A&M RECORDS OF CANADA, LTD. HISTORY

A&M RECORDS CANADA HISTORY: THE 1960s

1964       1965       1966       1967       1968       1969      

Until February 1970, when A&M Records of Canada was established, A&M recordings from the United States were licensed to Quality Records. A&M had at least 24 singles on the Canadian pop charts. An incredible 15 singles made the Top 10 and 21 were in the Top 20. The first A&M artist to chart was We Five with "You Were On My Mind" which was a Top 5 hit. In 1967 and 1968, A&M had three #1 singles: Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale," Boyce and Hart's "I Wonder What She's Doing Tonite" and Herb Alpert's "This Guy's in Love with You."

1962: A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
  Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass (1)

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1964: A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass (1)

Baja Marimba Band (1)
Lucille Starr (1)
Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass (1)

 

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1965: A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass (1)

Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass (1)
We Five (1)

 

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1966: A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
 

Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass (5)
Chris Montez (4)
Sandpipers (2)

 

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1967: A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
 

Boyce & Hart (1)
Parade (1)
Procol Harum (1)
Jimmie Rodgers (1)

 

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1968: A&M RECORDS RADIO AND RETAIL CONTESTS

A&M's distributor Quality Records ran a two-week long radio contest to promote Herb Alpert's Ninth and the Baja Marimba Band's Fowl Play albums. Callers who knew the names of these albums won the complete Alpert catalog. Listeners who submitted drawings of fowl received the Baja catalog. 

Quality Records also ran a competition for record stores. August was "Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass Month," The stores competed by creating window displays. There was a winner named in each of the provinces.

The album A Taste of A&M was released and became Quality Records' No. 1 top seller across Canada.

 

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
 

Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (2)
Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass (1)
Boyce & Hart (1)
Parade (1)

 

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1969: A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
 

Checkmates Ltd. (1)
Jimmy Cliff (1)
Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 (1)
Evie Sands (1)

 

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A&M RECORDS CANADA HISTORY 1970s

1971       1972       1973       1974       1975       1976       1977       1978       1979      

1970: FOUNDING A&M RECORDS OF CANADA, LTD.

When A&M decided it wanted to do more than distribute its U.S. recordings in Canada--it wanted to find and develop Canadian recording artists and songwriters--the search began for Canadians to run the business. A&M Records of Canada had only one president throughout its existence, Gerry Lacoursiere. Gerry was a Canadian who had worked in the U.S. record industry.

With an unofficial opening on February 2, A&M Records of Canada officially opened on February 23, 1970, with four employees. 

A&M Records Canada, Ltd. was set up as an independent Canadian record company. Gerry Lacoursiere was the managing director. David Brodeur was named to head sales promotion. Lacoursiere then hired a bookkeeper, an inventory control person, and a switchboard operator. Liam Mullan was the next person hired as the promotion coordinator. The first office was located at 255 Yorkland Blvd., Willowdale, Ontario, Canada. The first singles were set for release on March 7. 

In June Liam Mullan was promoted to director from his position as the Ontario district sales and promotion manager.

A&M Records Image

 

A&M Canada's original manufacturing deal was with Keel Record Manufacturing of Canada, Ltd., and distribution arrangements with Capitol Records (territory from Kingston to Vancouver); London Records (the Ottawa Valley, Quebec Province and Gaspe), and Canadian Assemblies (the Atlantic Provinces). (Lacoursiere bought back all of the unsold Quality pressings.) In March, A&M Canada decided to create four-color album liners as a promotional tool. The use of album liners in Canadian pop albums had stopped in 1966 due to production costs.

A&M was one of many labels that Quality Records distributed. Lacoursiere told RPM, "I didn't realize the lack of impact A&M had in Canada. I think because of the fact that a licensee is not interested in creating a label image, so everything was Tijuana Brass and Sergio Mendes--not A&M Records. They were promoting the artist--not the label." He continued, "Usually when you open up you have your own people in a given area and you should do better because they are concentrating on one thing...But if we only hd A&M, we could put out our thirteen albums a year and work them properly, and do a good promotion job."

The original headquarters was at 255 Yorkland Blvd., Willowdale, Ontario.

Distributors included Capitol Records (Canada) Ltd., London Records of Canada, Ltd. and Canadian Assemblies.

"We own every single out there until the consumer buys it. They all come back to us if they're not sold. Every record we sell is guaranteed. Every record, single or album sitting in a warehouse because it doesn't sell, eventually ends up back here where it's scrapped. We scrap every record. No deletes at all."--Joe Summers in RPM November 9, 1974

The "scrap, no delete" policy was Gerry Lacoursiere's idea. He implemented it upon opening A&M Canada. A&M Records in the U.S. adopted the policy.

In March, A&M broke the suspension of inner album sleeves by creating a four-color sleeve as a promotional tool. The first singles were set for release on March 3.

The first album worked by A&M Records Canada was a compilation album The Cream Of the Cream. It was specially priced at $1.98. It featured  Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, the Baja Marimba Band and Wes Montgomery. The first A&M Records U.S. albums to be released by A&M Canada were the Greatest Hits series by many of the same artists showcased in Cream Of the Cream. A&M created radio ads and in-store racks for the Greatest Hits series. With the release of the Carpenters and Joe Cocker albums, A&M provided retailers with full-color catalogs, stand-up store displays, and Joe Cocker posters and buttons.

RPM Weekly ran this advertorial on A&M Canada on April 28: A&M Records Profile in RPM

A&M Canada distributed Shelter Records in Canada.

In June, A&M Canada was gaining success promoting Ron Davies "It Ain't Easy," Merry Clayton's "Gimme Shelter", Carpenters "Close to You" and biggest of all Miguel Rios "Song Of Joy." The first #1 hit single on the Canadian pop chart that A&M Canada worked was "A Song of Joy" by Miguel Rios, again a U.S. export, which topped the chart in July 1970. It was a Top 10 hit on Cash Box and continued to sell for the next five years.

In September, A&M offered dealers discounts on all A&M products except the new Carpenters and Joe Cocker albums. A&M provided color catalogs, stand-up displays, Joe Cocker buttons and posters, and Greatest Hits racks and radio ads.

A&M Canada had a total of three #1 singles. The label often chose one Province where it would promote a new single. If the single gained good airplay and reaction, A&M would consider releasing it to other Provinces where it did well or nationally. 

Throughout its history, A&M Canada would very successfully promote A&M products placing more than 300 singles on Canada's music charts. A&M Canada began working the song in March 1970 securing airplay on the giant radio stations in Toronto plus an initial shipment of 35,000 singles.

The year ended with producer Harry Hinde signing a deal that gave A&M first option on all of his productions. The first release was Tundra's single "Band Bandit."

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
 Carpenters (2)
Joe Cocker (2)

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1971: A&M CANADA SIGNS ITS FIRST CANADIAN ARTISTS

The first Canadian A&M artist was Tundra, brought to A&M by Harry Hinde and signed in 1971. They produced the Top 30 hit "Band Bandit." The single won a Maple Leaf Award. Also signed Terry McManus.

Liam Mullan was promoted to the sales and promotion manager for the Canadian West Coast. He had been the national promotion director. Mullan was succeeded by Pete Beauchamp. Also hired was Joe Summers as the national sales manager. Joe Woodhouse was the Ontario Promotion Manager. David Brodeur was the sales and promotion manager for the Atlantic Provinces and Quebec Province. Brian Coombs was the sales and promotion manager for Ontario.

A&M Canada signed Terry McManus to an artist-publishing deal. The first single was "Sunshower in the Spring."

In July A&M announced that it had moved its distribution from Capitol to MDC Distribution, Joy Music, and Taylor, Pearson & Carson for Ontario through British Columbia. London Records serviced eastern Ontario and Quebec. Canadian Assembies handled the Atlantic Provinces.

Also in July, A&M reduced it suggested retail price of single albums from $6.29 to $5.98. Double albums and twin pack tapes remained at 10.98.

Canadian artists Chilliwack were signed to A&M Canada after their contract with A&M in the U.S. ended. Also signed Terry McManus.

The "No Rip Off" series launched in October with Rockin' the Fillmore by Humble Pie, Booker T. & Priscilla and Chilliwack's debut album

In November, A&M announced that the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) would award gold disks to ten of its albums. The albums were:

Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Joe Cocker, With a Little Help from My Friends--Joe Cocker
Close to You, Carpenters--Carpenters
Tea for the Tillerman, Teaser and the Firecat--Cat Stevens
Greatest Hits--Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass
Tapestry--Carole King

Tea for the Tillerman spent over one year on Canada's album chart and Teaser and the Firecat was certified gold on the day of its release.

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
  Carpenters (3)

 

A&M developed 12 television ads to run in the days before Christmas. The artists promoted were Chilliwack, Carole King, and Cat Stevens. 

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1972: EXPANDING A&M RECORDS CANADA

A Foot in Coldwater and Lorence Hud signed in 1972. In 1973, both gave A&M Canada a Top 30 hit. Also signed in 1972, Greg Adams.

In February Taylor, Pearson and Carson became the distributor for Alberta and Saskatchewan.

In March A&M announced it had radio specials of the Carpenters and Cat Stevens offered free to programmers. 

As of August 1, the A&M Toronto office moved to 120 Milner Avenue, Agincourt, Ontario, Canada. The new office was larger and had a warehouse. 

The Montreal Branch Office opened with sales and distribution responsibilities.

In September, Jerry Moss entered a two-year deal to distribute Haida Records in Canada. Through Haida, A&M distributed recordings by Valdy, Clare Lawrence, Spring, Thumrock and Stallion Thumrock. The first recording under the deal was "Rock and Roll Music/Hello Mr. Record Man" by Valdy.

Several television ads supporting Procol Harum were developed and aired.

A&M Records Canada released 60 albums and 57 singles during 1972. Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens spent a year on Canada's national chart.

Joe Summers was hired as the National Sales Manager with a sales staff of four people. In 1978, he became A&M Canada's general manager/vice president. The theme for the fall campaign was "A&M Will Take You Higher." Plans included a retail window display contest, a 3-month television campaign and restocking program.

A&M Canada held its first national and sales promotion meeting in September. It included individual marketing practices with each sales and promotion person.

In December Colin Macdonald was named Campus Radio Promotion Manager.

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
 Carpenters (3)
Procol Harum (2)

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1973: PROMOTION AND DISTRIBUTION AT A&M CANADA

"If you look and analyze our company today, you'll find that we have more promotion people than we have sales people...[Promotion is] where it all starts. But we have to have good merchandise...So your big thing has to be promotion. You need that hit single to create a saleable item. From there your merchandising takes over."

"You put out a good album, you merchandise it properly, advertise and promote it properly, and if the album has it, you have a hit album."

"I think every artist we have has international potential; we try to build it...If We have a hit internationally that Canadian act more than pays for himself and gives us a profit that allows us to produce more recorded product."--Gerry Lacoursiere, RPM October 13, 1973

Lacoursiere told RPM that if a single sold more than 30,000 units in Canada it was a good seller. 

A&M Canada introduced its monthly information sheet about new albums and singles, tour information and other news for retailers titled "Hype." The first issue was dated April 2, 1973.

Keith Hampshire signed to A&M Canada in 1973 and gave his new label three Top 10 singles that year including the #1 "The First Cut Is the Deepest." Valdy sold 15,500 copies of his second album in just five weeks. On October 15, 1973, the new A&R and publishing house opened.

Five of A&M Canada's artists had albums released in foreign markets: Keith Hampshire's The First Cut Is the Deepest was released in Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, and Australia. Lorence Hud was in the U.K., several European countries, South Africa, Barbados and Japan. Sound '80 was issued in Venezuela, Barbados and South Africa. Haida artists Valdy and Clare Lawrence had albums out in South Africa.

A&M Canada was the first label to release a quadrophonic album. Albums by Joan Baez, Carpenters and Carole King were among the first. Rick Wakeman's The Six Wives of Henry VIII and it was released in both SQ and QS formats. A&M also released quadrophonic tapes.

Harry Hinde brought Phyllis Brown to A&M's artist roster. She changed her professional name to Charity Brown.

By mid-year, Haida Records was dormant.

A two-year distribution deal with Goldfish Records for Chilliwack, Greenfield, Susan Jacks and Terry Jacks. A&M acquired the distribution rights for Much Productions, Ltd., Sweet Plum, Fleur Aquarius and Clic.

Gerry Lacoursiere was promoted to vice president and general manager of A&M Records of Canada, Ltd. He also became the VP for Almo/Irving Music. Colin Cross became the first Ontario Sales Manager; Bob Roper the Ontario Promotion Manager; Charly Vance (AKA Provost) the Quebec Promotion Manager, and Doug Chappell promoted to National Coordinator of Promo and Special Projects. Pete Beauchamp from National Promotion Manager into setting up the A&M's A&R House. A&M established a sales manager for Ontario. Colin Cross was the first person to hold that position.

The theme of the annual sales convention was "A&M Always Means Business."

On October 15, A&M Canada opened its A&R and publishing house.

Canada suffered a vinyl and paper shortage coupled with a shortage of record pressing facilities. Gerry Lacoursiere told Billboard in November that the shortages forced A&M to be "more selective in LP allocations [because it was] difficult maintaining the necessary product levels from plants" and that A&M had reduced its promotional mailing lists to those "actually promoting album cuts."

For the Christmas holiday promotion, A&M Canada worked albums by 14 artists.

Valdy was the only Juno nominee and winner. He took home the Folk Singer of the Year Award.

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
 Carpenters (3)
Keith Hampshire (2)
Billy Preston (2)

Nazareth enjoyed its earliest success in Canada. Their 1973 album Loud 'n' Proud included "This Flight Tonight" written by Joni Mitchell. The songwriting credit met the government's regulation for content at radio and became a monster it. "This Flight Tonight" was the record of the year at radio station CKOM in Saskatoon, Canada.

 

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1974: A&M CANADA RECORD COMPANY OF THE YEAR

"With a new act you have to create a demand to the consumer then get that mass distribution everywhere."

"Our company has record people in it and they do have an excitement about the business. We have this built in enthusiasm. It's a matter of keeping the lines of communication open and letting them know that head office is backing them."--Joe Summers, RPM November 9, 1974

On January 26 existing album prices were raised from $5.98 to $6.49 and new albums were to be priced at $6.98.

In 1974 cassette and 8-track tapes accounted for 25-30 percent of the business. Pilferage of tapes was at two percent. Retailers often kept tapes in locked cabinets. Experimentation with longbox packaging was under consideration.

Juno Awards, March 25, 1974, A&M won the Canadian Record Company of the Year For Promotion.

Billboard reported in "A&M Opens Special A&R Wing: Points to Sharper Talent Focus," that A&M Records of Canada opened its own A&R division to find and develop Canadian artists. Peter Beauchamp explained, "The whole thing was a costly venture and certainly the company didn't need it for financial success. We understood that if the Canadian music industry was going to grow, we would have to take steps to help...At the outset it is not specifics that we are looking for, in fact, we are open to anything. The attitude of the artist has a lot to do with whether we sign them or not and if the act already has good management, that's all the better." Early in the year A&M opened "Madison House" at at 33 Madison Avenue, Toronto M5R 2S2. It was home to the publicity department with Charly Prevost and Lorna Richards; the A&R Department with Peter Beauchamp, and Publishing Department with Graham Power and Gerry Shaw.

A&M acquired Canadian distribution rights to Goldfish Records and Love Productions. The label had three Top 10 country hits including a #1 in Hoyt Axton's "When the Morning Comes." Goldfish hoped for a relationship similar to the one A&M and Ode Records had. Goldfish's artist roster included Terry Jacks, Susan Jacks, Chilliwack, Barry Greenfield and Hood.

Around June 1974, A&M Canada began distributing Naja Records. Naja was an independent label founded by Michael Hasek.

In August A&M had the most singles on the charts to date--nine--with Canadian content.

At the end of September, A&M Canada expected 40 albums (Canada and internationally) to be released. These albums included country, folk, pop, rock and soundtrack.

Strawbs: Hero & Heroine 1974 Canada promo with J. P. Guilbert and Marc DeMouy owner of record store 2000 Plus

The Strawbs promoted Hero and Heroine in Montreal in 1974 . With JP Guilbert (Montreal promotion) and Marc DeMouy (owner of 2000 Plus Reoords).

Distributed Daffodil Records albums and singles by A Foot in Coldwater, Huggett Family and Spirit of Christmas.

Distributed Le Crazy Horse's 1974 album Non Plus Grands Succes. It appeared on the Les Disques Fleurs label.

Entered a distribution deal with Naja Records for Michal Hasek's album and single.

Notable artist signings in 1974 included Charity Brown who stayed for three years, Gino Vannelli who was with the label for four years, Valdy and Bold Upright who signed in July.

Vannelli was the first Canadian artist to have Herb Alpert produce one of his records. He also holds the distinction of being the first white artist to appear on the television show "Soul Train" on February 15, 1975. A&M Canada gave heavy promotional support to Vannelli's Powerful People album and "People Gotta Move" single as Vannelli played a series of club dates and plans for a Canadian tour were made.

Billboard reported, A&M Records of Canada was responsible for 97.8 percent of the Nazareth single "This Flight Tonight" in North America.

A&M Canada had a 1974 Summer Tape Spectacular promotion for all albums in the A&M catalog on 8-track, cassette and quadrophonic 8-track formats.

A&M Records of Canada received the Juno Award for Top Record Company in Promotional Activities.

A&M's promotion department was now Peter Beauchamp and Doug Chappell with seven people located in Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver. In May, Beauchamp told Billboard, "The promotion [representative] must develop a credibility and gain the respect of [the radio station's music director. In the end you are going to have to prove to him that the record is good. Listen to some of their problems and be honest and open about the merit or lack of merit of the various records that you present."

Charley Prevost became national publicity director.

David Brodeur was named national marketing manager and Claude Palardy was made production manager.

 

Nazareth, Montreal Forum 1974

Nazareth at the Montreal Forum in 1974. Colin Cross (Montreal branch manager), Dan McCafferty, JP Guilbert (Montreal promotion), Pete Agnew, Daryl Sweet, Manny Charlton, Charly Prevost (Montreal promotion)

 

Ray Rosenberg and Paul Bartsch were hired for the Ontario Sales Office.

Signed Invader Sound Company but the group did not release any recordings.

On July 26, the price of A&M and its distributed labels albums was raised from $6.49 and $6.98 to $7.29.

A&M's return policy was that albums and tapes were to be displayed for 90 days and singles were returnable for 120 days from release.

"We own every single. out there until the consumer buys it. They all come back to us, if they're not sold. Every record we sell is guaranteed. Every record, single or album, sitting in a warehouse because it doesn't sell, eventually ends up back here where it's scrapped. We scrap every record. No deletes at all."--Joe Summers, RPM November 9, 1974

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
 Cat Stevens (3)

 

"I've always worked on the basis of you get it played on the radio and let the consumer get exposed to it--you get the record in the store and let the consumer make the decision. If it doesn't sell, you take it back."--Joe Summers, RPM November 8, 1974

A&M RECORDS JUNO NOMINEES AND WINNERS

CATEGORYARTISTTITLEWON
Best Male Vocalist
Most Promising Female Vocalist
Best Country Male Artist
Folk Singer of the Year
Folk Album of the Year
Keith Hampshire
Linda Brown
Ian Tyson
Valdy
Valdy

 
 
 
Country Man
 

 

Shawn Phillips with JP Gilbert

Quebec fan favorite Shawn Phillips in Montreal with JP Guilbert (Montreal promotion). 

 

A&M Records Canada broke Supertramp in North America. It started in Montreal when JP Guilbert walked into CHOM-FM one morning with the acetate (test pressing) of Supertramp’s Crime of the Century. After 60 seconds of listening, program director Peggy Colston brought him up to the studio and Bobby Boulanger (morning man) put the album on air. They then watched the phone ring non-stop from listeners wanting to know who the hell they were playing.

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1975: A&M CANADA's NEW HEADQUARTERS

The year began with Bruce Miller recording an album at A&M Studios in Los Angeles and promotion of new albums by Valdy and Ian Tyson.

A&M Records Canada began moving into A&M Centre at 939 Warden Avenue, Scarborough. The headquarters office, warehouse. music publishing, sales, promotion, press and A&R were the first to centralize.

A&M Records Canada Advert

 

A&M Canada established its own distribution system. On June 1, it opened a branch office in Calgary with Paul McLure as its director. Bill Meehan appointed Ontario branch manager. Hired Bill Ott to manage the Montreal branch.

Joe Summers was promoted to National Marketing Director. Colin Cross was named the National Sales Manager. Kate Elliott was promoted to National Press Officer. Johanna Saab was tapped to increase coordination between the promotion and publicity departments. 

The Juno Award nominees were announced in March. The A&M/Ode nominees were:

Linda Brown--Country Female Artist
Ian Tyson--Country Male Artist
Valdy--Folk Singer
Charity Brown--Most Promising New Female Artist
Gino Vannelli--Most Promising New Male Artist
Tommy Chong--Composer

A&M Canada had 11 artists on its roster. Between Canadian artists and international artists, A&M Canada ran 13 promotions

CANO signing with A&M Records Canada

Franco-Ontarian group CANO (CANO stood for Co-operatifs des Artistes de Nouvelle Ontario)signs with A&M Records Canada. Front row: Marcel Aymar, Michel Kendel, Michael Godin (A&R),
Middle row: David Burt, Mike Dasti, John Doerr, Jim Vallance (songwriter), Gerry Lacoursiere (president), Rachel Paiement, Gary Mcgroarty, JP Guilbert (national promotion), 
Back row: Jim Monaco (publicity). Doug Chappell (promotion and artist development), Pat Ryan (Ontario promotion), Wasyl Kohut, Andre Paiement 
Photo courtesy Mathew Wiley.

In 1975, A&M Canada signed The Raes who were with the label for two years. Their first single, "A Little Lovin'," was a Top 10 hit in Canada.

Styx with Lorna Richards and JP Guilbert celebrating Equinox going gold in Canada

Styx with Lorna Richards and JP Guilbert celebrating Equinox going gold in Canada

 

In September, Cliff Edwards signed to A&M Canada.

Recordings by Canadian artists were released in Canada first. Essentially, if the record were a hit in Canada, it would be issued in the United States. Once the A&M Records of Canada established its track record, records were released simultaneously in both Canada and the U.S.

Began a distribution arrangement with Bim Records that lasted until 1978. Artists were Bim and Chilliwack.

In April A&M Canada and U.S. label Round Records announced a licensing agreement for Round product in Canada. A&M would promote and distribute. The name Round Records could not be used so Round would become Square Records in Canada. It appears that none of Round's recordings were released on the Square label.

 

A&M Canada staff celebrating The Rocky Hour Picture Show

Janice Argall and Johanna Rabb with local DJ's at the premiere of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

A&M Canada worked a total of 78 albums during the year.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold AlbumCountry ManValdy

 

Chris DeBurgh: Spanish Train Canada Award

Chris DeBurgh broke in Montreal, primarily at radio, and garnered support from the trade, the media and the A&M Team right across Canada. With one of many sales awards for his Spanish Train & Other Stories JP Guilbert (Montreal promotion), Chris DeBurgh, Roger Hodgson and promoter Donald K. Donald.

 

A&M RECORDS JUNO NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARDARTISTWON
Most Promising Male VocalistGino VannelliWon

 

JP Guilbert was instrumental in boosting Styx's career when he got Montreal radio to play "Suite Madame Blue." When the song took off, Styx moved from playing bars in the U.S. to a sold-out concert at the Montreal Forum.

 

Cat Stevens with JP Gilbert

Cat Stevens with JP Guilbert  (Montreal promotion)and David Brodeur at Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec where Stevens recorded his "Numbers" album

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
 Captain & Tennille (2)
Carpenters (2)
JP Guilbert accepting Juno Award on behalf of Gino Vannelli

JP Gilbert (Montreal promotion) accepted Gino Vannelli's Juno Award for Most Promising Male Vocalist in 1975. Gino won Male Vocalist of the Year in 1976 and 1979.

 

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1976: 16 GOLD ALBUMS IN ONE YEAR

In the RPM Readers' Poll Awards, A&M was voted the Best Sales Team, Most Aggressive Promotion Team and Top Canadian Company.

Recordings from A&M Canada were released in the U.S., Europe (Finland, holland, England, Portugal, Sweden), Japan and Australia. Top artists for international release included Offenbach, CANO and Symphonic Slam.

A&M Canada used the U.S. sales totals as a measure of what success in the smaller Canadian market would be. Often trying for ten percent, Canada often reached 20-30 percent of U.S. sales. 

A&M offered retailers up to a ten percent discount on product and additional discounts for advertising. A&M also ran radio spots for ten weeks that featured customer participation on major stations across Canada. Gerry Lacoursiere told Billboard, "Because we distribute our own product, we are more apt to understand the true nature of the national music industry and the nature of our company within that structure."

A&M Canada held its first Annual Canadian Roster Week. The artists spotlighted were Charity Brown, Cliff Edwards, David George, and Valdy plus Casino Records' Susan Jacks, Chilliwack and Bim. 

Peter Frampton CRIA Platinum presentation Toronto 1976

  Peter Frampton with double platinum for Frampton Comes Alivei following a Toronto show in  July 1976.  Jim Monaco, (publicity). Bill Meehan (Ontario branch manager). Peter Frampton, Ray Rosenberg (Ontario Sales),  Dee Anthony (manager),  David Brian (Ontario Promotion). Photo courtesy of Matthew Wylie.

The Canadian market caught on to Frampton Comes Alive! when JP Guilbert took it first to CKOI-FM in Montreal. An hour later GHOM-FM played it.

The promotion department was six men who reported to Doug Chappell. Each one had a territory to cover--Toronto office for Ontario; Calgary Office for Alberta and British Columbia; Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and Montreal Office for Quebec. The representatives were responsible for getting airplay, running radio contests, looking after artists when they were in his territory. Each week they submitted airplay and other activity reports that were shared throughout the department. Programmers and listeners in Quebec was often showed the first interest in new recordings.

Offenbach: Never Too Tender launch In Montreal

A&M Canada launch esf the French-language album "Chu un Rocker" by Quebec stars Offenbach. Daniel Morrison (Montreal marketing), Gerry Lacoursiere (president), Michel "Willy" Lamothe, JP Guilbert (national promotion), Roger "Wezo" Belval, Doug Chappell (promotion and artist development), the manager of the Esquire Show Bar, Luc Martel (Montreal, promotion), Gerry Boulet, Joe Summers (vice president and general manager), Front Johnny Gravel.

"Promotion is gaining attention for your product and letting people see how good it is. They're not going to buy trash, but even if it's good, it can still go right by. You have to keep reminding people, building it up in front of them to let them know how good it is."--Doug Chappell, RPM September 25, 1976

The total staff size increased from six employees to 68 employees in just six years. Of note, the sales staff rose from four in 1972 to 13 in 1976. 

A&M was the first record company in Canada to have a press office.

"A&M recognizes the value of complete and consistent liaison with the consumer press. The recognize the need to keep the public informed through the media and to generate a free flow of information."

"This is a huge country and we have a lot of talent that needs representation outside the country and inside, and of course we want to represent the cats from the outside who are coming in. The press people all over the country are receptive to the facts if the facts are presented to them, and on time."--Jim Monaco, RPM September 25, 1976

Billboard quoted Lacoursiere, "That first year we had one major hit. This past year we had 16 gold albums, ten of those not yet gold anywhere in the world but here. And three of those were Canadian recordings." A&M Canada had five straight months where it did over $1 million of business. For the year, it was 57 percent over 1975. The year 1976 was a $12 million dollar year for the label. 1976 was the fourth year in a row that A&M Canada grew by more than 25 percent. In just six years the label had 61 gold records in Canada.

The Calgary branch office opened. Calgary was the third distribution and sales branch giving A&M complete in-house distribution across Canada.

Jim Monaco became the National Press Officer for A&M Records Canada. Neil MacGonigill was the promotion representative for British Columbia and Alberta.

Of the 17 gold albums, 10 did not go gold in the U.S. and of the nine platinum albums, six did not reach that level in the U.S.

On September 18, A&M moved into its new offices.

A&M Canada's new headquarters opening celebration

 

In September A&M increased the retail price of some albums. The double albums in the SP 3700 series were set at $8.99. The SP 4600 series rose to $7.98 for vinyl albums and $8.98 for 8-track and cassette tapes.

The fall 1976 promotion campaign was "Stop Look and Listen." A&M discounted product price with the proviso that retailers use the discount to advertise A&M recordings. The radio part of the campaign were commercials that ran over four months at 16 radio stations in nine cities. To tie radio and retail together, A&M encouraged retail participation in exchange for the retailer's name being used in the commercial. An additional incentive were prizes for the most creative and effective store displays of A&M products.

A&M wanted to establish a French language department. Gerry Lacoursiere told RPM, "We want to be totally involved in Canada, and part of it is the French market, plus if you look around the world, you have some pretty big French-speaking markets." Claude Palardy added the new department to his duties as head of Almo/Irving Music Canada. To that end, A&M signed three French Canadian acts in Michel Deloir, CANO and Offenbach. It also signed Symphonic Slam and the Hometown Band.

A&M RECORDS JUNO WINNERS

AWARDTITLEARTIST
Best Selling International Single
Male Artist of the Year
Love Will Keep Us Together
 
Captain & Tennille
Gino Vannelli

CANADAIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

ALBUMSSINGLESARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Single
Love Will Keep Us Together
Song of Joy
Horizon
Singles 1969-1973 (the)
Numbers
Wedding Album
Power People
Storm at Sunup
Gist of Gemini (the)
Greatest Hits
Hair of the Dog
Rampant
Razamanaz
Phantom of the Paradise
Frampton Comes Alive
Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Equinox
Crisis? What Crisis?
Crime of the Century
Please Mr. Postman
Love Hurts
Love Will Keep Us Together
Song of Joy
Singles 1969-1973 (the)
Very Best of Cat Stevens (the)
Greatest Hits
Loud and Proud
Razamanaz
Crime of the Century
Crisis? What Crisis?
Love Hurts
Captain & Tennille
Captain & Tennille
Carpenters
Carpenters
Cat Stevens
Cheech & Chong
Gino Vannelli
Gino Vannelli
Gino Vannelli
Nazareth
Nazareth
Nazareth
Nazareth
Paul Williams
Peter Frampton
Rick Wakeman
Styx
Supertramp
Supertramp
Carpenters
Nazareth
Captain & Tennille
Captain & Tennille
Carpenters
Cat Stevens
Nazareth
Nazareth
Nazareth
Supertramp
Supertramp
Nazareth

 

By September 1976, the ten biggest selling A&M albums were by Supertramp, Nazareth, Carpenters, Cat Stevens (2), Herb Alpert (3), and Carole King. King's Tapestry album was the all-time biggest seller.

Image
Pablo Cruise Vancouver, Canada 1976 CRIA Award

 

Pablo Cruise in Vancouver 1976 with CRIA platinum award for Worlds Away. Top Row: David Jenkins, Jim Monaco (publicity), Cory Lerios, Neil McGonigill (western promotion ), Al Harrison (Calgary branch manager), Bob Brown (manager),  Richard Broden (Vancouver sales), Rudy LeValley (west coast sales and promotion). Bottom: Chuck Lutz (road manager), Doug Chappell (A&M), Bruce Day, Steve Price. Photo by Dee Lippingwell.

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1977: A&M CANADA BEST SALES, PROMOTION, MANUFACTURER...

Gerry Lacoursiere was promoted to president of A&M Records of Canada, Ltd. Joe Summers was elevated to vice president of marketing and distribution and Doug Chapell to director of promotion and artist development. Lee Silversides became the Ontario promotion representative. J. P. Guilbert was named the National Promotion Manager. Luc Martel became the Eastern Promotion Manager (Quebec, Ottawa and Kingston). Daniel Morrison assumed the Eastern Canadian sales and promotion representative.

In June, RPM held its second annual Canadian Music Industry Awards. A&M Records Canada won in three categories:
     Best Record Company Sales Team
     Most Aggressive Record Company Promotion Team
     Number One Canadian Recording Manufacturer and Distributor

A&M Canada #1 Recording Manufacturer and Distributor

 

The summer retail promotion was "Circus Of Sounds." Stores were provided with postcards, 2'x3' posters, balloons and demo tapes of new and key albums.

To promote the single "Nadia's Theme" A&M held a contest in Montreal and Halifax. It was promoted on the radio and with displays and ballot boxes on record stores. The grand prize was a trip for two to Europe to meet Romanian Olympic gold medalist Nadia Comaneci.

Image
A&M Records Canada sales rep ad 1977

 

The fall marketing campaign was "A&M Name Of the Game Is Winning." The winner and a guest were to choose the artist they wanted to see anywhere in North America. A&M would fly them to the concert, provide hotel and unlimited limosine service for three days and two nights plus $200.

A&M Canada named No. 1 label

 

The press department launched General Info, a newsletter with short pieces about the artists and music publishing. 

September 1, 1977, A&M Records of Canada became the distributor of Mushroom Records in three provinces. The album by Heart was the first one under the agreement.

September showed a 225 percent increase in sales over 1976 in Toronto, Montreal and Calgary. For the last three years, A&M grew at 30 percent each year. The total increase was 26 percent. As seen in the table below, the label was enjoying a large number of gold and platinum album certifications.

Silk 'n' Steel (bassist Bill "Kootch" Trochim) signed.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Come In from the Rain
Izitso
Spanish Train and Other Stories
Valdy and the Hometown Band
Play 'N' the Game
Place in the Sun (a)
I'm in You
Anytime...Anywhere
Crystal Ball
Grand Illusion
Even in the Quietest Moments
Family Gathering
Landscapes
I'm in You
I'm in You
Anytime...Anywhere
Equinox
Grand Illusion
Even in the Quietest Moments
Captain & Tennille
Cat Stevens
Chris DeBurgh
Hometown Band
Nazareth
Pablo Cruise
Peter Frampton
Rita Coolidge
Styx
Styx
Supertramp
Valdy
Valdy
Peter Frampton
Peter Frampton
Rita Coolidge
Styx
Styx
Supertramp

A&M RECORDS JUNO AWARD WINNERS

AWARDTITLEARTIST
Best Selling International AlbumFrampton Comes Alive!Peter Frampton

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Peter Frampton (2)
Supertramp (2)
Rita Coolidge (2)
Peter Frampton (2)
Hometown Band (2)

 

Image
A&M Records Canada special programs

 

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1978: A&M CANADA GROWS: New Offices and MUSIC PUBLISHING

A&M Canada became the first major label to open a west coast A&R office. It specialized in the Vancouver-Calgary market.

Mushroom Records signed a national marketing and distribution pact with A&M Canada in August. Lorna Richards was appointed the national publicity director for Mushroom as a collateral duty within her position as an A&M employee.

Distributed the 1978 and 1982 albums by Nash the Slash on the Cut-Throat Records label. 

In late 1978, A&M Records signed Bryan Adams, first a staff songwriter and then as an artist. Bryan put two singles on the Canadian chart in 1980. His first Top 10 was "Cuts Like a Knife" in 1983. He would remain a top charting artist for A&M Records for the next twenty years. He earned three #1 singles and four #1 albums, ten Top 10 singles and three Top 10 albums. In 1996, Adams became A&M's first Canadian artist to perform on the Academy Awards. He sang "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" which became the second best selling movie theme in history. Only Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" had sold more copies.

A&M introduced its Audiophile line of disks in partnership with JVC. These were half-speed masters pressed on virgin vinyl and made in Japan. The first album in the series was Crime of the Century by Supertramp. It retailed for $16.98.

A&M Records Canada Audiophile Series ad

 

Between 1975 and 1978, A&M's national business doubled to $12.5M and net income rose from $300,000 to nearly $1 million.

Gerry Lacoursiere was president of A&M Records of Canada, Ltd. Joe Summers was named senior vice president and general manager. Doug Chappell was appointed vice president of promotion. Gary Hubbard was promoted to vice president of finance. Randy Wells became the sales and promotion representative for Manitoba. Ray Rosenberg was named the Ontario Branch Sales Manager. Bill Meehan moved to the Pacific Coast Distribution Center. Bob Muir joined the sales staff in the Ontario Branch. 

The first national primetime television campaign supported Chuck Mangione's Feels So Good. Nearly 300 spots were bought across Canada for a two-week period.

A&M Canada announced plans to expand its publishing division and intention to open a west coast office. A&M Canada would be the first major Canadian label to have a west coast office.

The label began a program to offer an incentive plan for its employees tied to its fall 1978 marketing program. Every employee had the opportunity to participate.

Garland Jeffreys Canada tour 1978

Garland Jeffreys, CHEZ FM partner for Ottawa show. Nick Carbone (Montreal promotion), Jon L'Heuri (Bass Clef Concerts), Paul Hunks (CHEZ FM), Jim Monaco (publicity), Garland Jeffreys, Brian Murphy, A. Colwill (CHEZ FM). Photo by Mathew Wiley

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Feels So Good
Children of Sanchez
Brother to Brother
Joan Armatrading
Worlds Away
Love Me Again
Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band
Feels So Good
Brother to Brother
Worlds Away
Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band
Pieces of Eight
Carpenters
Close to You
Kind of Hush (a)
Now and Then
Song for You (a)
French Song (the)
Roots
This Guy's in Love with You
Chuck Mangione
Chuck Mangione
Gino Vannelli
Joan Armatrading
Pablo Cruise
Rita Coolidge
Soundtrack
Chuck Mangione
Gino Vannelli
Pablo Cruise
Soundtrack
Styx
Carpenters
Carpenters
Carpenters
Carpenters
Carpenters
Lucille Starr
Quincy Jones
Herb Alpert

A&M RECORDS JUNO NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARDTITLEARTISTWON
Most Promising Male Vocalist
 
Most Promising Group
Folk Singer of the Year
Best Selling Single

 
 
 
  Que Sera Sera
David Bradstreet
Malcolm Tomlinson
Hometown Band
Valdy
Raes
Won

 

Garland Jeffreys with A&M Canada Staff

Garland Jeffreys debuted in Toronto, Canada on May 30, 1978. Following Massey Hall concert with Jim Monaco (publicity), Bob Mackowycz (Q 107 FM), Lee Silversides (Ontario promotion),Doug Chappell (director, promotion and artist development).

 

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Chuck Mangione (2)
Styx (2)
Rita Coolidge (2)
Styx (2)

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1979: A&M CANADA BREAKING ACTS IN NORTH AMERICA

"The key in many ways has been our own people. They're loyal and dedicated to what A&M stands for and wants to do in this country. I would also say that more than any other company in the business in Canada, we have complete independence. From day one when (A&M president) Jerry Moss hired me to run this operation, he told me to do things my own way.--Gerry Lacoursiere, Cashbox April 28, 1979"

"The problems in developing Canadian talent during the past year have drastically been reshaped. Now, we have to be competitive on an international level with our artists. The key is to get your acts placed on American labels. To do that, you can't have a $10,000 or $20,000 budget like you used to do some years ago. You've got to lay out the dollars."--Gerry Lacoursiere, Cashbox April 28, 1979

"More than anything else, I've always been impressed with the street talk about our company. All of us here have tried not to distance ourselves from the people who buy the records. I think they like the way we operate.--Gerry Lacoursiere, Cashbox, April 28, 1979"

In May, A&M released six more Audiophile albums from JVC for $16.98. They were Feels So Good by Chuck Mangione; Pieces of Eight by Styx; Breakfast in America, Crime Of the Century and Even in the Quietest Moments by Supertramp; Brother to Brother by Gino Vannelli, and Cat Stevens Greatest Hits. A&M also planned a sampler album. Sales ranged from 5,000 copies to 30,000 copies for Crime Of the Century. Based on those sales, A&M added Crisis? What Crisis? by Supertramp, Rise by Herb Alpert, Chris DeBurgh's Spanish Train and Other Stories, Cornerstone from Styx and Reggatta de Blanc from the Police to the series.

 

Joe Jackson El Mocambo Toronto May 21, 1979

Joe Jackson backstage at the El Mocambo in Toronto on May 21, 1979 after an SRO performance. He is with Greg Torrington (Q 107 FM), Jim Monaco (A&M national publicity) and Pat Ryan (A&M Ontario promotion). Photo courtesy of Mathew Wiley.

 

Montreal is the Canadian city that gave not Chris DeBurgh, Supertramp, Styx, Nazareth and Shawn Phillips their initial break. Among the other artists that A&M Canada broke in North America: Cat Stevens, Joan Armatrading, Rita Coolidge, Humble Pie, Split Enz and Pablo Cruise.

A&M worked for three years to promote Chris DeBurgh. DeBurgh toured Canada in 1977 and 1978 to build support for his music. In 1979, DeBurgh's first headlining tour of Canada while promoting his Crusader album, DeBurgh played to his largest audiences ever including 10,000 people at the Montreal Forum. A Montreal retailer liked DeBurgh's Spanish Train album and played it in the store. A&M Watched sales and let other retailers know about the positive reaction. In-store play led to radio airplay. On May 3, DeBurgh received his first platinum award anywhere in the world for Spanish Train.

Supertramp's Breakfast in America album was released in April. By August, it sold over 800,000 copies and was among the fastest selling albums in Canadian music history. A&M created an Audiophile prepak for retail. It included three Supertramp titles plus other A&M albums. A total of 100 Audiophile disks were in each prepak for retail.

On April 6, A&M Canada became the distributor of Troubadour Records. The first release under the agreement was Raffi's "Corner Grocery Store."

In August, A&M Canada signed an agreement to distribute International Artists Records (IAR), Tapes and Filmworks.

In December, A&M was a defendant in an antitrust suit alleging it tried to determine the lowest price for which its records could be advertised and adjusted te prices retailers would have to pay. A&M was found guilty of price maintenance and fined $35,000. The judge stated, "A&M profited as a result of cooperative advertising policy that provided subsidies to leading local retailers provided they advertised A&M product at prices not lower than dealer cost." The judge noted he doubted that A&M was aware of the violation and had not attempted to hide its policy or showed favoritism to retailers. When pointed out, A&M immediately complied with the law.

Signed Bryan Adams.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Diamond Album
Diamond Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (3x)
Platinum Album (3x)
Platinum Album (4x)
Platinum Album (4x)
Platinum Album (5x)
Platinum Album (5x)
Platinum Album (6x)
Platinum Album (6x)
Platinum Album (7x)
Platinum Album (7x)
Platinum Album (8x)
Platinum Album (8x)
Platinum Album (9x)
Platinum Album (9x)
Platinum Single
Breakfast in America
Crime of the Century
Crusader
Show Some Emotion
Look Sharp
I'm the Man
Expect No Mercy
Part of the Game
Where I Should Be
Outlandos d'Amour
Regatta De Blanc
Satisfied
Cornerstone
Breakfast in America
Logical Song (the)
Goodbye Stranger
Spanish Train and Other Stories
Look Sharp
Place in the Sun (a)
Cornerstone
Breakfast in America
Breakfast in America
Crime of the Century
Breakfast in America
Crime of the Century
Breakfast in America
Crime of the Century
Breakfast in America
Crime of the Century
Breakfast in America
Crime of the Century
Breakfast in America
Crime of the Century
Breakfast in America
Crime of the Century
Breakfast in America
Crime of the Century
Logical Song
Supertramp
Supertramp
Chris DeBurgh
Joan Armatrading
Joe Jackson
Joe Jackson
Nazareth
Pablo Cruise
Peter Frampton
Police
Police
Rita Coolidge
Styx
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Chris DeBurgh
Joe Jackson
Pablo Cruise
Styx
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp

 

Image
Supertramp A&M Canada Diamond Award for Crime Of the Century

A&M Canada presents Supertramp with the country's first ever Diamond Award for sales of over one million copies of Crime Of the Century. Kneeling: Joe Summers (A&M), Lorna Richards (publicity). Middle row: Roger Hodgson, JP Guilbert (national promotion), Rick Davies, Bob Siebenberg, John Helliwell, Jim Monaco (publicity). Back Row: Gerry Lacoursiere (president), Dougie Thompson, Doug Chappell (promotion and artist development) Dave Margereson (Mismanagement), Bill Ott (A&M). 

JUNO AWARDS

AWARDTITLEARTIST
Producer of the Year
Male Vocalist
Brother to Brother
 
Gino Vannelli
Gino Vannelli

 

Image
Police on their first tour in Canada

Canadian radio fully supported The Police. At one of  the band's first Toronto concerts. Gary Slaight (Q 107 Radio), Andy, Brian Masters (CHUM FM), Pat Ryan (Ontario promotion), Sting, Stewart Copeland

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Joe Jackson (3)Supertramp (3)
Chris DeBurgh: Crusader photo Canada

Chris DeBurgh launches Crusader album in Quebec City. a crusader, J.P. Guilbert (Quebec promotion), Bill Ott (Montreal branch manager), Chris deBurgh, Rob Braide (CHOM-FM Music Director).

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A&M RECORDS HISTORY 1980s

1981       1982       1983       1984       1985       1986       1987       1988       1989      

1980: AUDIOPHILE VINYL AND TAPES

Bill Ott was promoted to vice president of sales. The position managed product distribution regionally and nationally.

A&M Canada was the first major label to offer high-end cassette tapes using BASF CrO2 chromoxide tape.

The Audiophile album series was expanded to 21 titles with a list price of $16.98. The series included the complete catalogs from Styx and Supertramp. At the end of May A&M Canada reported that sales on each of the discs ranged from 5,000 units to 30,000 for Crime Of the Century by Supertramp. The company stated that the original records had already sold well and the audiophile pressings created a new market for them.

The new A&M Debut Series for new artists allowed them to release new material without the financial commitment for a full album. A&M hoped it would be more effective for retail and for radio that wanted to play more than a single.

Stanley Frank, Fist, Brandon Wolf and Eddie Schwartz were all signed to A&M Records of Canada.

In March the 1979 Juno Nominees were announced. A&M Canada had seven nominations:

    Male Vocalist--Gino Vannelli
    Most Promising Female Vocalist--Nana McLean
    Most Promising Male Vocalist--Bryan Adams
    Most Promising Group--The Raes
    Folk Artist Of the Year--Valdy
    International Album of the Year--Breakfast In Americal
    Best Album Graphics--Rendevous (CANO)

The initial release of the Joan Armatrading EP How Cruel in March 1980 was recalled because retailers and consumers were unaware that the record only had four songs. A full refund was offered. A&M Canada added a sticker "A specially priced mini-album, $5.98 or less. Four songs that couldn't wait for an album. A&M regrets the inconvenience to retailers and consumers." 

Around September, A&M began distributing Sloth Records which was headquartered in Vancouver. Sloth's artists included Valdy, Shari Ulrich and Claire Lawrence who were all previously signed to A&M. At the same time A&M entered a deal with Falcon Records that brought artists Lydia Taylor and Zon to the roster. Another distribution deal that year was El Mocambo Records with Bill & the Bills and Maclean & Maclean.

Distributed one single on El Mocambo Records by Toby Swann.

A&M Records Canada had a distribution deal with Mushroom Records. On February 13 A&M issued its notice to terminate the agreement. On April 11 the termination was effective. 

Distributed Falcon Records artist Zon's album I'm Worried About the Boys,.

Distributed Lifesong Records reissues of two albums by Jim Croce.

From 1980 to 1982, distributed Sloth Records discs by Claire Lawrence, Shari Ulrich, Valdy and Jim Woodyard.

Solid Gold Records entered a four-year distribution agreement from 1980 to 1984 for Chilliwack, James Freud, Girlschool, Good Brothers, Headpins, Mens Room, Mental As Anything, Pukka Orchestra, Savoy Brown, and Toronto.

Billboard reported A&M Canada was fined for price maintenance. It also reported that "A&M pledges more support for Canadian acts." Music Week added that A&M pled guilty to ten counts refusing to pay for retailers' advertising and was fined $35,000. RPM added "no specific prices mentioned with regard to the label's product, however, there was an indication that advertising assistance would not be available should the company's product be sold below a certain price." The certain price was dealer cost. Judge Hugh Honsberger said, "There is no need for deterrent for this accused. It has discontinued its policy. I accept this company was not aware that it was breaking the law. It was discontinued when they were advised that it was illegal."

A&M Records Canada 10th Anniversary Sales Convention

A&M Canada 10th anniversary sales convention. Doug Chappell, Herb Alpert, Gerry Lacoursiere, Bill Ott, Gil Friesen, Gary Hubbard,  Joe Summers.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Eastern Wind
Rise
Me Myself I
Malice in Wonderland
True Colours
Paris
Babe
I'm the Man
Reggatta de Blanc
Outlandos d'Amour
Zenyatta Mondatta
Paris
Chris DeBurgh
Herb Alpert
Joan Armatrading
Nazareth
Split Enz
Supertramp
Styx
Joe Jackson
Police
Police
Police
Supertramp

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES

AWARDTITLEARTISTWON
Most Promising Male Vocalist
Most Promising Female Vocalist
Most Promising Group
Best Selling International Album

 
 
Breakfast in America
Bryan Adams
Nana McLean
Raes
Supertramp
 

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Police (2)Police (2)

 

Image
Police 1980 at Massey Hall in Canada

The Police at Massey Hall November 24, 1980. Photo by Mathew Wiley.

 

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1981: THE FIRST DOUBLE-SIDED HIT SINGLES

A&M Canada obtained the rights for three Murray Head albums.

In October A&M Canada shipped its first singles in the Flashback series. It was the first double-sided hit oldies series with its own label and sleeve. List price was $1.98 (Canadian). The criteria for the series was that the songs were hits in Canada.

Also in the fall of 1981, A&M Canada released more albums in its Audiophile series. 

Distributed one Dixon House single on Flicker Records.

Distributed Passport Records between 1981 and 1984. The arrangement brought artists Accept, Beatles, Walter Becker/Donald Fagen, Brand X, FM, Gap Band, Greg Hawkes, Long Ryders, Stryper, Lydia Taylor Band, and Utopia.

Signed Brandon Wolf, Payola$, Shari Ulrich.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Christmas Portrait
Best Moves
To the Limit
Say It Ain't So
Magicien
Ghost in the Machine
Waiata
Argy Bargy
Paradise Theatre
Indelibly Stamped
Supertramp
De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
I Got You
Ghost in the Machine
True Colours
Paradise Theatre
Carpenters
Chris DeBurgh
Joan Armatrading
Murray Head
Peter Pringle
Police
Split Enz
Squeeze
Styx
Supertramp
Supertramp
Police
Split Enz
Police
Split Enz
Styx

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES

AWARDTITLEARTIST
Most Promising Female Vocalist
Most Promising Male Vocalist
Producer of the Year

 
Shari Ulrich cuts
Shari Ulrich
Bryan Adams
Claire Lawrence

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Police (1)
Styx (1)
Police (1)
Styx (1)

 

Image
A&M Canada junior publicity secretary ad

 

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1982: SEVEN NEW DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS

A&M Records Canada promoted radio and television simulcasts of concerts by Nazareth and Split Enz just as it would if the bands were on tour. A&M created ads, store displays and interviews. The simulcasts for each band were aired on three different dates in three cities. 

A&M Canada was very supportive of DeBurgh. For "Don't Pay the Ferryman" J.P. Guilbert, National Director of Promotion, wanted radio station Q-107 to play the song. He chained himself in the station's lobby and sent the music director a note saying he wouldn't leave until they played it. J.P. spent two nights in the lobby and Q-107 played the song.

J.P. Guilbert promoting Chris DeBurgh's "The Getaway"

In May Billboard reported that A&M signed an agreement to distribute Passport Records. The first albums were the Lydia Taylor Band, The Single Factor by Camel, Drums Along the Hudson by Bongos and the interview album Beatles Talk Down Under.

In July, A&M Records Canada and Hannibal Records announced a buy-sell arrangement for A&M to distribute Hannibal in Canada.

By September, Raffi sold over 500,000 copies of his four albums for children. The CBC aired a new Raffi television special.

A one-off distribution of Mr. Dressup with His Friend Terry McManus Wake Up Mr. Dressup on the Butternut Records label.

Entered a distribution agreement with Gold Flute Records that brought two albums by Paul Horn.

Began distributing L. L. Records and Lullaby Lady Productions. The agreement brought three children's albums by Pat Carfra in 1982, 1984 and 1987.

From 1982 to 1985, albums by Garnett Ford and Saga on the Maze Records label.

Distributed three Paroles & Musique albums between 1982 and 1984 by Catherine Excoude Lockwood and Uzeb.

Split Enz in Toronto, Canada 1982

Split Enz in concert at Massey Hall. Photo courtesy of Mathew Wiley.

 

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
You Want It You Got It
Getaway (the)
Beauty and the Beat
Swings Digital
Night and Day
No Mean City
No Stranger to Danger
Pour Une Femme
Dude (the)
Time & Tide
We Got the Beat
Beauty and the Beat
No Stranger to Danger
Bryan Adams
Chris DeBurgh
Go-Go's
Hotel Orchestra
Joe Jackson
Nazareth
Payola$
Peter Pringle
Quincy Jones
Split Enz
Go-Go's
Go-Go's
Payola$

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARDTITLEARTISTWON
Most Promising Male Vocalist
 
Producer of the Year

 
All Our Tomorrows
    Tonight
Eddie Schwartz
Peter Pringle
Eddie Schwartz
    David Tyson
Won
 
Sting: Brimstone & Treacle promotion at Q107 with J. P. Guilbert

Sting with J.P. Guilbert promoting Brimstone & Treacle in Toronto. Photo courtesy of Mathew Wiley.

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Chris DeBurgh (1)
Go-Go's (1)
Payola$ (1)
Split Enz (1)
Supertramp (1)
Go-Go's (2)

Top

1983: GROWTH THROUGH DISTRIBUTION

Michael Godin was promoted to Vice President Artists & Repertoire. In the 7 years he was A&R Director he signed Bryan Adams, Payola$, Peter Pringle, Fist, Veronique Beliveau and Eddie Schwartz among others.

Effective October 1, A&M Canada began distributing Ready Records. Ready's sister label Kid Records was already distributed by A&M. The first album under this agreement was The Spoons Talkback.

Signed Veronique Beliveau in 1983.

Entered agreement with Elephant Records, the Sharon, Lois & Bram label.

Began distributing Raffi's Troubadour Records.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Gold Single
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (2x)
Cuts Like a Knife
Hammer on a Drum
Synchronicity
Kilroy Was Here
Famous Last Words
Eyes of a Stranger
Mr. Roboto
It's Raining Again
Cuts Like a Knife
Getaway (the)
Night and Day
Synchronicity
Kilroy Was Here
Famous Last Words
Cuts Like a Knife
Bryan Adams
Payola$
Police
Styx
Supertramp
Payola$
Styx
Supertramp
Bryan Adams
Chris DeBurgh
Joe Jackson
Police
Styx
Supertramp
Bryan Adams

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARDTITLEARTISTWON
Male Vocalist
Most Promising Male Vocalist
Single of the Year
Composer of the Year
Recording Engineer of the Year
Most Promising Group

 
Eyes of a Stranger
Eyes of a Stranger
No Stranger to Danger
Bryan Adams
Leroy Sibbles
Payola$
Payola$
Payola$
Payola$
Spoons
Won
 
Won
Won
Won
Won
 

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Bryan Adams (1)
Joan Armatrading (1)
Joe Jackson (1)
Payola$ (1)
Police (1)
Spoons (1)
Styx (1)
Wall of Voodoo (1)
Bryan Adams (3)
Police (3)

 

Joan Armatrading Canada tour for The Key with Michael Godin, Jim Monaco and JP Guilbert

Joan Armatrading Canada tour for The Key with Michael Godin, Jim Monaco and JP Guilbert

Top

1984: QUALITY OF RECORDINGS MATTERS

A&M Records Canada and U.S. sued Millbank Music Corporation and Discus Music World Limited. A&M sought the total recall of recordings from Mexico because of inferior appearance and technical quality, copyright infringement, distribution and sale. A&M also alleged that the companies' actions had caused harm to the artists and damaged A&M's reputation.

James Monaco was promoted to Director of Publicity and J. P. Guilbert was promoted to Promotion. Randy Wells was promoted to National Promotion Manager.

From mid-August through September, A&M Records Canada offered 75 retailers one free compact disc for every five they ordered. The offer was good on 75 titles from A&M, Windham Hill, I.R.S. and Maze. A&M Canada did not set prices on the CD's but knew they were selling for $25-$29 (Canadian). A&M hoped to triple its sales and see CDs be priced at $16 to $20 retail. 

In September, A&M Canada announced all cassettes would be made with BASF chromium PRO II Chrome tape. Gerry Lacoursiere told RPM that "consumers will be able to hear the difference in quality at no extra cost."

Doug Bennett owned Ritdong Records. The only recordings from Ritdong were Bennett's solo work and his work with Doug and the Slugs. Bennett entered Ritdong into a distribution arrangement with A&M in 1984 that ran until 1988.

In 1984 and 1985, Cobra Records artists Convict and Piledriver were distributed by A&M Canada.

Distributed the Front album and single Underworld on Duke Street Records.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Gold Album
Platinum Album
Tour de Force
Man on the Line
Desert Moon
Body and Soul
In the Eye of the Storm
Santa Jaws
Man on the Line
Hammer on a Drum
In the Eye of the Storm
Reckless
Reckless
38 Special
Chris DeBurgh
Dennis DeYoung
Joe Jackson
Roger Hodgson
Homemade Theatre
Chris DeBurgh
Payola$
Roger Hodgson
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARDTITLEARTISTWON
Recording Engineer

Album of the Year

Composer of the Year
Producer of the Year


Male Vocalist

Best Album Graphics


Intl. Album of the Year
Best Children's Album
Group of the Year
Most Promising Group
Single of the Year
Stealing Fire
No Borders Here
Cuts Like a Knife
Hammer on a Drum
Cuts Like a Knife
Cuts Like a Knife
Stand Back
Stealing Fire
 

Seamless
Stealing Fire
Synchronicity
Rugrat Rock
 

Cuts Like a Knife
Bruce Cockburn
Jane Siberry
Bryan Adams
Payola$
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
David Tyson (Arrows)
Kerry Crawford, Jon Goldsmith
Bryan Adams
Bruce Cockburn
Nylons
Bruce Cockburn
Police
Rugrats
Payola$
Nylons
Bryan Adams
Won

Won

Won
Won


Won


Won
Won
Won

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Chris DeBurgh (1)
Roger Hodgson (1)
Joe Jackson (1)
38 Special (1)
Bryan Adams (1)
Arrows (1)
Chris DeBurgh (1)
Dennis DeYoung (1)
Go-Go's (1)
Roger Hodgson (1)
Jeffrey Osborne (1)
Police (1)

RPM TOP ALBUMS AND SINGLES

ALBUMSSINGLES
Synchronicity (Police) #26
Man On the Line (Chris DeBurgh) #45
Body and Soul (Joe Jackson) #46
In the Eye Of the Storm (Roger Hodgson) #58
Desert Moon (Dennis DeYoung) #73
Reckless (Bryan Adams) #83

 

Top

 

1985: MANAGING PRODUCTS, ARTISTS and DISTRIBUTION

Paul Orescan was appointed special projects coordinator for retail, radio, video and clubs. He previously worked as the I.R.S. Records coordinator for Canada and as an assistant in A&M Canada's A&R department. Ray Rosenberg was promoted to Eastern Division Manager. Al Harrison became the Western Distribution Manager. David Brian was appointed British Columbia Regional Manager. Guy Campeau was named the Quebec Regional Manager. Alex Fedorow was appointed Vice President of Operations.

In February A&M Canada and Word Records of Vancouver announced that A&M would manufacture, distribute and market Word recordings in mainstream market while Word would do the same in religious markets. A&M would release the Word catalog and represent the ten labels under the Word Records group. The first albums worked under the new agreement were Amy Grant's Age to Age and Petra's Beat the System. 

Also in February, A&M required all new artists to become members of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. The intent was to allow artists to vote in the Juno Awards and have their opinions known and better the Canadian music industry.

In May, A&M Records Canada shipped its first ever gold single "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" by Sting. The initial shipment was 70,000 copies.

Attic Records signed a distribution agreement with A&M Canada beginning in 1985 that continued after the sale to PolyGram into the mid-1990s. Artists that had product distributed by A&M Canada included Lee Aaron, Banco de Gaia, Shirley Eikhard, Goddo, Hunters and Collectors, Paul Janz, L.A.X., Kurupt, The Nylons, Stetasonic, and Jennifer Warnes. Attic was probably the largest English Canadian independent label.

In early 1985, Passport Records brought its administration function to A&M. Since May 1982, A&M provided distribution for Passport's products.

In September A&M Canada announced it had licensed California-based Palo Alto Records catalog of jazz and big band recordings. Palo Alto closed that year.

Other label distribution deals started in 1985 were with American Gramaphone, Fresh Aire and Virgin Records.

Distributed Phil Manzanera's K-Scope album on the E. G. Music label.

Signed Paul Janz

 

Invitation to Diamond Award for Bryan Adams' "Reckless" album

A&M Records Canada invitation for Bryan Adams Reckless Diamond sales award presentation in Toronto, celebrating the first domestic record to exceed sales of 1,000,000 copies. Design: David Andoff.

 

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Diamond Award
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Gold Single
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (3x)
Platinum Album (3x)
Platinum Album (4x)
Platinum Album (5x)
Platinum Album (6x)
Platinum Album (7x)
Platinum Album (8x)
Platinum Album (9x)
Reckless
All the Rage
Here's the World for Ya
Breakfast Club (the)
Dream of the Blue Turtles (the)
Brother Where You Bound
Run to You
Heaven
If You Love Somebody Set Them Free
Dream of the Blue Turtles (the)
Brother Where You Bound
Brother Where You Bound
Reckless
Cuts Like a Knife
Reckless
Reckless
Reckless
Reckless
Reckless
Reckless
Reckless
Bryan Adams
General Public
Payola$
Soundtrack
Sting
Supertramp
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Sting
Sting
Supertramp
Supertramp
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Image
Bryan Adams, A&M Canada 7M sales of album Reckless

Recckless goes 7x platinum! Pat Ryan (Ontario promotion), Jim Monaco (national publicity), Keith Scott, JP Guilbert (national promotion),  Bryan Adams, Joe Summers (A&M), Rob Sabino, Mickey Curry, Bruce Allen going over the top. Photo courtesy of Mathew Wiley.

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARDTITLEARTISTWON
Album of the Year
Male Vocalist
Composer of the Year
Most Promising Male Vocalist
 
Most Promising Group
Producer of the Year
Best Selling Single
Reckless
 
 
High Strung


Run to You
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Paul Janz
Johnny Lovesin
Arrows
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Won
Won
Won



 

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Bryan Adams (1)
Doug & the Slugs (1)
General Public (1)
Payola$ (1)
Sting (1)
Bryan Adams (5)

RPM TOP POP ALBUMS AND SINGLES

ALBUMSSINGLES
Reckless (Bryan Adams) #4
The Dream Of the Blue Turtles (Sting) #12
Brother Where You Bound (Supertramp) #56
Here's the World For Ya (Payola$) #98
Don't You (Forget About Me) (Simple Minds) #21
If You Love Somebody (Sting) #41
Run to You (Bryan Adams) #44
Summer Of 69 (Bryan Adams) #99

 

Top

 

15th ANNIVERSARY

A&M Canada celebrated its 15th anniversary with a commemorative video. Following are some photographs that were included.

 

1986: EVEN MORE DISTRIBUTION DEALS

A&M Records Canada presented the Toronto Blue Jays with a gold single (50,000 copies sold) for "OK Blue Jays." The record was originally released on the Kosinec/Lenz label in May 1983 and sold 5,000 copies before A&M took over distribution in 1984.

Michelle Henderson appointed Marketing Assistant for A&M and Associated Labels.

Began distributing Attic Records in a 5-year deal.

A&M Canada distributed three albums by David Gibson between 1986 and 1988 on the Black Market Records Label.

Two albums by Charlotte Diamond on the Hugbug Records label.

Distributed three albums by Rita MacNeil on Lupins Records.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Extended Play
Gold Single
Gold Single
Gold Single
Gold Single
Gold Single
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Extended Play
Platinum Single
Platinum Single
Platinum Single
Gold Album
Platinum Single
Into the Light
Falco 3
Control
Pretty in Pink
Pretty in Pink
Diana
Christmas Time
Lady in Red (the)
Rock Me Amadeus
What Have You Done for Me Lately
Nasty
Rumors
Into the Light
Falco 3
Control
Pretty in Pink
Pretty in Pink
Into the Light
Diana
Christmas Tyme
Rock Me Amadeus
Rumors
Bryan Adams
Christmas Time
Chris DeBurgh
Falco
Janet Jackson
Soundtrack
Soundtrack
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Chris DeBurgh
Falco
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson
Timex Social Club
Chris DeBurgh
Falco
Janet Jackson
Soundtrack
Soundtrack
Chris DeBurgh
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Falco
Timex Social Club
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams

 

Image
Falco A&M Canada gold album award for Rock Me Amadeus album

Falco platinum for "Rock Me Amadeus".  Bottom Row: Jim Monaco (national publicity), Pat Ryan (Ontario promotion). Standing: JP Guilbert (national promotion), Gerry Lacoursiere (president), Falco, Horst Bork (manager), Joe Summers (A&M). Photo courtesy Mathew Wiley.

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARDTITLEARTISTWON
Male Vocalist
Most Promising Artist
Most Promising Male Vocalist

Composer of the Year
Best Selling Single
Intl Single of the Year

 



Diana
Rock Me Amadeus
Bryan Adams
Kim Richardson
Stan Meissner
Doug Cameron
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Falco
Won
Won



 

 

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Atlantic Starr (1)
David + David (1)
Chris DeBurgh (1)
Double (1)
Falco (1)
Joe Jackson (1)
Iggy Pop (1)
Janet Jackson (2)

 

RPM TOP POP ALBUMS AND SINGLES

ALBUMSSINGLES
Pretty In Pink (Soundtrack) #30
Once Upon a Time (Simple Minds) #30
Falco 3 (Falco) #33
Control (Janet Jackson) #34
Reckless (Bryan Adans) #39
Into the Light (Chris DeBurgh) #54
Dream Of the Blue Turtles (Sting) #71
Feargal Sharkey (Feargal Sharkey) #83
Every Breath You Take (Police) #98
Pacific Age (OMD) #100
The Lady In Red (Chris DeBurgh) #2
Rumours (Timex Social Club) #11
We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off (Jermaine Stewart) #18
Rock Me Amadeus (Falco) #22
Human (Human League) #28
Secret Lovers (Atlantic Starr) #45
If You Leave (OMD) #49
A Good Heart (Feargal Sharkey) #51
What Have You Done For Me Lately (Janet Jackson) #58
Nasty (Janet Jackson) #66
Vienna Calling (Falco) #94
(Forever) Live and Die (OMD) #96

 

Top

 

1987:  GOLD and PLATINUM RECORDS AND JUNO AWARDS

Bill Ott was appointed Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Ann Forbes was named the Special Projects Coordinator for Marketing. Geoff Kulawick became the Ontario Promotion Manager. Rob Lacoursiere Wass promoted to Special Projects Coordinator. Susan Brearton was named the Administrator of A&R and Publishing. Ann Forbes was appointed Marketing Assistant.

J.P. Guilbert was promoted to Vice President of Promotion and Jim Monaco was elevated to Vice President of Publicity in June 1987. A&M was the only record label in Canada where publicity was not part of the promotion department.

JP Guilbert, Jim Monaco promotions 1987

 

In March pre-orders for Bryan Adams' Into the Fire were more than 200,000 copies and "Heat Of the Night" single were over 50,000 units. A&M Records Canada also issued "Heat Of the Night" as a cassette single, and single with cassette. This was the first cassette single from A&M in Canada. For the vinyl, cassette and CD albums there were free-standing display units that went to 1,500 Canadian retailers. There were also color header cards, mobiles and other items to be used in-store for the two weeks before the album was released. There were pre-release listening sessions for retail and radio and radio was allowed to air the CD while an A&M staff member was present. The rep took the CD back after the airing. The stations were supplied with copies in time for the release date.

In October 1987, A&M Records of Canada became the distributor of Paradox Records, a division of Passport Records.

A one-off distribution of Saga's Wildest Dreams on the Bonaire Records label.

Other record companies that had distribution deals with A&M Canada were Elephant Records, Maze, Oak Street, Troubadour and Concord Jazz.

Between A&M Canada and its distributed labels, 14 artists had discs that went gold or platinum and for nine of those artists it was their first certification.

From 1987 through 1989, distributed Play It Again Sam Records compact discs by a;GRUMH, Legendary Pink Dots, Neon Judgement, Siglo XX, Trisomie 21, Weathermen and Young Gods.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (3x)
Platinum Single
Into the Fire
Reckless
California Raisins
Boomtown
Blah Blah Blah
Every Breath You Take: the Singles
...Nothing like the Sun
Free as a Bird
Solitude Standing
Special Olympics Christmas Album
Heat of the Night
Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You
Into the Fire
Every Breath You Take: the Singles
...Nothing like the Sun
Solitude Standing
Special Olympics Christmas Album
Into the Fire
Into the Fire
Lady in Red (the)
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
California Raisins
David + David
Iggy Pop
Police
Sting
Supertramp
Suzanne Vega
Various Artists
Bryan Adams
Glenn Medeiros
Bryan Adams
Police
Sting
Suzanne Vega
Various Artists
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Chris DeBurgh

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARDTITLEARTISTWON
Canadian Entertainer of the Year
Male Vocalist
Best R&B/Soul Record

Female Vocalist of the Year
Most Promising Male Vocalist
Composer of the Year
Producer of the Year
Album of the Year
Single of the Year
International Single

 
Peek-a-Boo
For the Love of Money



Heat of the Night
Into the Fire
Heat of the Night
Lady in the Red (the)
Rumours
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Kim Richardson
Erroll Starr
Veronique Beliveau
David Gibson
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Chris DeBurgh
Timex Social Club
Won
Won
Won


 

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Bryan Adams (1)
Roger Hodgson (1)
Janet Jackson (1)
Glenn Medeiros (1)
Police (1)
R.E.M. (1)
Sting (1)
Supertramp (1)
Suzanne Vega (1)
Bryan Adams (2)
Janet Jackson (2)

RPM TOP POP ALBUMS AND SINGLES

ALBUMSSINGLES
Into the Fire (Bryan Adams) #11
Solitude Standing (Suzanne Vega) #19
Nothing Like the Sun (Sting) #26
A Very Special Christmas (Various) #62
Into the Light (Chris DeBurgh) #73
Luka (Suzanne Vega) #21
Heat Of the Night (Bryan Adams) #53
Diamonds (Herb Alpert) #78
We'll Be Together (Sting) #97

Top

1988: CELEBRATING AWARDS 

Al Harrison was promoted to Director of the Western Division; Greg Barkley to Regional Manager (Alberta/Saskatchewan); Max Hutchinson to A&R Manager; Steve McNie to Regional Manager (Ontario); Nichole Duchesne as National Publicity Manager and Kathy Lovell Controller.

Paul Anka was an A&M artist in 1988 for his Freedom album.

David Andoff designed the Iggy Pop can for a national magazine ad. A&M Canada then made cases of "Iggy Pop" for national promotion at trade, retail and radio.

Iggy Pop: Instinct U.S. poster
Iggy Pop Memorabilia

The album for Special Olympics A Very Special Christmas went triple platinum in Canada. Of all the countries where the album was released, Canada had the highest per capita sales. 

From 1988 to 1991, A&M distributed Current Recording, Inc. albums, cassettes and CDs by Black Earth, Longfellow, Machinations and Mysterious Art.

From 1988 to 1990 distributed Milestone Records albums by Richie Cole, Richie Cole & Hank Crawford Quintet and Sonny Rollins.

Distributed Spy Records from 1988 to 1995. The artists included Assimilation, Big Bang, Exciter, Ray Lyell, Ray Lyell and the Storm, Kelly Partland and Alter Ego, Phantoms, Roger St-Denis, Sandii & the Sunsetz,Tindrum and Rick Worrall.

In 1988, distributed Ritdong Records albums by Doug Bennett and his band Doug & the Slugs.

A one-off distribution Motorhead on the Viper Records label.

A&M Canada became the exclusive distributor for children's books, audio, video and toys in 19 packages for The Real Mother Goose from Smarty Pants, Lakewood, OH.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Sweet, Delicious & Marvelous
Christmas with the California Raisins
Flying Colours
Good Morning Viet Nam
California Raisins
Flying Colours
Good Morning Viet Nam
Scrooged
California Raisins
California Raisins
Chris DeBurgh
Soundtrack
California Raisins
Chris DeBurgh
Soundtrack
Soundtrack

 

California Raisins gold album Canada award

Gold for California Raisins! Allan Reid (Vancouver promotion), David Brian (Vancouver branch manager), Eva Toth (Vancouver office), Tom Jones (sales).

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Big Pig (1)
Black (1)
California Raisins (1)
Chris DeBurgh (1)
John Hiatt (1)
Joe Jackson (1)
Iggy Pop (1)
Louis Armstrong (1)
Big Pig (1)
Giant Steps (1)
Paul Janz (1)
Sting (1)

 

RPM TOP POP ALBUMS AND SINGLES

ALBUMSSINGLES
Nothing Like the Sun (Sting) #26
Good Morning, Vietnam (Soundtrack) #29
The Best Of OMD (OMD) #54
Slow Turning (John Hiatt) #94
How Can I Fall (Breathe) #36
Hands to Heaven (Breathe) #54
What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) #82

Top

1989: A&M CANADA: TOP 5 CANADIAN RECORD LABEL

By 1989, A&M Records of Canada had grown to be one of Canada's five major labels. The Canadian market finally accepted the cassette single as a standard format and the companies adopted it in May 1989.

In January A&M announced a Value Priced Compact Disc series. They planned to have 100 titles in the series by the end of the year. Promotion included posters, header cards, shelf-talkers, buttons and CD packaging.

Allison Brock became the promotion representative for British Columbia and Alan Reid the promotion representative for Ontario.

A&M Canada began distributing Chameleon Music Group in 1989.

Between 1989 and 1991, A&M Canada distributed a series of CD's by Susan Hammond and her Classical Kids as well as Nancy White. These artists were part of the Children's Group label.

A&M Records Canada January 1989 Catalog

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Spark to a Flame
December
Rhythm Nation 1814
Miss You Much
Stop
Stop
Rhythm Nation 1814
Stop
Chris DeBurgh
George Winston
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson
Sam Brown
Sam Brown
Janet Jackson
Sam Brown

 

Bryan Adams and Veronique Beliveau, J. P. Guilbert, Gerry Lacoursiere 1989 Juno Awards

JP Guilbert (national promotion), A&M Canada artists Bryan Adams and Veronique Beliveau, Gerry Lacoursiere  (president) at the1989 Juno Awards. Photo courtesy of Mathew Wiley.

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARDTITLEARTISTWON
Canadian Entertainer
Best Children's Album



Best R&B/Soul Record
Male Vocalist
 

Lullaby Berceuse

Fred Penner's Place
Mr. Bach Comes to Call
Angel
 
 
Bryan Adams
Connie Kaldor,
    Carmen Campaine
Fred Penner
Susan Hammond
Erroll Starr
Robbie Robertson
David Wilcox

Won

Won
Won
Won

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Sam Brown (1)
Janet Jackson (1)
Joe Jackson (1)
Michael Damian (2)

Top

A&M RECORDS HISTORY 1990s

1991       1992       1993       1994       1995       1996       1997       1998       1999      

1990: A&M RECORDS CANADA SOLD TO POLYGRAM

In 1990, A&M Canada was bought by PolyGram of Canada. Gerry LaCoursiere was placed on the management board of the PolyGram Group in Canada. The board oversaw all PolyGram operations in the country including A&M Records, PolyGram Records, Island Records and PolyGram Distribution. In October, Gerry LaCoursiere was promoted to chairman of the PolyGram Group in Canada. Joe Summers was elevated to president of A&M Records of Canada. Summers had been its General Manager and Vice President.

Restructuring of A&M Records Canada began by creating A&M/Islands Records. Both labels wanted to retain their independent status but acme part of PolyGram Distribution, Inc. for marketing and sales. 

Later it became A&M/Island/Motown/Polydor with one sales, marketing, promotion and A&R workforce. 

A&M Canada distributed albums on Antone Records including Omar & the Howlers and a various artist compilation.

From 1990 to 1993, distributed Mango Records compact discs from Black Uhuru, Linton Kwesi Johnson, King Sunny Ade, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Steel Pulse and Toots & the Maytals.

Reissued Oscar Peterson's Pablo Records albums from 1990 through 1999.

A 1990-1991 distribution agreement with Rammit Records for product by DeLee, Fattman, Uncertain Edge/Crime and Watchmen.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Platinum AlbumRenegade RomanticPaul Janz

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARDTITLEARTISTWON
Walt Grealis Special Achievement
Male Vocalist
Best Children's Album


Beethoven Lives Upstairs
Raffi
David Wilcox
Susan Hammond
Won


Won

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Sam Brown (1)
John Hiatt (1)
Neville Brothers (1)
Suzanne Vega (1)
Janet Jackson (5)

 

Janet Jackson with Alan Reid, Randy Wells and JP Guilbert 1990

Janet Jackson toured Canada supporting Rhythm Nation 1814. Shown here with A&M's Allan Reid, Randy Wells and JP Guilbert.

Top

1991: A&M CANADA RESTRUCTURED 

In February, PolyGram estimated its losses for 1990 to be $4 or $5 million. Lacoursiere told Billboard, "PolyGram was cold and, trying to get that magic number, they were wheeling and dealing. There were a lot of times they were making programs because they were so far behind quotas. In hard times, you've got to say 'no'." To cut losses, Lacoursiere restructured A&M, Island and PolyGram. Each label retained its sales, promotion, marketing and creative teams while production and accounting were centralized and shared by all the labels with PolyGram Distribution performing that function for all of the labels. Some offices were closed and the work moved to other offices.

A&M was distributing these labels: Attic, Current, Elephant, Hypnotic, SPY, Troubadour and Virgin. LaCoursiere negotiated extended distribution deals with them. Troubadour was the exception. After ten years with A&M, it switched distributors to MCA.

From 1991 through 1994, distributed Yes Boy Records albums by Lowest of the Low.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATION TITLE ARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (3x)
Platinum Album (3x)
Platinum Album (4x)
Platinum Album (5x)
Platinum Single
Platinum Single
Platinum Single (2x)
Warm Your Heart
Waking Up the Neighbours
Pornograffitti
Soul Cages (the)
I Do It for You (Everything I Do)
More than Words
Waking Up the Neighbours
Pornograffitti
Soul Cages (the)
Waking Up the Neighbours
Pornograffitti
Waking Up the Neighbours
Pornograffitti
Waking Up the Neighbours
Waking Up the Neighbours
I Do It for You (Everything I Do)
More than Words
I Do It for You (Everything I Do)
Aaron Neville
Bryan Adams
Extreme
Sting
Bryan Adams
Extreme
Bryan Adams
Extreme
Sting
Bryan Adams
Extreme
Bryan Adams
Extreme
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Extreme
Bryan Adams

 

Sting, A&M Canada Staff 1991 for The Soul Cages Award

Sting The Soul Cages Award. Front row: Anne Forbes, (Marketing), ?, Steve McNie, (Ontario sales) ?, ?, Sting, Faisal Durrani, (Special Projects, Dance), ?, ?, Kim Turner (Manager) Back row: X, Randy Wells (Promotion), ?, ?, ?, ?, Joe Toews (Ontario sales), Bill Ott (VP Sales), Lee Silversides (National Promotion)

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARD TITLE ARTIST WON
Best Children's Album
Best Roots or Traditional
Mozart's Magic Fantasy
Weather Out the Storm
Susan Hammond
Figgy Duff
Won

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
Bryan Adams (1)
Extreme (1)
Amy Grant (1)
Kish (1)
Aaron Neville (1)
Soundgarden (1)
Sting (1)
Supertramp (1)
Too Many Cooks (1)
Bryan Adams (3)
Amy Grant (3)

Top

1992: A&M CANADA WELCOMES JANN ARDEN

Signed Jann Arden in 1992. Her Living Under June album would go on to sell over eight million copies.

Entered a two-year distribution deal with the Hypnotic label for product by Big Sugar, Kon Kan and Chris Spedding.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATION TITLE ARTIST
Diamond Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Single
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (10x)
Platinum Album (6x)
Platinum Album (7x)
Platinum Album (8x)
Platinum Album (9x)
Waking Up the Neighbours
Very Special Christmas 2 (a)
Finally
III Sides to Every Story
Badmotorfinger
Mo' Money
Temple of the Dog
Can't Stop This Thing We Started
Very Special Christmas 2 (a)
III Sides to Every Story
Badmotorfinger
Temple of the Dog
Waking Up the Neighbours
Waking Up the Neighbours
Waking Up the Neighbours
Waking Up the Neighbours
Waking Up the Neighbours
Bryan Adams
A&M Records (Various Artists)
Cece Peniston
Extreme
Soundgarden
Soundtrack
Temple of the Dog
Bryan Adams
A&M Records (Various Artists)
Extreme
Soundgarden
Temple of the Dog
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARD TITLE ARTIST WON
Producer of the Year

Canadian Entertainer
International Achievement
Best Male Vocalist
Best Selling Single (Foreign)
Canadian Music Hall of Fame
Songwriter of the Year
Best Album

Single of the Year


 
I Do It for You (Everything I Do)
 
 

More Than Words
 

Waking Up the Neighbours
I Do It for You (Everything I Do)
Can't Stop This Thing We Started
Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Extreme
Ian & Sylvia
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams
Won

Won

Won
Won
Won


 

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
Chris DeBurgh (1)
Extreme (1)
Amy Grant (1)
Neville Brothers (1)
Cece Peniston (1)
Police (1)
Styx (1)
Temple of the Dog (1)
Suzanne Vega (1)
Cece Peniston (4)

Top

1993: CRIA CERTIFICATIONS AND JUNOS

A one-off distribution of B.E.I. Records Platinum Blonde's Best of Live album

Distributed the 1993 single "Sexy" by West End Girls on Johnny Jet Records.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATION TITLE ARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (3x)
Aaron Neville's Soulful Christmas
Grand Tour (the)
So Far, So Good
Time for Mercy
Message in a Box
Three Musketeers (the)
Ten Summoner's Tales
So Far, So Good
Ten Summoner's Tales
So Far, So Good
So Far, So Good
Aaron Neville
Aaron Neville
Bryan Adams
Jann Arden
Police
Soundtrack
Sting
Bryan Adams
Sting
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARD TITLE ARTIST WON
Best Selling Album
Canadian Entertainer
Songwriter of the Year
Single of the Year
Waking Up the Neighbours


Thought I'd Died and Gone to Heaven
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Won



 

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
Bryan Adams (1)
Doughboys (1)
John Hiatt (1)
Denis Leary (1)
Aaron Neville (1)
Sting (1)
Bryan Adams (2)

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1994: A YEAR OF PRECIOUS METAL

Signed Ashley MacIsaac in 1994.

One-off CD by Lee Aaron on the Hipchic Music label.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATION TITLE ARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (3x)
Platinum Album (4x)
Platinum Album (5x)
New Miserable Experience
Living Under June
Tuesday Night Music Club
Superunknown
Fields of Gold the Best of 1984-1994
Woodstock '94
Reckless
Living Under June
Tuesday Night Music Club
Superunknown
Fields of Gold the Best of 1984-1994
Woodstock '94
Tuesday Night Music Club
Superunknown
Superunknown
So Far, So Good
So Far, So Good
Gin Blossoms
Jann Arden
Sheryl Crow
Soundgarden
Sting
Various Artists
Bryan Adams
Jann Arden
Sheryl Crow
Soundgarden
Sting
Various Artists
Sheryl Crow
Soundgarden
Soundgarden
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARD TITLE ARTIST WON
Best Video
Best New Solo Artist
Best R&B/Soul Record

Best Children's Album

Songwriter of the Year
Hard Rock Album
I Would Die for You
 
Time Is Right (I'll Be There for You)
Tchaikovsky Discovers America

Crush
Jann Arden
Jann Arden
Rupert Gayle

Susan Hammond

Jann Arden
Doughboys
Won
Won
Won

Won
 

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
Chris DeBurgh (1)
Gin Blossoms (1)
Amy Grant (1)
Lowest of the Low (1)
Soundgarden (1)
Sting (1)
Aaron Neville (2)

Top

1995: A&M CANADA RESTRUCTURING COMPLETED

A one-off album distribution of the Matthew Good Band on the Darktown Records label.

PolyGram completed its restructuring of A&M Records. The A&M/Island/Motown division merged with Mercury/Polydor to create one sales and distribution workforce. The list of labels impacted included London, Phillips, Verve, Deutsche Gramophone, PolyGram Special Imports and Polytel plus U.S. labels distributed in Canada Concord and Fantasy and Canadian labels the Children's Group, Strawberry Records, Elephant Records, Hypnotic and Zulu. 

Former A&M Records Canada managers were named to executive positions within PolyGram:

     Joe Summer--Vice Chair PolyGram Group Canada
     Bill Ott--Executive VP/GM PolyGram Sales
     Al Harrison--Midwest Regional Manager
     Doug Chappell--President Mercury/Polydor

 

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (3x)
Platinum Album (3x)
Platinum Album (4x)
Hi, How Are You Today?
Icon Is Love (the)
Four
Live, Live, Live
Design of a Decade
Second Contribution
Don Juan Demarco
Empire Records
Tower of Song: the Songs of Leonard Cohen
Design of a Decade
Time for Mercy
Second Contribution
Don Juan Demarco
Living Under June
Living Under June
Tuesday Night Music Club
Living Under June
Ashley MacIsaac
Barry White
Blues Traveler
Bryan Adams
Janet Jackson
Shawn Phillips
Soundtrack
Soundtrack
Various Artists
Janet Jackson
Jann Arden
Shawn Phillips
Soundtrack
Jann Arden
Jann Arden
Sheryl Crow
Jann Arden

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARDTITLEARTISTWon
Single of the Year

Female Vocalist
Songwriter of the Year

Best Dance Recording
Best Video
Could I Be Your Girl
Please Forgive Me
 


Could I Be Your Girl
Insensitive
Jann Arden
Bryan Adams
Jann Arden
Jann Arden
Bryan Adams
Jann Arden
Jann Arden
Won

Won
Won

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Jann Arden (1)
Blues Traveler (1)
Sheryl Crow (1)
Extreme (1)
Janet Jackson (1)
Monster Magnet (1)
Police (1)
Barry White (1)
Bryan Adams (1)
Jann Arden (1)
Bizarre Inc. (1)
Sheryl Crow (1)
Amy Grant (1)
Janet Jackson (1)
Ashley MacIsaac (1)
Barry White (1)

Top

1996: A&M'ERS CONTINUE TO LEAD POLYGRAM

On December 31, 1996, Gerry Lacoursiere retired as the Chairman of the PolyGram Group Canada. Joe Summers was named as his successor.

A one-off distribution of the Bluetones on Superior Quality Recordings.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATION TITLE ARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (5x)
Hemi-Vision
18 'Til I Die
Crush
Congratulations I'm Sorry
Sheryl Crow
Down on the Upside
Mercury Falling
Hi, How Are You Today?
18 'Til I Die
Sheryl Crow
Down on the Upside
Mercury Falling
Hi, How Are You Today?
18 'Til I Die
Sheryl Crow
Living Under June
Big Sugar
Bryan Adams
Doughboys
Gin Blossoms
Sheryl Crow
Soundgarden
Sting
Ashley MacIsaac
Bryan Adams
Sheryl Crow
Soundgarden
Sting
Ashley MacIsaac
Bryan Adams
Sheryl Crow
Jann Arden

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARD TITLE ARTIST WON
Best Roots & Traditional Album
Producer of the Year

Best New Solo Artist
Best Video
Entertainer of the Year

Songwriter of the Year
Best Album Design
Single of the Year
Hi, How Are You Today?
Hi, How Are You Today?
Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman
Good Mother



Hi, How Are You Today?
Have You Every Really Loved a Woman
Insensitive
Ashley MacIsaac
Ashley MacIsaac
Bryan Adams

Jann Arden
Jann Arden
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Ashley MacIsaac
Bryan Adams

Jann Arden
Won
Won


Won
Won

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
Bryan Adams (1)
Big Sugar (1)
Sheryl Crow (1)
Dishwalla (1)
Face to Face (1)
Garbage (1)
Gin Blossoms (1)
Ashley MacIsaac (1)
Soundgarden (1)
Sting (1)
Styx (1)
Suzanne Vega (1)
Bryan Adams (3)
Gin Blossoms (3)

Top

1997

In February Joe Summers was promoted to the chairman of PolyGram Group Canada, succeeding Gerry Lacoursiere who retired. The chairman was responsible for record labels A&M, Island, Motown, Mercury, Polydor, Deutsche Grammophon, London Philips Classics and Verve plus sales, distribution, music publishing and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment.

Summers promoted Bill Ott to president, PolyGram Group Distribution. He had been the executive vice president and general manager of PolyGram Group Sales.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATIONTITLEARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Gold Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (3x)
Platinum Album (6x)
Straight on Till Morning
Happy?
Lie to Me
Hemi-Vision
Four
Happy?
Lie to Me
Four
Sheryl Crow
So Far, So Good
Blues Traveler
Jann Arden
Jonny Lang
Big Sugar
Blues Traveler
Jann Arden
Jonny Lang
Blues Traveler
Sheryl Crow
Bryan Adams

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARDTITLEARTISTWON
Instrumental Artist of the Year
Best Male Vocalist
Songwriter of the Year
Best Producer



Best Album

North Star Rock Album
Single of the Year



Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You
Let's Make a Night to Remember
18 Til I Die
Hi, How Are You Today?
Hemi-Vision
Sleepy Maggie
Ashley MacIsaac
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams
Ashley MacIsaac
Big Sugar
Ashley MacIsaac
Won
Won

 

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMSSINGLES
Jann Arden (1)
Blues Traveler (1)
Amy Grant (1)
Jonny Lang (1)
Soundgarden (1)
Squeeze (1)
 

Top

1998

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATION TITLE ARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (2x)
Platinum Album (2x)
No Cure for Cancer
Globe Sessions (the)
On a Day Like Today
Globe Sessions (the)
On a Day Like Today
Happy?
Denis Leary
Sheryl Crow
Bryan Adams
Sheryl Crow
Bryan Adams
Jann Arden

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARD TITLE ARTIST WON
Best Female Vocalist
Group of the Year
Songwriter of the Year


Single of the Year
Best New Group
Best Video


Wishing That
The Sound of
Ode to a Friend
The Sound of

Everything Is Automatic
Jann Arden
Big Sugar
Jann Arden


Jann Arden
Matthew Good Band
Matthew Good Band





 

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
Bryan Adams (2) Bryan Adams (2)

Top

1999: ADAMS, ARDEN, GOOD BAND LEAD THE AWARDS

Signed Jennifer Mason.

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATION TITLE ARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Single
Wander This World
Five Hundred Pounds
Jonny Lang
Big Sugar

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARD TITLE ARTIST WON
Best Songwriter

Best Producer

Best Engineer
Best Album
Best Pop Album
Best Rock Album
Best Single
Best Video
On a Day Like Today
When You're Gone
C'mon, C'mon, C'mon
How Do Ya Feel Tonight
C'mon, C'mon, C'mon
Happy?
Happy?
Underdogs
Apparitions
Wishing That
Apparitions
Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams
Jann Arden
Jann Arden
Matthew Good Band
Matthew Good Band
Jann Arden
Matthew Good Band
Won

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
Bryan Adams (1)
Chris Cornell (1)
 

Top

A&M RECORDS HISTORY 2000s

2001       2002

2000

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATION TITLE ARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Album
Platinum Album
Platinum Album (2x)
Best of Me (the)
Sheryl Crow & Friends: Live from Central Park
Best of Me (the)
Best of Me (the)
Bryan Adams
Sheryl Crow
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARD TITLE ARTIST WON
Best Male Artist
Best Album
Best Pop/Adult Album
 
On a Day Like Today
On a Day Like Today
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
Won

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
Sheryl Crow (1)
Cat Stevens (1)
Sting (1)
 

Top

2001

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATION TITLE ARTIST
Gold Album
Gold Single
West End Girls
All This Time
West End Girls
Sting

JUNO AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

AWARD TITLE ARTIST WON
Best Songwriter
Canadian Music Hall of Fame
Best of Me (the) Bryan Adams
Bruce Cockburn

Won

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
Sting (1)

 

Top

2002

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

CERTIFICATION TITLE ARTIST
Platinum Single C'mon C'mon Sheryl Crow

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA

ALBUMS SINGLES
Vanessa Carlton (1)
Sheryl Crow (1)
 

Top

SOURCES:
A&M Records' 10th and 15th anniversary books
A&M Records employees

CANADIAN RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION:
Canadian Recording Industry Association

A&M RECORDS TOP POP ARTISTS IN CANADA:
Lwin, Nanda. Top Albums the Essential Chart Guide. Ontario: Music Data Research. 2003.
Lwin, Nanda. Top 40 Hits the Essential Chart Guide. Ontario: Music Data Research. 2003.
CHUM 1050 Radio Charts. Toronto, Canada. CHUM Radio

JUNO AWARDS:
Juno Awards

1962:
A&M Five Years Later. RPM, April 19, 1975.

1968:
Music Capitals of the World (Toronto). Billboard, January 13, 1968.
Window Shopper. Cashbox, November 23, 1968.
Quality's 'Taste of A&M.' Cash Box, October 5, 1968.

1970:
A&M Back to Inner Sleeves. Billboard, March 14, 1970.
A&M Mount Dealer Drive. Billboard, September 26, 1970.

1972:
From the Music Capitals of the Word (Toronto). Billboard, March 11, 1972.
A&M (Canada) Sets Release. Record World, October 7, 1972.

1973:
1. A&M Canada Hot on International Front. Billboard, June 30, 1973.
Lacoursiere Names A&M Canada VP. Record World, August 25, 1973.
A&M Distribs Sweet Plum. Record World, September 1, 1973.
PVC Shortage Forces Cutback In Promotion Mailings at A&M. Ritchie Yorke. Billboard, November 3, 1973.

1974:
A&M Hot Track Records. Billboard, February 24, 1974.
A&M Scoring in Country. Billboard, August 3, 1974.
A&M Promo Team Sees Rap with PD's Key to Success. Billboard, May 18, 1974.
West Coast, Industry Comes Slowly to Age. Jeani Read. Billboard, September 21, 1974.
A&M Parley Accents Ties by Sales & Promotion. Billboard, October 12, 1974.
From the Music Capitals of the World. Billboard, June 22, 1974.

1975:
A&M Five Years Later. RPM, April 19, 1975.

1976:
Canada! Label Presidents Speak Out. Billboard, October 2, 1976.
A&M's Fall Market Plan Offers Discount Up to 10%. Martin Melhuishi. Billboard, October 16, 1976.

1977:
A&M Radio Draw Fulfills Couple's Romanian Dream. Billboard, February 26, 1977.
A&M Sales Up In September. Cash Box, November 11, 1977.

1978:
Mushroom to A&M Plus Convention. David Farrell. Billboard, September 23, 1978.
A&M Records In Canada Starts Mangione Blitz. Cashbox, July 1, 1978.
A&M Canada Promote Three Top Executives. Cashbox, August 19, 1978.

1979:
Angel, A&M Launch New Hifi Product. Billboard, April 21, 1979.
A&M Canada Pacts Troubadour. Record World, May 5, 1979.
A&M Commitment Yields Dividends for DeBurgh. Billboard, May 19, 1979.
A&M Unveils Audiophile Pack. Billboard, September 1, 1979.
In Canada, A&M Suit Defendant. Billboard, December 15, 1979. A&M Records Canada to Distribute Troubadour. Cashbox, May 5, 1979.
A&M Canada and IAR Sign Distribution Deal. Cashbox, August 18, 1979.

1980:
A&M Canada Fined for Price Maintenance. Billboard, September 13, 1980.
A&M Pledges More Support for Canadian Acts. Billboard, October 4, 1980.
P'Gram Canada Files Buyout Plan (A&M Records of Canada Limited). Kirk LaPointe. Billboard, February 10, 1990.
Loose Shrink Wrapping Cuts Return Costs. Richard Flohil. Music Week, May 31 1980.
$35,000 Fine For Pricing Policy. RPM, August 16, 1980.

1981:
Fresh Head Albums to A&M. Billboard, September 26, 1981.
Sloth, Progress In Pact. Billboard, September 26, 1981.

1982:
A&M To Handle Passport Line. Billboard, May 15, 1982.

1983:
Library and Archives of Canada

1991:
LaCoursiere Takes the Reins at P'gram Group Canada. Larry LeBlanc. Billboard, February 9, 1991.

1999:
Library and Archives of Canada

Top