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.

TORONTO – 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 the 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.

Watch the 50th JUNO anniversary press conference here.

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