2025 Inductees to the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame Announced
2025 Inductees to the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame Announced
Below are the newest Inductees to the NSCMHF 2025. You will notice that two of the Inductees are well known to the Friends of Hank Snow Society. Gordie Giles and Mike Surrette have given many volunteer hours as Musicians and volunteers at our many shows and on stage at the Tribute each year. We are so very pleased to see their names as part of this year’s Inductees. Congratulations to Gordie, Mike and Paul and Art from your many friends and fellow musicians here at the Hank Snow Museum.
2025 Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
The 2025 Inductees into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame have been
announced by the Nova Scotia Hall of Fame President, Roger Bleasdale.
“We are proud to recognize an impressive and talented slate of individuals who are worthy of induction,” he stated at press release time.
“The Board of Directors proudly welcomes builder and promoter Paul Kennedy, instrumentalist Art Fitt, vocalist Gordie Giles and back-up musician Mike Surrette into the Hall of Fame. We thank each of them for their contributions to the preservation of country music in our province.”
Paul Kennedy: New Brunswick born Paul Kennedy, a builder and promoter of country music, started his radio career at CJLS in Yarmouth in 1968. Through the years, Paul has developed a real passion for promoting many talented East Coast, national and international artists. Some of his favourite interviews include Anne Murray (his first at CJLS Radio 1968), followed by Stompin Tom,Waylon Jennings, John McDermott, Shania Twain, Al Martino, Faith Hill, and John Denver. After 57 years plus in the music industry, Paul is very proud of the fact that he has been with 105.9 Seaside FM since its inception. Paul continues to share a wide array of music and interviews every weekend with Seaside listeners.
Art Fitt: Stellarton, Nova Scotia resident, Art played his first gig at the age of 12, earning $12 for his performance and the rest is history. He went on to travel throughout Canada and the USA performing with such artists as John Allan Cameron, Ronnie Prophet, Red Sovine, Mel Tillis, and Charlie Pride, among others. A multi-talented musician on a variety of instruments, he is also a fine singer in his own right. Art Fitt has owned his own recording studio, Grace Studio, giving generously of his time to fellow accomplished artists, as well as local artists in Pictou County.
Gordon (Gordie) Giles: Vocalist, from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Gordie has been a familiar face in country music since he was 8 years old. Over the years, he has performed with several local bands in the Halifax area including 4 years with Freedom Road, 11 years with Maritime Express and is currently a member of the band Total Country. He’s travelled overseas to Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands and has performed throughout the Maritimes and Ontario.Gordie Giles has been involved with the Hank Snow Tribute for 30 years. He has lent his talent to the Hank Snow Tribute show as vocalist, member of the house bands, stage hand and sound technician.
Michael (Mike) Surette: An accomplished back-up musician, from Western
Nova Scotia, Mike has been playing bass (and occasionally rhythm guitar) since
his early 20’s. He has accompanied many well-known artists and current Induc-
tees. Mike is looked up to and respected by his fellow musicians for his timing,
knowledge, and dedication. Well known in the western area of the province, he plays with several bands. Mike has been a talented member of the house band for the Hank Snow Tributes for well over 20 years.
“It is people like these that keep classic country music alive and thriving in Nova Scotia,”
President Bleasdale said. “They are all great ambassadors for the country music tradition and we applaud and congratulate them on behalf of audiences across the province.”
The above noted four deserving gentlemen will be welcomed into the Nova Sco-
tia Country Music Hall of Fame at a gala induction ceremony and musical event
to be held in Truro, N.S. on September 27, 2025.
Tickets will go on sale shortly. Watch our NSCMHF.ca website, Facebook page or find us on Instagram, Bluesky, and X! You won’t want to miss the 2025 Induction Ceremony!!
Our host hotel for the 2025 Induction Dinner and Ceremony is The Inn on Prince Hotel and Conference Centre in Truro, NS. When booking rooms, be sure to say you are with the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame for our preferred group rate.