CCMA finalizes two new agreements to further Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame

The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), has announced two major partnership changes with the National Music Centre (NMC) and the Canadian Country Music Heritage Society (CCMHS, formerly known as the Merritt Walk of Stars Society) concerning the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame program.

The CCMA has finalized long-term agreements with the two other organizations, which will help in furthering awareness of selected country music artists and builders who are honoured in the Hall of Fame. (The CCMA will nonetheless maintain the sole responsibility for the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame induction process.)

The CCMA now recognizes and licenses the CCHMS organization to develop an official Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit in Merritt, B.C., including an exclusive display of plaques of the Hall's past, present and future inductees. Portions of the Canadian Country Hall of Fame Music Collection will be displayed on a loaned, rotating basis from the NMC, and the exhibit is set to open this summer in the heart of Merritt.

The NMC, slated for opening in Calgary in early 2015, is now endorsed by the CCMA as the official and exclusive Canadian home for receiving country music collectibles and artifacts, including, but not limited to, items related to CCMHF inductees.

"These two organizations are very passionate and dedicated to this important [Hall of Fame] program," says Don Green, CCMA Executive Director. "The CCMA is proud to have them on board to further promote and create awareness of our nation's country music legends."

In related news, during the 2012 edition of Canadian Country Music Week, to be held in Saskatoon Sept. 6-9, Johnny Burke and Ralph Murphy will both be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Artist inductee Burke dedicated most of his career to country music as a solo artist, as well as a backing band member for such country legends as Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty and Waylon Jennings. Industry builder inductee Murphy is a talented veteran artist, songwriter, producer and music publisher.