The JUNOS announced updates to its Golden Anniversary
in a virtual press conference earlier today
Three new JUNO Award statuettes unveiled
MusiCounts to award $1.5 million dollars worth of instruments in 2021
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) announced today that The JUNO Awards, returning to Toronto for the 50th anniversary, will move to May 2021. Originally scheduled for March, the 50th annual JUNO Awards will now broadcast nationwide on Sunday, May 16, 2021, on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music and globally on CBCMusic.ca/junos.
CARAS also unveiled three stunning new JUNO Award statuettes inspired by the late Shirley Elford’s individually crafted trophies, that were awarded between 2000-2010. To commemorate its 50th anniversary next year, a gold version will be awarded to JUNO Award winners, a silver version for Special Award recipients and a gold and silver version for Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees.
“It’s been a decade since the JUNOS returned to Toronto and while this 50th-anniversary celebration is certainly going to be different, we still intend on celebrating all of the artists who unite our country through their music,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards and MusiCounts. “The impact of the pandemic has brought exceptional challenges, especially to our artist community but even through these challenging times our artists are resilient, and CARAS is here to recognize their achievements.”
“It is more important now than ever that we recognize our amazing artists, industry professionals and emerging talent – while continuing to showcase the strength and unity of our vibrant culture sector,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “Our government is proud to support CARAS with a $1 million investment and excited to welcome the JUNO Awards back to Ontario in 2021. This investment will ensure we will be able to safely celebrate this incredible 50-year milestone, as we adapt to deliver this program safely.”
“Toronto is proud to welcome The JUNO Awards back home for its historic 50th anniversary in May. During uncertain times music brings us together and as the biggest celebration of Canadian music, we look forward to unifying our city and highlighting our talented artists and our growing music industry,” said Mayor John Tory.
To help celebrate the JUNO Awards 50th anniversary, MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity, will be awarding $1.5 million dollars worth of instruments and equipment to schools and community organizations across Canada through the MusiCounts Band Aid Program and TD Community Music Program. Teachers in search of support for a school music program are encouraged to apply, before December 11, 2020, to musicounts.ca. Applications for the TD Community Music Program will open this spring.
The origins of the JUNO Awards date back to 1970. In that year, Walt Grealis and Stan Klees, publishers of the weekly trade publication, RPM, organized the Gold Leaf Awards, held at St. Lawrence Hall in Toronto. A year later, the name of the award was changed to honour Pierre Juneau, the first head of the CRTC and responsible for the implementation of the Canadian Content Regulations in 1971.
The 50th annual JUNO Awards will celebrate 50 years in Canadian music, broadcast, on May 16, 2021, on CBC TV, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, the free CBC Gem streaming service in Canada and globally at www.cbcmusic.ca/junos.
Social Media:
Twitter: @TheJUNOAwards
Instagram: @TheJUNOAwards
Facebook: @TheJUNOAwards
Hashtag: #JUNOS, #JUNOS50
Exclusive Broadcast and Content Partner: 
CARAS acknowledges the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters.
Lead Partner: TD Bank Group
Funding Partners: The Province of Ontario, the City of Toronto and Radio Starmaker Fund
About CARAS
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L’académie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l’enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music industry and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the JUNO Awards, a national celebration of Canadian music. JUNO Week will take place in Toronto, ON. In honour of 50 years of music, CARAS will be launching exciting initiatives in the host city, and nationally across our country. These initiatives will align with CARAS’ mandate that is comprised of four key pillars: Educate through our music education charity MusiCounts programs and initiatives, Develop emerging artists through mentorship and development programs, Celebrate Canadian artists with year-round JUNO Awards showcasing, and Honour music industry icons through the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. For more information on the 50th Annual JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) please visit www.junoawards.ca.
About MusiCounts
MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS and the JUNO Awards, is keeping music alive across Canada by putting musical instruments into the hands of children that need them most. MusiCounts’ mission is to ensure that children and youth in Canada have access to music programs through their schools and communities. MusiCounts celebrates musical excellence and achieves its mission through various programs and music education initiatives. Since 1997 MusiCounts has awarded over $14,000,000 in support of music education in Canada. For more information, visit www.musicounts.ca.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic and Chinese, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
About CBC Music
CBC Music connects Canadians with the very best in music. Available through the CBC Listen app, online, on radio and in television specials throughout the year, CBC Music privileges Canadian artists and songs. Offering 200 free music streams, CBC Music draws from all genres and classifications with knowledgeable hosts and programmers. Home to the JUNO Awards and your favourite music from across the country, discover the next great act with CBC Music. For more, visit www.cbcmusic.ca.
