HONOUR ROLL 2012
6th Annual MMF Canada Honour Roll
Friday, March 23, 2012
Bymark Restaurant, Toronto
Honour Roll Award - LARRY WANAGAS
Inducted by Bob Hunka
Larry Wanagas began his career in the music business as the Entertainment Director at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada where he booked and promoted weekly concerts. In 1979, after 2 years of successful on-campus concert promotion, Wanagas left college life behind and opened a recording studio, Homestead Recorders. He also launched Bumstead Productions, focusing on artist management, an independent record label and a publishing company.
In 1983, Wanagas met a young singer named K.D. Lang. Wishing days of hearing her sing, he signed her to management, recording and publishing agreements – what is now known as a 360 deal. That arrangement marked the beginning of a 15-year rollercoaster of successful tours, multi-platinum album sales, accolades and awards.
The artist management division of Bumstead Productions has over the years represented a number of successful artists including Susan Aglukark, Big Sugar, The Blue Shadows (featuring Billy Cowsill), Colin James, Erasure (in North America), Richard Julian, K.D. Lang, Madeline Peroux, The Trews, Two Hours Traffic, Tim Chaisson, Poor Young Things, The Lazys and The East Pointers.
“I’m flattered to be included in the MMF Honour Roll along with the previous recipients,” says Wanagas. “I applaud the efforts of MMF Canada to nurture, support and celebrate the careers of artist managers in Canada.”
Pioneer Award - DONALD K TARLTON & TERRY FLOOD
Inducted by Parkside Mike Renaud
A founding partner of Aquarius Records, Terry Flood served as President of the label from the beginning in 1969 until 1990. During that time he helped build the company into one of Canada’s most prominent independent labels, developing the recording careers of several superstar acts, including April Wine, Corey Hart, Sum 41 and Sass Jordan. Terry was also the manager of April Wine for over 20 years and was successful in breaking the band into markets around the world.
In 1990 Terry sold his interest in Aquarius to his partner, Donald K Tarlton. He then formed fre Records, which released Gold records by April Wine and The Skydiggers. In ’97 Terry rejoined Donald, bringing with him a young band that went on to sell gold – Serial Joe. A year later while attending NXNE, Terry saw Sum 41 perform at the El Mocambo and was fortunate to be able to help convince them to sign with Aquarius for Canada.
Terry is a long time board member of CIRPA with over 30 years of experience in all aspects of the entertainment business.
Donald K Tarlton C.M. is best known as “Donald K Donald”, one of the most successful and colourful concert promoters in North America. With his own Donald K Donald Productions and in partnership with BCL Entertainment Corporation, it would be easier to list the few music superstars that Donald did not present on stages across Canada. But Donald’s achievements are not limited to concert promotions or Canada.
Donald is a Tony Award®-winning Broadway producer and has promoted attractions as diverse as Black and Blue, the Bolshoi Ballet and Tango Argentino. Numerous superstar comedians have chosen Donald as their Canadian concert entrepreneur. He also launched a tour production company called DKD!Spectacle that enjoyed its greatest success as the global producer and touring representative for Céline Dion throughout the ‘90s.
Donald launched one of the most successful French labels, ever, with Tacca Musique and established a sales record that may never be broken with the debut release by Kevin Parent. Today, Donald remains active in developing new Canadian stars through his partnerships in several management companies and involvements in alternative Indie labels including Last Gang Entertainment Group , Indica Records, and Hidden Pony Records .
Without ever defining himself as a “manager”, it’s no exaggeration to say that Donald K Donald’s activity in various fields like concert promotion, agencies, record labels, marketing companies and consultation has made him one of the more important developers of artistic careers in Canada.
In 2000, Donald was honoured by his country with his appointment and investiture into The Order of Canada and has also been honoured with the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award.