THE CCMA REMEMBERS RONNIE PROPHET (1937 - 2018)

THE CCMA REMEMBERS RONNIE PROPHET
(1937 – 2018)

The CCMA was saddened to learn of the passing of Canadian country icon, Ronnie Prophet, late last week. A mainstay in the CCMA community, this is a loss that we know is being felt coast-to-coast and south of the border.

Born Ronald Lawrence Victor, and raised in Quebec, Prophet made his debut in Ottawa on CFRA’s country music show, The Happy Wanderers, followed by appearances at several Montreal nightclubs until 1964. Prophet subsequently moved to Nashville, where he owned and operated Ronnie Prophet’s Carousel Club, a popular destination for Canadian fans and Nashville entertainers.

Prophet received the JUNO Award for Country Male Vocalist of the Year in 1978, 1979 and 1987, Big Country Awards for Outstanding Male Performances in 1976 and 1980, and CCMA Awards for both Entertainer of the Year and Country Music Duo of the Year (with Glory-Anne Carierre) in 1984. He recorded more than 25 albums and charted five singles during the 1970s on the Billboard Country charts; and hosted several nationally aired TV shows including, The Ronnie Prophet Show, and Grand Ole Country on CTV, as well as Rocky Mountain Inn and Ronnie ‘N The Browns. Prophet was reverred for his one-man shows, which combined song, comedy, impersonations and his considerable skill as a guitarist. During the 1990s, Ronnie and his wife Glory-Anne hosted their own club show in Branson, Missouri.

“As the tributes for beloved Ronnie Prophet, Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, continue to be shared, we reflect on the trailblazer that he was for not only Canadian country music, but for Canadian entertainers, in general. The CCMA will uphold the legacy of this iconic man, who helped lay the groundwork for our country stars of today and tomorrow,” said Ted Ellis, Chair, CCMA.

Relive Ronnie Propher’s induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 by CLICKING HERE.

Glory-Anne remains a member of the CCMA. Our thoughts are with her and their family at this time.