Gilles Godard To Be Inducted Into Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame

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Gilles Godard has been named the 2024 Stan Klees Builder inductee for the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame.

A native of Cornwall, Ontario, Godard has over five decades of music industry experience, and currently serves as the President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville. He began his career with Anthem (formerly known as ole) as a writer, working his way up through key positions including Chief Creative Officer, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Senior Vice President Publishing.

Throughout his tenure, Godard facilitated acquisitions such as Jody Williams Music, which includes Taylor Swift cuts; the Blacktop Catalog featuring Rascal Flatts and Blake Shelton and the Better Angels Catalog, which includes Cody Johnson’s 2022 Grammy-winning No. 1 single “Til You Can’t.” He was also instrumental in signing Jordan Davis and initiating a Timbaland deal that encompassed works by Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, along with the acquisition of catalogs from Paul Cardall, Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub and the Old Gringo catalog, which contains Sam Hunt songs including “Take Your Time,” “House Party” and “Break Up In A Small Town.”

An accomplished writer, publisher, artist and producer, Godard has received two CCMA Awards, two BMI Awards, four SOCAN Awards including an International Songwriter Achievement Award, a Felix Award and multiple JUNO nominations. Over 400 of his songs have been recorded by artists including Terri Clark, Patty Loveless, Anne Murray, Ricky Skaggs, Blackhawk, Tracy Byrd, The Road Hammers and more.

“Inducting Gilles Godard into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame is a tribute to his exceptional achievements, remarkable business acumen, and long-standing career,” says Amy Jeninga, President of CCMA. “His contributions continue to shape and inspire the country music industry as he works to build an enduring legacy and a vibrant future for generations of artists and songwriters.”

“When Amy Jeninga reached out to let me know that I was going to be inducted in the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, I felt surprised, very humbled, and truly honored,” shares Godard. “And then I started to think about all the incredible people who paved the way and opened the doors; the teachers, the mentors, the music that inspired me, the writers, the artists, the musicians, every single person who helped me find my way in this incredibly magical world of music. Someone once told me that there are only two types of people who belong in the music industry; the dreamers, and the believers; and I am happy to be a little bit of both. Thank you to the CCMA, I am proud and honored to be inducted in the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2024!”

Both Godard and recently-announced 2024 Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame Artist inductee K.D. Lang will be celebrated in an exclusive induction ceremony during Country Music Week 2024, taking place in Edmonton, Alberta over Sept. 11–14.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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