UPDATE - 1/9@9:53AM: Cecconi was interviewed by FYI Music News to discuss the award and her long career in the Canadian music industry (thanks RushFanForever):
... "I love business," Cecconi said recently over a cup of tea at her Toronto abode as she defined what made her successful. "I was very practical. I just followed my gut, because if I thought something would work, it generally did." Admitting that she loves to tear through contracts "like a Harlequin Romance," and "find money" to fuel the Rush engine, Cecconi was also quick to recognize her limitations. "I don't have ears," she confesses. "Rush would come to me with a song and say, you pick it - because if you pick it, we're not going with it." She breaks out into laughter, but then becomes reflective with one of her few regrets. "I wish I had gone out on my own," she laments. "I wish I had the nerve to go out on my own. My problem was, I was just business. "I've never been aggressive. But I am aggressive with other people's money." ...
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The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences have just announced that longtime Anthem/SRO Vice President Pegi Cecconi will be presented with the 2020 Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award at this year's Juno Awards. In her multiple roles as part of Rush's management company and record label over the past 50 years, Cecconi played a pivotal role in the band's development and success. From her bio on the Juno Awards website:
A master in her field, Cecconi is a savvy and determined business woman who has nearly 50 years of experience in the music industry with diverse roles ranging from booking, legal and all aspects of artist management including publishing, recording, record production and merchandising. Having served as Vice President of SRO Management Inc. and independent record label Anthem Entertainment Group for much of her career, Cecconi has played a pivotal role in the development and success of numerous artists, including Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees Rush and Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies), songwriter Ian Thomas, Gowan, Matthew Good, Molly Johnson, and The Tea Party. Currently, Cecconi serves as a consultant for Anthem Entertainment. ...
The Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose work has significantly impacted the growth and development of the Canadian music industry, and is named after Walt Grealis, legendary Canadian publisher and co-founder of the JUNO Awards. Cecconi spoke with CelebrityAccess about the award and had the following comments:
"I'm honoured to be receiving this award that gives recognition to my life's work and passion for business and the Canadian music industry," said Cecconi. "From my humble beginnings booking bands in high school to working with Ray Danniels and Rush, I am thankful for everyone that has been along for the ride with me. It took 50 years in the industry for someone to make me speechless, and Allan did that when he called to share this news."
The award will be presented at the 49th Annual JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards on Saturday, March 14th at the WTC Saskatoon at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, SK. The JUNO Awards will take place the following evening, Sunday, March 15, at the SaskTel Centre, and will be broadcast live on CBC, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, the free CBC Gem streaming service in Canada and globally at cbcmusic.ca/junos.
