

Unsung Hero: Bernard Woodfine

Lifetime Achievement Award: A. Frank Willis

2012 TBC

2013

Lifetime Achievement: Maxine Stanley
Industry Builder: Dean Stairs

2014
Unsung Hero Award: Paul Heppleston
Industry Builder Award: Shirley Montague
Lifetime Achievement Award: Mattis Benoit

2015
Unsung Hero Award: Lindy Whitt
Denis Parker Industry Builder Award: Jen Winsor
Lifetime Achievement Award: Harry Martin

2016
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Sandy Morris
Industry Builder: Eleanor Dawson

2017
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Glen Tilley

2018
Unsung Hero: Wallace Hammond
Denis Parker Industry Builder: Anita Best
Lifetime Achievement: Ralph O’Brien

2019
Denis Parker Industry Builder of the Year: Paul Bendzsa
Lifetime Achievement Award: Gary Graham

2020
Honorary Legacy Awards: Wheelers Lounge and the Stround Lounge

Denis Parker Industry Builder Awards: Echo Music & Recording Studio and Clode Sound Productions

Lifetime Achievement Award: The Nain Moravian Church Choir and the Nain Brass Band

2021

Dennis Parker Industry Builder: Jim Payne

Lifetime Achievement Award: Linda Byrne

Unsung Hero: John Clark

2022

Dennis Parker Industry Builder: The Flummies

Lifetime Achievement Award: Don & Kathy Weary – Sound Symposium 20th anniversary

Unsung Hero: Darren White

2023

Dennis Parker Industry Builder: Robert Buck

Lifetime Achievement Award: Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers

Unsung Hero: Marlene Cahill and Amy House

2024