Jake Gold, Original Manager of The Tragically Hip, To Be Inducted Into CMW’s Music Industry Hall of Fame
Jake Gold, original manager of The Tragically Hip and one of Canada’s most respected and successful artist managers, will be inducted into Canadian Music Week’s Music Industry Hall of Fame, during the 2024 Canadian Live Music Industry Awards, in partnership with the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA), on June 4, 2024.
“Inducting Jake Gold into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame is not just recognizing a brilliant manager, but also honouring a key architect behind the success of iconic bands like The Tragically Hip. Jake’s profound influence on the Canadian music scene and his instrumental role in the rise of The Hip have left an enduring legacy,” says CMW president Neill Dixon.
The ceremony will take place in the Frontenac Ballroom at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, during the Canadian Live Music Industry Awards from 5-7pm.
“I’m humbled and honoured to be inducted in the Hall of Fame from CMW,” says Gold. “To be on the same list of past inductees is something I’ve never dreamed of. I am very fortunate to have and continue to work with some amazing artists. While I’m the one being honoured, it’s truly a testament to all the great people that have worked with me over the years. Management is a team effort.”
Gold started his life-long career in management in 1981, first The Purple Hearts, then significantly negotiating and securing a deal with RCA for local new wave act New Regime, which released two albums and a handful of radio singles. He started The Management Trust in 1986 with then-partner Allan Gregg. Later that year, the pair took on an explosive young rock band from Kingston, Ontario, called The Tragically Hip.
During their partnership, Gold and Gregg guided The Hip from club level to national icons, selling more records in Canada than any other artist except The Beatles, including four diamond certifications. Along the way, The Management Trust managed the chart-topping careers of The Watchmen and Big Wreck.
In 2003, Gold rose to national fame himself when he was asked to judge the TV talent search Canadian Idol. During the six-season run, he managed Crash Karma, The Pursuit of Happiness (TPOH), and the Cliks, and added Adam Cohen just after the show went off air. He also has a roster of producers, TPOH’s Moe Berg, Russell Broom, and Laurence Currie.
In 2020, following the passing of The Tragically Hip’s frontman Gord Downie, Gold reunited with the band to direct their legacy, spearheading numerous projects, from the Saskadelphia EP, Road Apples and Phantom Power box sets, Live at the Roxy release, vinyl offering of Yer Favourites to an ABC picture book and upcoming Amazon documentary series.
At present, Gold’s roster still includes TPOH, producers Berg, Currie and Broom; and new client, rising pop singer Ethan Surman, which he co–manages (with Ryan Hefford).
Gold has been recognized by the annual Canadian Music Industry Awards as Manager of the Year in 1991, 1993 and 1994. In 2009, Gold was elected to the board of Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA; then known as CIRPA) and was CIMA’s vice‐chairman for 10 years. Gold was also a board member for the Music Managers Forum (MMF). In 2013, he received the MMF Honour Roll Award for his lifetime of work in artist management.
In 2023, CIMA awarded Gold the Change Award for his many years of service to the board. Later that same year, he was honoured, along with The Tragically Hip, with War Child Canada’s Founder Award for their continued contribution to the charity. Gold also sits on the board for both Connect Music and Re:Sound.
Says Dixon, “As Jake steps into the hallowed halls of the Hall of Fame, we celebrate a visionary whose commitment to musical excellence has shaped not only the destinies of artists, but the very fabric of our music industry. Congratulations, Jake, on this well-deserved accolade, a testament to your enduring impact on Canadian music and beyond.”
Gold will receive the Hall of Fame honour during the 8th annual CLMI Awards. The awards will celebrate the ingenuity, perseverance, and excellence demonstrated by live music companies, individuals, and organizations over the past year. The 22 categories include Best Teamwork in a Venue, Productions Manager of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Legends of Live, and Community Impact.
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