Cape Breton music duo Billy and Cornelia MacLeod were honoured with the Stompin' Tom Award Friday in Sydney, N.S.

The award, named after the legendary musician, honours musical pioneers who have made significant contributions to music.

Cornelia MacLeod — now Cornelia Sutherland — and her son John Willie MacLeod accepted the award in Sydney.

"An opportunity like this comes once in a lifetime and I'm so happy to have it," said Sutherland, who now lives in Calgary.

Billy MacLeod died on Dec. 27, 2008, at the age of 57. His son, John Willie, is also a musician.

"It's really too bad Dad couldn't be here to see this," he said in accepting the award in his father's stead. "It's a wonderful thing and there's not a lot of words that I have to say how proud I am of both of them."

Several industry awards were announced Friday, ahead of the East Coast Music Awards gala on Sunday evening, also in Sydney.

Joel Plaskett, the Halifax musician who is nominated for eight ECMAs, was given producer of the year honours on Friday.

Dave McKeough, the Cape Breton guitarist who is one of East Coast music's best-loved session musicians, won the musical achievement award. McKeough also plays dobro, mandolin, bazouki and steel guitar.

Atlantic Airwaves, CBC Radio One's program dedicated to the music and music-makers of Atlantic Canada, was declared program of the year. It is hosted by Stephanie Domet.

Sydney is the midst of a five-day celebration of music, with the East Coast Music Awards gala to cap it off on Sunday evening. The gala will be broadcast on the internet by Bell Aliant.