Canadian Music Week is pleased to announce Andy Kim as the 2016 inductee to the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. Andy will be honoured for his achievements and longstanding career in the music industry at the annual Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards Gala Dinner in the Grand Ballroom at the Sheraton Centre on Thursday May 5, 2016.
"Andy Kim's contributions to the Canadian and international music community are truly remarkable in his 50+ year career. As a former recipient of the Indie Award for Favorite Solo Artist during Canadian Music Week, we are so proud to have him as part of the CMW alumni and are thrilled at his induction into the Hall of Fame", says CMW President Neill Dixon.
Legendary songwriter and recording artist Andy Kim was born in Montreal, QC Canada. At the age of 16 Andy travelled to New York and found fame when he began to write and work alongside The Brill Building writer Jeff Barry. During Kim's time at The Brill Building he penned and recorded classic hits including "How'd We Ever Get This Way?”, the first of nine Billboard Top 40 hits, and #1 songs like "Rock Me Gently" and the Archie's "Sugar, Sugar", one of Billboard's "Greatest Songs of All Time."
"The moment I heard the news I realized this voyage I'm on still surprises. I'm humbled and honoured to be recognized in the same breath as my great peers and friends in the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame," says Andy Kim. "Thank you to Neill Dixon and everyone at Canadian Music Week for continuing to keep music alive."
Over his epic career Andy sold over 30 million records, has had his songs covered by music history's greats, including Wilson Pickett, Tom Jones, Ike & Tina Turner, Gladys Knight and Bob Marley and inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. Andy returned in 2015 with his latest release 'It's Decided', a collaboration with Broken Social Scene co-founder Kevin Drew. Featuring a re-working of Andy's 1969 hit "Shoot Em Up Baby", and contemporary songs like "Sister, OK", which Kim performed live on David Letterman during the show's final days, 'It's Decided' marks a relevant shift in the life and times of Andy Kim, and reinforces his role as one of Canada's great singer-songwriters.
As Drew says, this is "Andy's heartfelt want to still make it even though many would say his history is enough. Gentle and enigmatic, ageless and ecstatic. Andy Kim always looks to transcend and find the honesty in what he does and does with others."
Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies goes on to state "Andy Kim is a true Canadian Legend... It was such a pleasure to write and produce a song with Andy Kim. He believes in the power of music, he loves songs, and he is SO rock and Roll. Beyond the massive hits, and the multi-decade career, there is a wonderful man who I'm proud to call my friend." Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith adds "Whenever I hear an Andy Kim song I can't help but be transported back in time. So many of my childhood memories are hinged upon these classic pop songs such as "Sugar Sugar". It feels like some kind of surreal dream to be able to call him a friend."
About Canadian Music Week
Canadian Music Week is Canada's leading annual entertainment event dedicated to the expression and growth of the country's music, media and entertainment industries. Combining three information-intensive conferences; a trade exposition; a film festival; a comedy festival; four awards shows and the nation's largest new music festival, CMW spans a ten-day period from May 4 to May 14, 2016 at the Sheraton Centre Hotel and over 50 downtown Toronto venues, attracting participants from across the globe. For more information, visit www.cmw.net.