The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and CBC announced today, that R&B singer Deborah Cox will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at this year’s “Juno Awards.”
Deborah is the first Black woman to receive the honor in the Hall of Fame’s 44-year history. To celebrate, she will perform live at the “51st Junos,” which is taking place at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on Sunday, May 15th.
“I feel incredibly grateful to experience this true milestone moment. Music has always been about community for me, and I am so thankful to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and CARAS [the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences] for not only recognizing myself, but my family, friends and loving fans who have supported me and helped make my dream possible for the past 25+ years.
As the first Black woman to become an inductee, I am honored to have the chance to show our younger generations that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to with hard work, dedication and passion. I hope that my music can continue to bring peace, happiness and comfort to anyone who might need it, and empower people of all ages to follow their dreams and believe in themselves.”
Deborah Cox began performing at the age of 12, and got her start as a backup vocalist for Céline Dion. In 1994, Clive Davis signed her to Arista Records, and later that same year, she released her self-titled debut album.
Her second album, “One Wish,” was certified platinum and produced two #1 singles, “We Can’t be Friends” and “Nobody’s Supposed to be Here,” the latter of which held the record for the longest running #1 R&B single of all time.
Deborah Cox is a three-time Juno Award winner, a two-time Soul Train Award winner, and also an accomplished actor, starring in projects such as “Love Come Down,” “First Wives Club” and last year’s HBO hit series “Station Eleven.”
Deborah Cox has also been recognized and awarded for her work with various social justice initiatives including advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, support for those living with HIV/AIDS, and the fight for human rights and equality for all.
In 2020, she was given Black Music Honors’ Entertainer Icon Award and in 2021, she was honored at the Black Women in Media Awards for her impact on the entertainment industry.
UB spoke to Deborah Cox during press for “Black Music Honors.” We asked the veteran then, what’s been the biggest challenges from when she started, till now?
