The 27th Annual Juno Awards
Sunday, March 22, 1998
Oh Canada! Our home and native land is absolutely where it's at in music.
A celebration of Canadiana, the 27th Annual Juno Awards at GM Place in
Vancouver reflected the diversity of this nation.
Vancouver's own Jason Priestley hosted the night with charm. Pop
songstress Sarah McLachlan scooped up four awards. Celtic band Leahy
stunned the audience with a powerful, passionate performance. Jazz artist
Diana Krall delivered a sultry song. Legendary producer Quincy Jones
inducted veteran composer/producer/musician David Foster into the Canadian
Music Hall of Fame. "Canadian music is alive and well and thriving. We
have a sound, we have an identity--and we are Canadian," Foster exclaimed.
Christians were also nestled within the glamour and patriotism. For the
first year ever Gospel music received its own category, though it was split
between two genres, Black Gospel and Contemporary Christian. Contemporary
Christian won out with Steve Bell accepting his award with humility and
grace. Male vocalist of the year went to the reportedly Christian Paul
Brandt. And the gorgeous Deborah Cox exuberantly praised her Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ when she picked up the Juno for Best R & B/Soul
Recording.
Let's celebrate the Junos, where Christian musicians continue to add salt
to a sometimes spicy Canadian music scene.
by CMB Freelance Correspondent - Chantelle Olsson
