SOCAN is pleased and proud to recognize that British Columbia’s BC Entertainment Hall of Fame recently inducted SOCAN member and acoustic guitarist extraordinaire Don Alder; Western Canadian performing rights pioneer Lynne Partridge; and trailblazing music publisher and artist manager (among other things) Valerie “Valley” Hennell.
Don Alder is a three-time World Champion Acoustic Guitarist, who performs with a rare kind of passion. Often referred to as the Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar, he continues to impress audiences around the world with his jaw-dropping performances. Guitar Player magazine Senior Editor Michael Molenda says, “Alder, is a Guitar Star in the making, and can hold an audience with the best of the seasoned pros”. Carly Rae Jepsen says, “Just saw the most amazing guitarist, still shocked this morning.” Ray Daniels, manager of RUSH, says, “Alder should be famous around the world.” Alder has shared the stage in duets with the likes of Jepsen, Col. Chris Hadfield, poet Shayne Koyczan, among many others.
Lynne Partridge pioneered performing rights in Western Canada, launching the BMI Canada (later called PROCAN) office in 1968. She’s been a constant source of knowledge, information, and inspiration to both young and established artists in British Columbia. In 1987, she was honoured with a Special Achievement JUNO Award for her tireless work on behalf of creator’s rights. Partridge has served as Director of Communications for the Songwriters Association of Canada, and as tour manager and publisher for The Irish Rovers. She has also served on the Boards of Directors of numerous music organizations, including CARAS, PROCAN, ArtSpring, Salt Spring Island Folk Club, and BMI.
Valerie “Valley” Hennell Is a music-industry trailblazer, and a mainstay of the British Columbia arts scene as a writer, producer, artist manager, music publisher, and arts advocate. She has managed the careers of several well-known BC artists, including previous BC Entertainment Hall of Fame inductee Ann Mortifée. Hennel has also produced a dozen award-winning albums and countless seminal performing arts events and series. She’s recognized throughout the Canadian music industry as a force for integrity, fair dealing, and positive change. Her numerous national and local award awards are a testament to her talent and dedication to the music community in British Columbia.
SOCAN congratulates all three inductees on their lifetimes of achievement!