NationTalk: (Toronto, ON) – Canada’s Walk of Fame, the nation’s premiere celebration of Canadian excellence, proudly announces William Prince as this year’s recipient of the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour, an annual recognition that celebrates the achievements of Canadian musicians who have used their voices and talent to inspire and drive positive impact in the music industry.
With four award-winning albums to date, William’s body of work traces his remarkable journey from Peguis First Nation to the country’s biggest stages. Guided by a practical yet profound gratitude, his songs radiate grace and generosity.
William’s career is marked by numerous accolades and milestones, including a debut at The Grand Ole Opry, multiple JUNO Awards and international award recognition including the John Prine Songwriting Fellowship. He has shared bills with legends like Neil Young, Norah Jones and Sarah McLachlan, performed two Tiny Desk sessions and more. From national network television appearances to his collaborations with some of Canada’s biggest stars including The Tragically Hip and Serena Ryder, William is one of the country’s most beloved and celebrated songwriters. Beyond his albums and achievements, he has used his voice to make a meaningful contribution to our collective legacy—from hosting A Day to Listen to penning an original song for the 40th Anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.
Alan Doyle, celebrated singer-songwriter and frontman of Great Big Sea, will honour William Prince with a special performance of one of his songs during Canada’s Walk of Fame Celebration on Wednesday, November 20, at Toronto’s Liberty Grand. The event will recognize Prince alongside previously announced Inductee Dr. Frank J. Hayden and this year’s Canada’s Walk of Fame National Hero, Danielle Campo.
On behalf of the board of directors of Canada’s Walk of Fame, Randy Lennox said, “William Prince is a remarkable storyteller whose contributions to Canadian music, both as a celebrated artist and an advocate for meaningful causes, transcends boundaries and speaks to the heart of the human experience. We are proud to recognize his talent, his spirit, and the lasting legacy he is creating for generations to come.”
“I am thrilled to hear that William Prince will be receiving the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour this year,” says Gary Slaight, President & CEO of The Slaight Family Foundation. “Throughout his career, my father Allan championed Canadian artists going back to when Gordon Lightfoot was starting off. Notably, he also built a broadcasting empire that included radio and television. While doing this, he never wavered in his philanthropic support, donating tens of millions of dollars to the Canadian Arts and organizations that offered support to the needy in Canada and in developing countries. Through his music William shares the stories of his family and community through the lens of support and love which is very inspiring. He has used his talents to support causes that benefits others and by doing so, makes him very deserving of The Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour.”
Launched in 2010, the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour is an annual recognition that celebrates the achievements of Canadian musicians who have used their voices and talent to inspire and drive positive impact in the music industry. Honourees include Kardinal Offishall (2023), Arkells (2022), Serena Ryder (2021), Alessia Cara (2019), Jesse Reyez (2018), Shawn Hook (2017), Brett Kissel (2016), Shawn Mendes (2015), The Weeknd (2014), Carly Rae Jepsen (2013), Melanie Fiona (2012), Drake (2011), and Nikki Yanofsky (2010).
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Partners
Canada’s Walk of Fame gratefully acknowledges the support of its 2024 Partners: Seeing Red, Cineplex Entertainment, The Slaight Family Foundation, RBC, Air Canada, MLSE, Scotiabank, NBCUniversal, VIA Rail Canada, Next Magazine, The Printing House, and Wildeboer Dellelce LLP.
About Canada’s Walk of Fame
Canada’s Walk of Fame is an award-winning national not-for-profit charitable organization that inspires Canadians by proudly shining a light on the journeys of Canada’s most extraordinary achievers. Canada’s Walk of Fame recognizes the significant impact of Canadian accomplishments and provides the foremost national platform to celebrate achievement in the fields of Arts & Entertainment, Sports & Athletics, Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy, Humanitarianism, and Science, Technology & Innovation. Current honours and programs include the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour, the RBC Emerging Musician Program, NBCUniversal and Seeing Red Media Future Storytellers program, the Community Hero and National Hero Programs, the Hometown Stars initiative, including charitable donations to our Inductees’ causes, and the nationally televised broadcast designated by the CRTC as a program of national interest. Canada’s Walk of Fame has over 230 inductions to date, with stars having a permanent place of tribute on the streets of Toronto’s Entertainment District. For a complete list of Inductees and Honourees along with more information on Canada’s Walk of Fame, visit: www.canadaswalkoffame.com
Canada’s Walk of Fame was established in 1998 by founders Bill Ballard, Dusty Cohl and Peter Soumalias, with Dianne Schwalm and in partnership with Gary Slaight.
Canada’s Walk of Fame is a registered charity. Charitable Registration Number 889896924RR0001.
About Slaight Family Foundation
The Slaight Family Foundation was established in 2008 by John Allan Slaight. Allan Slaight is known as Canada’s broadcast pioneer, music leader and a prominent Canadian philanthropist. Through his generosity, the Foundation proactively supports charitable initiatives in the areas of healthcare, at-risk youth, international development, social services and culture.
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Media Contact: Adrienne Kakoullis, Rise PR, 416-450-6637 / akakoullis@risepr.ca