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July 3, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) announced today that Rita MacNeil and Ed Harris have been selected as the 2013 inductees into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame®.

“Both Ms. MacNeil and Mr. Harris have made huge imprints on country music in Canada and we are delighted to have them enter the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame,” said CCMA President, Don Green. “I would like to thank our Hall of Fame Electors Committee for recognizing these two outstanding industry leaders.”

Ed Harris, as the 2013 Builder inductee, will receive the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Stan Klees Builder Award this September in Edmonton. Mr. Harris, twice named the CCMA Record Industry Person of the Year, will be recognized for his ongoing 35-year career as an industry champion.

Based in Calgary, Alberta, Mr. Harris is the president of High Note Marketing; which he founded in 1999. He began his career with Universal Music Canada in 1986 as a country music marketing manager, where he oversaw marketing campaigns for some of Nashville’s biggest stars.

Mr. Harris has continuously been an integral supporter of Canadian country music performers throughout his career.  Over his twelve-year tenure overseeing marketing initiatives at Royalty Records, he has worked with several prominent Canadian artists including Gord Bamford, Chris Cummings, Gil Grand, and Aaron Pritchett.

Additionally, Mr. Harris has served on the CCMA Board of Directors, as well as the Alberta Recording Industry Association, and is a key entertainment consultant for the Calgary Stampede.

“I’d like to thank the CCMA for selecting me to receive the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Stan Klees Builder Award. I am humbled and honoured to receive this prestigious recognition,” said Mr. Harris. “Over the course of my career I’ve worked in many facets of the country music business and in doing so, have met many talented people who have become friends and associates. I thank them all for their support and look forward to seeing everyone during Country Music Week.”

The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at a private industry event held during Country Music Week, which takes place September 5-8 in Edmonton, Alberta.

MESSAGE FROM ROB SMITH, PRESIDENT OF ROYALTY RECORDS…..

I remember meeting Ed at my very first CCMA’s, it was 1993 I believe in Hamilton. He invited me up to his room late one night for a drink with a few others and treated me like we had been friends for years. From that point forward I always looked up to Ed as a mentor and friend.

When Royalty Records and Ed decided to start working together our relationship grew even stronger and while I took my hiatus from the record business, Ed was instrumental in the success of Royalty. I was fortunate enough to come back and take over Royalty several years later and for the last 6 or so years, Ed has taught me so much about this business, and been a great friend.

Ed’s influence and mentorship will always be a part of who I am in this business and I can’t thank him enough for what he has meant to Royalty and myself.

Thank you Ed and congratulations on your induction into the Hall of Fame!

Cheers my friend!

Rob Smith
Royalty Records Inc.
www.royaltyrecords.ca