2023
The Lay Awakes
The Lay Awakes are a singer-songwriter duo based in Brooklyn, New York, with roots in the Canadian Prairies and small-town Ontario. The group is comprised of Anna Paddock on piano/vocals and Patrick Anderson on guitar/vocals. Anderson also spent many years representing Canada in wheelchair basketball and is a three-time Paralympic gold medalist.
2022
Martin Deschamps
Martin Deschamps is one of Quebec’s most prominent and popular rock musicians. The award-winning singer has topped the charts and performed across Canada, in France and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, following his performance at the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games. His music also appears in films and on TV.
2021
36 Years of Gala Entertainment
From big band music to recent acts, this year’s entertainment showcased past Gala performers including the Smothers Brothers, Neil Sedaka, Matt Dusk, Holly Cole, The Jeff Healey Band, Debby Boone, Rich Little, Peter Noone with Herman’s Hermits, Chantal Kreviazuk, Michelle Wright, Leahy, Andre Philippe Gagnon, The Jim Cuddy Band, Jann Arden and Randy Bachman.
2020
Night Fever
“Night Fever”-The Bee Gees Tribute is the largest production of the Bee Gees in the world. This all Canadian cast has been touring for the past ten years, from Disneyland to Russia, recreating the look and sound of the Bee Gees. Capturing a full history of the Bee Gees, “Night Fever” includes songs from “To Love Somebody,” “Massachusetts,” I Got to Get A Message,” “I Started A Joke,” “Jive Talking,” “More Than A Woman,” “Nite Fever,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “Tragedy,” “Stayin’ Alive.,” and many more.
2019
The Caverners
The Caverners debuted in 1994 and have since been exciting audiences with their note for note perfect portrayal of The Beatles in concert. With authentic instruments, costumes and stellar vocals this all Canadian cast recreates an incredible performance night after night leaving audience screaming, stamping their feet and shouting for more.
2018
Jim Cuddy
Decades after the formation of Blue Rodeo, Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor are widely respected as one of Canada’s best songwriting teams. Jim’s first album went Gold in Canada. The second was released to critical acclaim, then won the JUNO for Adult Alternative Album of the Year. His next solo albums came in 2011 and 2018. Blue Rodeo’s awards and honours include 11 JUNO Awards, the Governor General’s Award for Performing Arts, a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, membership in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, 15 SOCAN Classics Awards and National Achievement Award, and the keys to the City of Toronto. Jim Cuddy has received two JUNO Awards for his solo work and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2013.
2017
The Caverners
The Caverners debuted in 1994 and have since been exciting audiences with their note for note perfect portrayal of The Beatles in concert. With authentic instruments, costumes and stellar vocals this all Canadian cast recreates an incredible performance night after night leaving audience screaming, stamping their feet and shouting for more.
2016
David Clayton Thomas
David Clayton-Thomas began his amazing journey as a homeless street kid and developed into one of the most recognizable voices in music, to date selling over 40 million records. In 1996 he was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and in 2007 his jazz/rock composition “Spinning Wheel” was enshrined in the Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame. In 2010 David received his star on Canada’s Walk Of Fame.
2015
Matt Dusk
Matt Dusk is one of Canada’s most beloved male vocalists, forging a career in music that has resulted in 4 critically-acclaimed studio albums. Dusk’s latest release, MY FUNNY VALENTINE: THE CHET BAKER SONGBOOK, pays homage to one of the most popular musicians of the twentieth century, Chet Baker. Dusk has been awarded two GOLD albums, one PLATINUM album, had three number one radio hits, and studied under jazz piano legend Oscar Peterson at York University.
2014
André Philippe Gagnon
Dubbed “the man of 400 voices”, André-Philippe Gagnon has won over audiences around the world with his note-perfect vocal impressions of musical entertainers spanning the history of popular music from Louis Armstrong to Psy of fleeting Gangnam fame. A veteran performer who has broken box office records and earned international critical acclaim, Gagnon has come a long way from his humble beginnings doing Tweety Bird impressions as a youngster in his native Quebec. By one recent estimate, he has delivered more than 5,000 shows to live audiences totalling some 6 million people in countries around the globe
2013
Randy Bachman
Randy Bachman, is an Canadian singer, guitarist, songwriter, performer and producer. He has earned over 120 gold and platinum album/singles awards around the world for performing and producing. His song writing has garnered him the coveted #1 spot on radio play lists in over 20 countries and he has amassed over 40 million records sold. Randy also hosts Randy Bachman’s Vinyl Tap on CBC.
2012
Debbie Boone
Debby Boone, is an American singer, author, and stage actress. She is best known for her 1977 hit, “You Light Up My Life,” which spent a then record ten weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and led to her winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artist the following year
2011
Chantal Kreviazuk
Chantal Kreviazuk is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Born in Winnipeg she is one of the most successful and popular contemporary music artists. Chantal’s sultry voice and lyrical skill have garnered her five Juno nominations and awards for “Best Pop Album” and “Best Female Artist”.
2010
The Nylons
The Nylons, With seven gold & platinum recordings, this four member vocal group is a true international success story. Known for their great acappella sound, dazzling harmonies and smooth arrangements, The Nylons immense appeal has taken them across North America, Europe, Australia, China and Japan. The group is celebrating their 25th Anniversary in the recording industry with the release of their 14th CD Sterling. The Nylons continue to perform worldwide to passionate audiences and critical acclaim.
2009
Leahy
Leahy, a family of instrumentalists, singers, and dancers brings a rare level of originality and musicianship to the stage. Leahy writes, arranges, and produces thier own music which is known for their unique blend of musical styles and genres.
2008
Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone
Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone, Peter Noone is touring in a group called “Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone”, delivering on stage and capturing the charm of the original band. Peter Noone appeared on the televised singing competition American Idol on 20 March 2007 as a mentor for the male contestants.
2007
The Pointer Sisters
The Pointer Sisters, in recent years, has performed with some of the greatest symphony orchestras in the world, including San Francisco, Jacksonville, Atlanta’s symphony orchestra and the renowned Boston Pops. In 2003, Ruth’s daughter; Issa Pointer enthusiastically joined the group. Issa has been singing since childhood and is a natural performer. Over the years, she has occasionally joined her mother and aunts on the road and on stage–just for fun! Well, she’s all grown up now and has the vocal chords to prove it.
2006
Jeff Healy Band
Jeff Healy Band is one of Canada’s most celebrated and accomplished musicians. With the original lineup intact, and after a 5-year absence, Healey and company returned with a vengeance.
2005
Master Magician Greg Frewin
Master Magician Greg Frewin is the first magician to have ever won all three of the top international world competitions held by the International Brotherhood of Magic (IBM), the Society of American Magicians (SAM) and the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM). For winning the prestigious “Triple Crown” Greg was named International Grand Champion of Magic by his peers.
2004
André Philippe Gagnon
As a kid in his hometown of Quebec City, André Philippe Gagnon did his first impression and he never looked back. In 1985, he brought his remarkable brand of vocal impersonation to Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival and wide recognition soon followed. Gagnon’s voices span decades and genres, and whether he is doing Nat King Cole, Mick Jagger, the Beatles, R.E.M, or any one of the almost 400 people and characters he impersonates. Whoever he decides to bring, it is certain that André Philippe Gagnon will make it a starstudded and very entertaining evening.
2003
Holly Cole
Canadian singing icon Holly Cole and her famed trio kept the audience entertained. The Toronto Star and the University of Toronto won Corporate Awards. Paralympic athlete Daniel Wesley, Famous People Players’ Diane Dupuy and Henry Wohler, President of the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing, won King Clancy Awards.
2002
Barrage
Energetic, Calgary-based troupe Barrage entertained. Senator Joyce Fairbairn, Wheelchair athlete Chantal Peiticlerc and CNIB President and CEO Jim Sanders won King Clancy Awards. CIBC and Bank of Montreal were Corporate Award Winners.
2001
Michelle Wright
Singer Michelle Wright delighted fans. Stephanie Dixon, Lisa Franks and Patrick Jarvis won King Clancy Awards. Corporate Award winners were Greyhound Canada Transportation Corporation and UnumProvident.
2000
Leahy
Popular Canadian band Leahy was front-row-centre. Walter Gretzky, Terry Kelly and Stephanie McClellan won King Clancy Awards while Pfizer Canada Inc. and Scotiabank were Corporate winners.
1999
Jann Arden
Singer Jann Arden entertained and Kelly Klassen, Jim Knox and Frank MacIntyre won King Clancy Awards. Canadian Airlines and York University were Corporate Award winners.
1998
Neil Sedaka
Singer Neil Sedaka delighted everyone. Amy Doofenbaker, Joan Mactavish and Dave Shannon were King Clancy Award winners while Bell Mobility and Ford Motor Company of Canada won Corporate Awards.
1997
Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick sang her way into everyone’s heart. Jeff Adams, Jesse and John Davidson and Henry N.R. Jackman won King Clancy Awards. The Eaton Foundation and The Toronto Sun were Corporate winners.
1996
Bob Newhart
TV star Bob Newhart was at his usual, hilarious, low-key best. Kurt Browning, Betty & Rolly Fox, Rhonda Mickelson and Dr. Robert Steadward won King Clancy Awards. The Corporate winner was General Motors.
1995
Milton Berle
Comedian Milton Berle left them laughing. Rob Snoek, Spencer Bevan-John and Jack Donohue won King Clancy Awards. Citytv and The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Co. were Corporate winners.
1994
Don Harron
Catherine McKinnon and Comedian Don Harron delighted the audience. Reverend Robert L. Rumball and Joanne Bouw received King Clancy Awards while Via Rail Canada Inc. and Air Canada won Corporate Awards.
1993
Red Buttons
Entertainer Red Buttons graced the podium while Gary McPherson, Jeff Tiessen and Karl (Karlo) Hilzinger (post-humously) won King Clancy Awards. Chrysler Canada and Rogers Cable TV won Corporate Awards.
1992
Rich Little
Impressionist Rich Little was at his outrageous best. David Onley and Dick Loiselle won King Clancy Awards while Imperial Oil and C.P. Hotels (Royal York Hotel) were corporate award winners.
1991
Smothers Brothers
Comedy duo, the Smothers Brothers, kept them laughing. Barbara Turnbull, Terry Fox (post-humously) and André Viger were King Clancy Award winners. The Corporate Awards were established and winners were the Royal Bank, IBM Canada and Bell Canada.
1990
Harry Belafonte
The velvet tones of singer Harry Belafonte filled the ballroom while Lieutenant Governor John Black Aird, Arnold Boldt and marathon swimmer Vicki Keith received King Clancy Awards.
1989
George Burns
Ageless, cigar smoking comedian George Burns was at his hilarious best while Rick Hansen, Jackie Rodger and Kerry Wadman won King Clancy Awards. A huge $798,000 was raised.
1988
Bob Hope
Comedian Bob Hope kept them laughing while Dinah Christie entertained. Robert Wilson Jackson, Beryl Potter and Mona Winberg won King Clancy Awards and an amazing $671,000 was raised.
1987
The King Clancy Awards
The King Clancy Awards were created to honor individuals whose outstanding accomplishments have raised awareness of the potential of physically challenged persons. Richard Beecroft, Carl Hiebert and Ron Turcott won the inaugural awards.
1986
Steve Fonyo
Inspired by Terry Fox, Steve Fonyo ran coast-to-coast to raise funds and awareness for the physically disabled. He also helped to raise an additional $330,000 as guest at the Gala.
1985
Great Valentine Gala Premiere
The dazzling premiere of the Great Valentine Gala was expected to raise about $10,000 for Canada’s first home for deafblind persons. The final tally was an amazing $230,000!