The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) announced today that Wendell Ferguson and Ron Sakamoto have been selected as the 2014 inductees into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
“The passion and commitment both Wendell Ferguson and Ron Sakamoto have exemplified for the Canadian country music industry throughout the years make them ideal inductees to the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame,” said Don Green, CCMA President, in a press release. “I commend the Hall of Fame Electors Committee for selecting such worthy recipients for this cherished accolade.”
Ferguson is known just as well for his wit and humour as he is for his incredible instrumental capabilities. A Juno-nominated performer, Ferguson is also a multiple CCMA Award nominee, has won the CCMA All Star Band – Guitar Award six times, and he has served on the CCMA Board of Directors as well.
Born and raised in Streetsville, Ontario, Ferguson has performed live and recorded with an astute collection of Canada’s top stars, including George Fox, Duane Steele, Shania Twain and Gordon Lightfoot. A leading force and songwriter for the country group Coda The West in the 80s, Ferguson continues to be a highly sought producer, musical director and band leader. He is also the 2014 Artist Inductee into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
“Thank you to the Hall of Fame Electors Committee, the CCMA staff, and Members and all of the musical friends I’ve made over the years in this crazy business,” said Ferguson in the same release. “I was honoured, humbled and totally shocked to find out that I was being inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.”
The induction ceremony will take place at an event during Country Music Week, running September 4-7 in Edmonton, Alberta.
Photo: CCMA
