OTTAWA – Robert Charlebois and David Clayton-Thomas will be inducted into CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame next month in the music star category at the Canadian Association of Broadcasters annual convention.
“In a career spanning more than 30 years, writer/composer/musician/performer Robert Charlebois has become a central figure in song both in Québec and around the French-speaking world. Charlebois has received numerous prizes and distinctions testifying to the recognition of his peers and the quality of his thousands of shows and more than twenty albums: Prix de l’Académie Charles-Cros, Médaille d’or des Olympiades de la chanson, Prix de la Ville de Paris, Médaille de Vermeil from the Académie française and Canada’s Governor General’s Performing Arts Award. In 1993, ADISQ awarded him its Félix Hommage for his work in its entirety. Like other giants of Quebec song before him such as Leclerc and Vigneault, Robert Charlebois has marked his era, and has profoundly influenced countless musicians who have followed in his footsteps,” says the CAB release.
“Over the past four decades, the legendary David Clayton-Thomas has gone from performing in smoky bars on Toronto’s Yonge Street strip to appearing in such landmark venues as Madison Square Garden, Royal Albert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. Clayton-Thomas was instrumental in rebuilding the band Blood, Sweat & Tears in the late 60s, and their 1969 self-titled release went on to sell 10 million copies worldwide, winning multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Performance by a Male Vocalist. A true industry icon, Clayton-Thomas has left an indelible mark on music both in Canada and around the world.”
"We are honoured to pay tribute this year to these two outstanding artists. Their contributions to the Canadian and international music scene have influenced the lives of an entire generation," said CAB president and CEO Glenn O’Farrell. "We are also very pleased that Mr. Charlebois and Mr. Clayton-Thomas will be in attendance at the CAB Annual Convention in Ottawa, and have agreed to perform at the Gold Ribbon Awards Gala on November 3rd."
The CAB also announced that outgoing Rogers Broadcasting president and CEO Rael Merson will receive the 2008 Gold Ribbon Award for Broadcast Excellence.
“A veteran of over 20 years in the broadcasting industry, Rael is renowned for his innovative and imaginative ideas and business acumen,” says the CAB release.
“He joined Rogers Broadcasting in 1987 as Vice-President of Finance. In 1995, he accepted the position of Executive Vice-President and General Manager of The Shopping Channel and was responsible for transforming the channel into a Canadian retail and broadcasting success story with phenomenal growth in sales and profitability.
“Since being appointed President of Rogers Broadcasting Limited in 2001, Rael has successfully overseen the growth of the division from a predominantly radio broadcast group to a multi-media broadcast entity comprising over 66 radio, television and specialty channels and growing,” continues the release.
“Rael Merson brings a singular level of energy and enthusiasm to his work, and is a true "fan" of broadcasting. His distinguished broadcasting career exemplifies the very spirit of the CAB’s Award for Broadcast Excellence: exceptional human qualities, practical innovative achievements, and a history of outstanding service to the Canadian broadcasting system.”
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