In partnership with the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, this exhibition features the latest artist and builder inductees into the Hall of Fame. Located at Studio Bell, the exhibition showcases historic memorabilia and celebrates the careers of Canada's country music legends.
Artist inductee k.d. lang, known for her distinctive voice, playful attitude, and genre-defying music, has left an unforgettable mark on the world of country music and beyond. With many awards and accolades, including four GRAMMY awards, eight JUNO Awards, 10 CCMA Awards, a BRIT Award, an AMA, a VMA, four awards from GLAAD, and the Order of Canada, lang’s contributions have transcended borders and genres, making her a true Canadian original. The exhibition showcases memorabilia, instruments, and outfits that belonged to lang, highlighting her eclectic style and the evolution of her career. Featuring thrift-store finds, Nudie Suits, clothing designed for her hit songs, “Miss Chatelaine” and “Constant Craving,” and items that have never been displayed before, such as a hand-made diorama made for the cover of lang’s 1987 album with the Reclines, Angel With A Lariat, the display captures her journey from a rising star in the 1980s to a celebrated icon.
Stan Klees Builder inductee Gilles Godard has been a driving force in the music industry for over five decades, and currently serves as President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville. A publishing powerhouse, he played a key role in acquiring the Jody Williams Music catalog, which includes copyrights for several songs by Taylor Swift; the Better Angels Catalog, featuring Cody Johnson’s 2023 GRAMMY award-winning #1 hit single, “Til You Can’t,” and many more. As an accomplished musician, songwriter, record producer, record label founder and music publishing executive, with over 400 songs recorded by various artists, he has helped shape the careers of many prominent artists, earning him a well-deserved place in the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Visitors will get to know Godard’s impact through photos, storytelling, and displays of some of his awards, including a 1986 RPM Big Country Award for Top Country Producer, bestowed to him while still in his 20s, and a 2017 RIAA Diamond Album Award for over 10 million sales of Taylor Swift’s Grammy-winning album, Fearless.
Visit the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame website here to learn more and see a full list of past inductees.