THE CANADIAN MUSIC SCENE

The Order of Canada Musicians Honour Roll

The Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievements and lifetime contributions by people in all sectors of Canadian society, including artists, business people, scientists, educators and community workers. There are three levels of the Order of Canada: Member of the Order of Canada Officer of the Order of Canada Companion of the Order of Canada

	Neil Peart Officer of the Order of Canada Appointment May 9, 1996 Member of the progressive rock trio, RUSH, these veterans of the stage have raised over a million dollars for charities such as food banks and the United Way. Their efforts have enhanced an awareness of the plight faced by society's less fortunate, inspiring and awakening the social consciousness of an entire generation. Musicians far and wide have been influenced by the band's accomplishments, a testament to its contribution to popular music.
	Alex Lifeson Officer of the Order of Canada Appointment May 9, 1996 Member of the progressive rock trio, RUSH, these veterans of the stage have raised over a million dollars for charities such as food banks and the United Way. Their efforts have enhanced an awareness of the plight faced by society's less fortunate, inspiring and awakening the social consciousness of an entire generation. Musicians far and wide have been influenced by the band's accomplishments, a testament to its contribution to popular music.
	Geddy Lee Officer of the Order of Canada Appointment May 9, 1996 Member of the progressive rock trio, RUSH, these veterans of the stage have raised over a million dollars for charities such as food banks and the United Way. Their efforts have enhanced an awareness of the plight faced by society's less fortunate, inspiring and awakening the social consciousness of an entire generation. Musicians far and wide have been influenced by the band's accomplishments, a testament to its contribution to popular music.
	Doug Riley Member of the Order of Canada Appointment October 23, 2003 Multi-talented and highly regarded, Doug Riley has made a vast contribution to music in Canada. A performer, arranger and composer, "Doctor Music" has collaborated on more than 300 albums with many of our best-known jazz, rock, pop, country and classical music artists. Renowned for his skills on the organ, he was named Jazz Organist of the Year for seven consecutive years by the Jazz Report. He also served as musical director of the Famous People Players for over 20 years. Actively involved in supporting community organizations, he plays numerous concerts in support of fundraising events and charities such as the Easter Seals, the United Way and the Princess Margaret Hospital Lodge.
	Bruce Cockburn Officer of the Order of Canada Appointment May 1, 2002 The winner of several Juno Awards, he continues to use his talents to give voice to important social and environmental causes. Fusing art with human affairs, he warns us of the danger of complacency and continues to use his public persona to urge us to action. He has helped to raise funds for food distribution programs and has highlighted the First Nations' efforts to preserve the rain forests of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Choosing to work with government rather than against it, he partnered with the Canadian International Development Agency to raise awareness on the desertification of Africa, continuing to demonstrate that one can make a difference in the lives of many. This is a promotion within the Order.
	Joni Mitchell Officer of the Order of Canada Appointment May 1, 2002 Joni Mitchell is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of her generation. Folk, pop, rock, jazz and world beat - she has embraced them all and made them her own. From Yorkville coffeehouses to international stages and on to gold albums, Junos, Grammys and Hall of Fame inductions, she has engaged and inspired audiences and musicians for some 40 years. She has crossed musical boundaries and created new ones to be crossed. Her independent style has been emulated by many popular artists and has paved the way for today's young female singers. Her music and lyrics have become part of our collective memory. Widely respected as a visual artist and poet as well, she continues to add to the creative legacy indelibly woven into our cultural mosaic.
	Sarah McLachlan Officer of the Order of Canada Appointment October 21, 1999 Her unique voice and melodies have attracted music lovers across North America and around the world. A successful recording artist, she is also the founder of the Lilith Fair Concert Series which was the first all-women concert tour. Lilith Fair provided a forum for female performers to share audiences, collaborate musically and raise contemporary issues affecting all generations. She has also given back to communities by donating revenues from the tour to many women's shelters across the country.
	Guido Basso Member of the Order of Canada Appointment April 13, 1994 Popular trumpet player, studio musician and band leader, he is renowned for his distinctive musicianship on the flugelhorn. He has performed with many other jazz greats, before royalty, and on television, radio and film. An advocate of the arts and an inspiration to young musicians, he is generous with his time and talent, running workshops and clinics, and lending his name and expertise to worthy causes.
	Ben Heppner Officer of the Order of Canada Appointment November 15, 2000 As his career continues to soar, he is recognized as one of the world's greatest tenors. He is in demand around the globe and is a proud and inspiring representative of our nation. His many outstanding recordings have set new standards for versatility and vocal performance and have garnered numerous awards, including a Grammy and two Junos. Choosing to make his home in Canada, he gives generously of his time here, performing benefit concerts for many organizations, including the Mennonite Economic Development Associates and the Lung Association.
	Rita MacNeil Member of the Order of Canada Appointment November 1, 1991 After struggling for many years to support her family, this Cape Bretoner became an overnight success as a singer and has never looked back. Her songs often typify Canadian life and convey messages of hope and heartbreak, home, hard work and humanity. The universality of the message in her lyrics seems to strike a common chord in Canadian and international audiences alike.
	KD Lang Officer of the Order of Canada Appointment November 14, 1996 She is one of Canada's top singers/songwriters whose dramatic and original style has given a new dimension to contemporary music. She has played an important role in the recognition and development of both Canadian country and popular music and has had a significant influence on the careers of our musicians. Dedicated to her country and to encouraging home-grown talent, she continues to promote a Canadian presence on the airwaves and the tour circuit in North America and around the world.
	Stompin' Tom Connors Officer of the Order of Canada Appointment May 9, 1996 Known across the country, this singer-songwriter, fiddler and guitarist is a staunch supporter of Canada, its music and musicians. A modern minstrel, he has criss-crossed the country chronicling our times and capturing our heritage in song. Mindful of his humble roots, he has spent a lifetime championing the "common" folk. His songs have given a voice to the indomitable spirit of working Canadians and have become woven into our national fibre.
	Celine Dion Officer of the Order of Canada Appointment January 6, 1998 This singer's unique voice has taken her to the top of the music world. An internationally acclaimed performer, she is one of the most popular singers on the planet, and her immense ability has been recognized by some of the most famous musicians in the world. Through her recordings and accomplished performances, she consistently demonstrates the high regard she has for her audiences. This great artist is an example of drive and determination for all Canadians.
Our appreciation and thanks go out to Manon Lévis, photography Assistant/Adjointe à la photographie at Rideau Hall in helping us obtain the pictures of the recipients of the Order of Canada shown above.