Introducing the 2020 London Music Hall of Fame inductees
The awards were handed out virtually this year due to physical distancing rules
An eclectic group of musicians whose work influenced the London scene and beyond has been inducted in the London Music Hall of Fame.
The 2020 award winners were announced at a virtual ceremony Thursday night, streamed over Facebook.
The Forest City London Music Awards (FCLMA) recognizes outstanding contributions to music business and education, as well as community leaders in music.
Two Lifetime Achievement Awards were handed out to the late Martin Boundy and Terry MacManus.
Martin Boundy
The FCLMA says the late Martin Boundy was a conductor who inspired countless community ensembles, including conducting London Symphonia and directing the London Police Boys Band.
Martin Boundy grew up in Stratford and got his start in 1939 as organist-choirmaster at WesleyUnited Church in London. He would go on to become director of music for the Catholic board of education in 1962, and later, music director at Fanshawe College. Boundy died in 1998.
Terry McManus
The FCLMA says Terry McManus is an iconic artist manager, musician, songwriter and educator. He is a founding member of the Fanshawe College Music Industry Arts program, which began in 1975.
He's collaborated with the likes of Fred Penner, Ernie Coombs (Mr. Dressup) and Raffi. McManus managed The Essentials, The Birthday Massacre and Survivorman. McManus also founded the Songwriters Association of Canada.
Also inducted in 2020 to the London Music Hall of Fame are the Niosi Brothers and Grant Smith.
Niosi Brothers
The FCLMA says Bert, Joe and John Niosi were a band of brothers who stood out at a time when big band was the rage. Born at the turn of the last century, they were part of London's Italian community.
At one time, Joe was considered the best bassist in Canada. John played drums and Bert was a bandleader who played woodwind and brass. After the big band era slowed in the time in the 1930s, the brothers worked CBC gigs including the daily radio variety show The Happy Gang.
Grant Smith
The FCLMA says Grant Smith is a rhythm and blues belter and a Vegas crooner. He was born and raised in London and started his music career by answering a classified ad for a musical comedy drummer.
Smith eventually founded his band and played the high school dance circuit. Grant Smith & The Power recorded a debut hit, Keep on Running, in 1967. They relocated to Las Vegas in 1970, where Smith continued to work and play.