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Aug
1, 2007
Cassandra
Szklarski
Canadian press
Canyon,
Yellowbird lead country music nominees
Established
country music stars including George Canyon,
Emerson Drive and Paul Brandt have racked up multiple nominations
for this year's Canadian Country Music Awards, but upstart singer
Shane Yellowbird stole the spotlight Wednesday with an impressive
five nods for a debut disc.
The
Alberta-bred cowboy says he can barely believe he's up for coveted
prizes including independent male artist of the year and the
Chevy rising star award so soon after arriving on the music
scene.
The
Cree artist, originally from the small community of Hobbema,
Alta., released his debut album, Life is Calling My Name, in
November after getting his first taste of performing through
a string of karaoke contests five years ago.
Yellowbird,
whose cousin is Conan Yellowbird of the Grammy-nominated drumming
group Northern Cree, says he's been amazed to see audiences
starting to sing along to his songs in concert, or stop him
on the street to say they're a fan.
The
28-year-old, who struggles with a stuttering problem, says he's
grateful for a remarkable rise to the spotlight despite several
hardships.
"I
grew up poor and I don't take things for granted, really,"
Yellowbird says when reached by phone in his home of Ponoka,
Alta., about 100 kilometres south of Edmonton.
"When
things start happening, I keep a good head on my shoulders and
take it in stride.... but I'm living a dream and I'm taking
it all in while it lasts."
Yellowbird
credited his aboriginal fans with helping him find success.
"All
the Indians across the country have heard of me and had all
the shows and all the bookings and stuff, plus all the cowboys
and everything (have been supportive)," says Yellowbird,
who grew up travelling the rodeo circuit with his parents.
He
suspects it's his unassuming nature that resonated with audiences.
"I
was just this kid, I stuttered, and I was down to earth,"
he says simply, adding he hopes never to change with increased
fame.
Canyon,
a country music veteran originally from Nova Scotia, is the
only artist with as many nominations.
The
chiselled singer says he was insulating a barn on his ranch
just south of Calgary when he heard he was up for some of the
night's biggest trophies, including single and album of the
year and the fans' choice award.
Years
of success and accolades have done nothing to dull the thrill
of CCMA nominations, he says.
"It
feels just like it felt the very first time, the very first
nomination I ever had," says Canyon, who earlier this year
took home a Juno and three East Coast Music Awards for his disc,
``Somebody Wrote Love."
"It's
extremely exciting, we're extremely blessed. We're always, to
be dead honest, we're always quite shocked."
Canyon,
who rose to prominence after making it to the finale in the
televised singing contest Nashville Star, says he's especially
touched by being recognized for his song, "I Want You To
Live," dedicated to Canadian Forces overseas.
The
awards will be handed out at a televised gala in Regina on Sept.
10.
Country
stars Brandt, Doc Walker, Emerson Drive, Brad Johner and Carolyn
Dawn Johnson each drew four nominations.
The
late John Allan Cameron, known as the Godfather of Celtic music,
will be inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
The
association will also induct Sheila Hamilton, the former executive
director of the CCMA, and broadcaster Cliff Dumas.
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