CMA of RI Awards 2000 – 2020
2020 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Lead Guitar Player - George Dandurand
Steel Guitar Player - Harry Teachman
Rhythm Guitar Player - Dave Guilbeault
Bass Guitar - Elaine Ellis, Ollie Stedman
Drummer - Hank Lafrance
Keyboard Player - Hank Walthers, Jr.
Band - The Goat Ropers
Vocal Duet - Darlene Cory and Dave Winsor Darlene Cory
Guest Female Vocalist - a four way tie - Joyce Sabetta, Sara Stedman, Cindy Lane, Gail Dandurand
Female Vocalist- Darlene Cory
Guest Male Vocalist - Norman Craig
Male Vocalist - a tie - Paul (Tonto) Pronteau, Ollie Stedman
Female Entertainer - Darlene Cory
Male Entertainer - Paul (Tonto) Pronteau
Living Legend - Dave Brown
2019 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Lead Guitar Player of the Year - Dave Brown
Steel Guitar Player of the Year - Harry Teachman
Rhythm Guitar Player of the Year - Al Carter
Bass Player of the Year - Ollie Stedman
Drummer of the Year - A Three-way Tie: Harry Card, Bobby Page, and David Winsor
Keyboard Player of the Year - Linda Leslie
Band of the Year - Crossfire
Vocal Duet of the Year - Linda and Gary Leslie
Guest Female Vocalist of the Year - Joyce Sabetta
Female Vocalist of the Year - Darlene Cory
Guest Male Vocalist - Eddie Zack Jr.
Male Vocalist of the Year - A Tie: Josh Bruffee and Tonto
Female Entertainer of the Year - Darlene Cory
Male Entertainer of the Year - Tonto
Living Legend of the Year - Patty Robbins
2000 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Favorite Night Club of the Year- American Legion Post 12, North Kingstown
Favorite Air Personality - Eddie Zack and Cousin Richie
Favorite Radio Station - WJJF, Hope Valley
Keyboard Player - Linda Howard
Drummer - Billy Sousa
Steel Guitarist - Manny Escobar
Bass Player - Rick Rayle
Fiddle Player - Richie Dubois
Lead Guitar Player - Mike Roberts
Living Legend - Hank Walters
Album - Hillbilly Heaven, Bob Martin
Record - Send Me the Pillow, Sallyann and Bob Martin
Duo - Babs and Maril
Song Writer - Matt Connelly
Vocal Harmony Group - Cindy Lane and True Country
Female Vocalist - Sallyann
Male Vocalist - Matt Connelly
Band - Cindy Lane and True Country
Female Entertainer - Sallyann
Male Entertainer - (Tie) Bob Martin and Matt Connelly
2001 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Favorite Night Club of the Year- American Legion Post 12, North Kingstown
Disk Jockey - Eddie and Cousin Richie Zack from WJJF
Favorite Radio Station - WJJF Hope Valley AM 1180
Keyboard Player - Linda Howard of Luv In Country
Drummer - Bob Considine of The Hayloft Jamboree
Steel Guitar Player - Tony Poccia of The Hayloft Jamboree
Bass Player - Bill Rodier
Fiddle Player - Mark Sampson of The Outlaws
Lead Guitar Player - Mike Roberts of Luv In Country
Living Legend - Rick Rayle
Album - We Used To Be In Love - Matt Connelly
Record - I've Got A Heartache Tonight - Cousin Richie Zack
Vocal Duo - Babs White & Maril Albro Song Writer - Matt Connelly
Vocal Harmony Group - Dottie Zack and The Outlaws
Female Vocalist - Dottie Zack of Dottie Zack and The Outlaws
Male Vocalist - Matt Connelly of Westwind
Band - Dottie Zack and The Outlaws
Female Entertainer - Dottie Zack of Dottie Zack and The Outlaws
Male Entertainer - Matt Connelly of Westwind
2001 Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association
Congratulations to the following CMA of RI members who won awards at the 2001 MCMAA Awards Show on October 1, 2001:
Most Promising Female Artist - Elaine Ellis
Most Promising Group - Girls With Guitars (With Elaine Ellis)
Steel Guitar - Manny Escobar
Vocal Harmony - Girls With Guitars (With Elaine Ellis)
Album Of The Year - Cindy Lane - True Country
Female Vocalist of The Year - Cindy Lane
International Country Music Assoc. 2001 Song Writing Contest
My Mom & Dad - By Cindy Lane - Fourth Prize
2002 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Favorite Night Club - Post 15, East Greenwich
Songwriter of the Year - Matt Connelly
Favorite Radio Station - WJJF, Hope Valley
Keyboard Player - Hank Walters, Jr.
Drummer of the Year - Nancy Rayle
Steel Guitar Player - Manny Escobar
Bass Player - Rick Rayle
Fiddle Player - Mark Sampson
Lead Guitar Player - Matt Connelly
Living Legend - Ray Dixon
Album of the Year - Richie Zack's All Time Favorites
Record of the Year - Let Each Tear Become A Rose - Sallyann
Duo of the Year - Sallyann and Bobby Martin
Favorite Air Personality - Eddie and Richie Zack
Vocal Harmony Group - Cindy Lane & True Country
Female Vocalist of the Year - Cindy Lane & Sallyann (Tie)
Male Vocalist of the Year - Rick Rayle
Band of the Year - Eddie Zack and the Hayloft Jamboree
Female Entertainer of the Year - Cindy Lane
Male Entertainer of the Year - Rick Rayle
2002 Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association
Congratulations to the following CMA of RI members who won awards at the 2002 MCMAA Awards Show on October 7, 2002:
Album Of The Year - Cindy Lane - True Country
Steel Guitar Of The Year - Manny Escobar
Bass Guitarist Of The Year - Homer Adams
Band Of The Year - Cindy Lane & True Country
Female Vocalist of The Year - Cindy Lane
Entertainer Of The Year - Cindy Lane
2002 Rhode Island Country Horizons
Congratulations to the following CMA of RI members who won awards
: Pioneer Award - John Fuller & Eddie Zack
Eddie Zack Award - Richie Zack
Male Vocalist of the Year - Larry Niles
Male Entertainer of the Year - Ollie Stedman
Album of the Year - Larry Niles
Radio Station of the Year - WJJF 1180 AM
2003 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Favorite Night Club - Post 15, East Greenwich
Favorite Radio Station - WJJF, Hope Valley
Favorite Radio Personality - Richie Zack WJJF
Vocal Duet of the Year - Babs and Maril
Drummer of the Year - Bob Considine
Bass Guitar Player - Bill Rodier
Lead Guitar Player - Jackie Thompson
Steel Guitar Player - Tony Poccia
Fiddle Player - Mark Sampson
Keyboard Player - Cindy Lane
Songwriter of the Year - Cindy Lane
Album of the Year - Cindy Lane - By Request
Country Song of the Year - Ring On The Bar - Richie Zack
Country Band of the Year - Eddie Zack's Hayloft Jamboree
Female Vocalist of the Year - Cindy Lane
Male Vocalist of the Year - Richie Zack
Female Entertainer of the Year - Cindy Lane
Male Entertainer of the Year - Richie Zack L
iving Legend Award - Tony Poccia
2003 Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association
Manny Escobar - Steel Guitar Player of the Year
Michael J. Frogg - Lead Guitarist of the Year
Cindy Lane - Album of the Year, 3-4 pc Band of the Yea, Female Vocalist of the Year
Luke Wetherfield - Bass Guitarist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Yea, r Entertainer of the Year
2003 RICH Awards show on October 19th:
Ollie Stedman - Male Vocalist - Traditional Vocal Duo (with Susan St. Sauvier) - Traditional
Larry Niles - Male Entertainer - Traditional Male Vocalist - Gospel
Paul Johnson - Rising Star Award
Dotty Zack - Pioneer Award(Living)
Rick Rayle - Eddie Zack Award
2004 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Favorite Night Club - Post 15, East Greenwich
Favorite Radio Station - WCTK, 98.1 FM, Providence
Favorite Radio Personality - Phil Briggs & "PJ" WBLQ 88.1 FM Westerly
Songwriter of the Year - Cindy Lane
Country Album of the Year - Richie Zack - In Nashville
Country Song of the Year - Cousin Richie - Party of One, Table For Two
Vocal Duet of the Year - Babs and Maril
Keyboard Player of the Year- Linda Howard
Bass Guitar Player - Homer Adams
Steel Guitar Player - Tony Poccia
Lead Guitar Player - Jackie Thompson
Drummer of the Year - Bob Considine
Fiddle Player - Mark Sampson
Country Band of the Year - Eddie Zack's Hayloft Jamboree
Female Vocalist of the Year - Cindy Lane
Male Vocalist of the Year - Richie Zack
Female Entertainer of the Year - Cindy Lane
Male Entertainer of the Year - Richie Zack
Special Award - Honorary Members - Tom & Hazel Marchetti
Living Legend Award - Peg Gatlyn
2004 Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association
3-4 pc Band of the Year - Cindy Lane and True Country
Lead Guitarist of the Year - Michael J. Frogg
Bass Guitar Player of the Year - Homer Adams
2005 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Favorite Night Club - Post 15, East Greenwich
Favorite Radio Station - WBLQ, 88.1 FM Westerly
Favorite Radio Personality - Phil Briggs, WBLQ 88.1 FM Westerly
Songwriter of the Year - Cindy Lane
Country Album of the Year - The Zack Family
Country Song of the Year - I Remember, Bill Friday
Vocal Duet of the Year - Babs and Maril
Keyboard Player of the Year- Cindy Lane
Bass Guitar Player - Homer Adams
Steel Guitar Player - Tony Poccia & Manny Escobar (Tie)
Lead Guitar Player - Jackie Thompson & Mike Frogg (Tie)
Drummer of the Year - Bob Considine
Fiddle Player - Mark Sampson & Richie Dubois (Tie)
Rhythm Guitar Player of the Year - Bill Friday
Country Band of the Year - Cindy Lane & True Country
Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year - Cindy Lane
Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year - Bill Friday
Special Award - Bob Almeida (Almeida Talent & Productions), Cappy Paxton (Cape Cod Television), Roger Glenn Miller (Trend Records), Charlie Berlutti (Crossed Paths - Cox Cable)
Living Legend Award - Jackie Thompson
2005 Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association
BAND OF THE YEAR - Cindy Lane and True Country
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR - Cindy Lane
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Homer Adams
LEAD GUITAR OF THE YEAR - Michael Frogg
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Manny Escobar
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR - Ann Marie Collins
DRUMMER OF THE YEAR - J. D. Foster
2006 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Favorite Night Club - American LegionPost 15, East Greenwich
Favorite Radio Station - WBLQ, 88.1 FM Westerly
Favorite Radio Personality - Lazy J Ranch with "PJ" and Joanne Johnson WBLQ 88.1 FM Westerly
Songwriter of the Year - Matt Connelly
Country Album of the Year - The Best of Westwind - Matt Connelly
Country Song of the Year - (Tie) Teddy Bear Song- Babs and Maril and The Looks of a Woman in Love - Matt Connelly
Vocal Duet of the Year - Babs and Maril
Keyboard Player of the Year- Cindy Lane
Bass Guitar Player - Larry Wilcox
Steel Guitar Player - Tony Poccia
Lead Guitar Player - Dave Brown & Mike Frogg (Tie)
Drummer of the Year - Bob Considine
Rhythm Guitar Player of the Year - Maril Albro
Country Band of the Year - Babs and Maril And the Hayloft Jamboree
Female Vocalist of the Year - Babs and Maril
Female Entertainer of the Year - Cindy Lane
Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year - Matt Connelly
Living Legend Award - Larry Wilcox
2006 RICH Awards (* - CMA Members)
Male Vocalist - Joe Johnson
Song Writer - Ann Marie Burden*
Female Vocalist - Ashley Ledoux*
Vocal Duet (Mixed Ages) - Ashley Ledoux* & Ray Hickey
Album (Traditional) - Cindy Lane*
Female Vocalist Age 13-16 - Angela Marie*, Runner up - Sarah DelSanto
Vocal Group Mixed Ages - Home Grown (Paul* & Joe Johnson, Ashley Ledoux*, and Jamie Harris*)
Songwriter (Patriotic) - Roger Glenn Miller* and Ann Marie Burden*
Pioneer Awards - Female - Linda Howard*
Male - Paul Derek
Female Vocalist (Traditional) - Rachel Landry*
Female Vocalist (New Country) - Shawan McCullen
Female Entertainer - (Age 17-20, New Country) - Shayna Eismann
Band (New Country) - Goat Ropers)
Song Writer (Traditional) - Ann Marie Burden*, Runner up - Al Carter*
Male Entertainer (Traditional) - Manny Massa*, Runner up - Al Carter*
The Eddie Zack Award - Jim Casey
Female Entertainer(13-16, New Country) - Angela Marie*,
Male Vocalist - Ray Hickey
Female Entertainer (17-21) - Ashley Ledoux*
Male Entertainer (17-21) - Joe Johnson
Maurice "Popeye" Dickens Award - Jamie Harris*
Album (Traditional Country) - Ashley Ledoux*
Female Entertainer (Traditional) - Rachel Landry*
Female Entertainer (Traditional 13-16) - Jamie Harris*
Male Vocalists - Manny Massa* and Paul Johnson*
Vocal Duo/ Mixed Age - Joe Johnson & Jamie Harris
2006 Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association
At the 2006 MCMAA Award Show held on September 25th, The following CMA of RI members were given Awards:
Bass Guitar Homer Adams
Keyboard Linda Leslie
Steel Guitar Manny Escobar
Peoples Choice Award Ann Marie Collins
3pc/4pc Band of the Year Cindy Lane and True Country
5pc Band of the Year The Goat Ropers
Female Vocalist Ann Marie Collins
Male Vocalist Manny Massa
In addition, the following members were inducted into the Massachusetts Country Music Hall of Fame:
Bernie Spillane
The Zack Family (Eddie, Cousin Richie, Babs, and Maril)
Congratulations to them all.
2007 NACMAI Competition
The NACMAI Competition was held in Pigeon Forge TN on March 9-11. CMA of RI members who were competing this year are: Al Carter, Anna Marie Burden, Jamie Harris, and Ashley Ledoux.
Jamie Harris won the competition for Traditional Vocalist in the age 13-16 category. She also won Future Star, Entertainer and Most Promising categories.
Ashley Ledoux won Traditional Vocalist in the age 17-20 category. She also won Future Star, Entertainer and Most Promising categories.
Anna Marie Burden won awards for two of her songs; (Traditional) Get Your Dirty Feet Off Of My Back and (Bluegrass) Mamma , Won't You Play For Me.
2007 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Night Club of the Year - American LegionPost 15, East Greenwich
Radio Station of the Year - WBLQ, 88.1 FM Westerly
Radio Personality of the Year– Roger Glenn Miller and Bill Friday
Songwriter of the Year - Matt Connelly
Country Album of the Year – The Zack Family – Eddie, Richie, Babs and Maril
Country Song of the Year - The Looks of a Woman in Love - Matt Connelly
Vocal Duet of the Year - Babs and Maril
Keyboard Player of the Year- Linda Howard
Bass Guitar Player - Larry Wilcox
Steel Guitar Player - Tony Poccia
Lead Guitar Player - Dave Brown
Drummer of the Year - Bob Considine
Rhythm Guitar Player of the Year - Maril Albro
Country Band of the Year - Babs and Maril And the Hayloft Jamboree
Female Vocalist of the Year - Babs and Maril
Male Vocalist of the Year - Dave Brown
Female Entertainer of the Year - Cindy Lane
Male Entertainer of the Year - Matt Connelly
The CMA of RI's 2007 Living Legend Award
By Bill Friday
This year's CMA Living Legend Award recipient is Rhode Island born and bred and has played country music for us since he was a teenager. Today, even after all his years of performing, he will work as hard to entertain one person in a large empty room as he would for an audience of 2000.
Our Living Legend has a way of taking the stage (no matter how sick he feels) with more energy than any three people deserve.
His local history is extensive. Born in North Providence, he started playing guitar before he even entered elementary school and through the years he played all the major spots in our part of the country music world. Whether he was playing with Brownie and the Rhythm Ramblers or his own band, you might have caught his act at Escoheag, Stepping Stone Ranch, Indian Ranch, Mishnock, practically all the Vows and American Legion Posts from here to Maine, the Ace of Clubs, Reflections, The Riviera and the Angle Inn among many many others. Early on, you could have caught him and his accordion playing brother Rocco performing for donations on local street corners. He was inducted to the Rhode Island Country Music Hall of Fame in 1987.
Our Living Legend is proud to tell you that when he was a young man in Wichita Kansas, he met Hank Williams. He played on the Wheeling West Virginia Barn Dance on WWV A and while in his late 20s was on the same Grand Ole Opry stage with Eddy Arnold, Little Jimmy Dickens, Hawkshaw Hawkins and in his own words says..."I fooled around with Patsy Cline back stage..." He says he was just joking and kidding around with her.
The man who played bass for him for so many years, Bill Rodier says... "1 met him at the Shawmut Inn in Warwick and took an immediate dislike to him. I ended up playing for him because I was dead broke. It took a few months to get to see what a great guy he is. Today I love him like a brother... well maybe a father. Most people don't know what a soft center this guys has. All they see is his strong crusty side"
The late Hank Walters nicknamed our Living Legend the Roy Clark of New England. He plays a 1951 Gretsch Country Club guitar with strings thick enough to choke a horse because he has hands are so strong he can't play today's light touch guitars.
Like most performers he needed a job to support his playing music habit. Our Living Legend is proud to tell you he is a member of the labors union, has worked as a mechanic at Lance Cadillac and owned his own garage in Lincoln. By the way did you know this bull of a man could at one time lift the back end of a Model "A" and could probably give it a go today.
He is the son of the late John and Jessie DiBonaventure, the father of Peter and Karen and the grandfather to Michael, Kolton, Megan and Laura and the brother to Rocco and North Providence Chief of Police Joe.
Our 2007 CMA of Rhode Island Living Legend Award recipient is the one and the only Pete Bonnie.
2007 Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association
At the 2007 MCMAA Award Show held on September 24th, The following CMA of RI members were given Awards:
Lead Guitar Michael J. Frog
Keyboard Linda Leslie
Steel Guitar Manny Escobar
5pc Band of the Year The Goat Ropers
Male Vocalist Manny Massa
Single Artist Suzanne Adams
Hall of Fame Inductees Manny Escobar
Michael J. Frog
Bob Almeida
2008 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Nightclub of the Year - American Legion Post 15, East Greenwich
Radio Station of the Year - WBLQ, Westerly
Songwriter of the Year - Cindy Lane
Album of the Year - The Best of Westwind, So Far
Song of the Year - Faded Love, by Cindy Lane
Vocal Duet of the Year - Babs and Maril
Keyboard Player of the Year - Cindy Lane
Bass Guitar Player of the Year - Dave Brown
Steel Guitar Player of the Year - Tony Poccia
Lead Guitar Player of the Year - Dave Brown
Drummer of the Year - Bob Considine
Rhythm Guitar Player of the Year - Ollie Stedman
Band of the Year - Babs and Maril & The Hayloft Jamboree
Female Vocalist of the Year - Cindy Lane
Female Entertainer of the Year - Cindy Lane
Male Vocalist of the Year - Dave Brown and Matt Connelly (Tie)
Male Entertainer of the Year - Matt Connelly
2008 Living Legend Award By Walter Hall
This Years Living Legend Award was presented to Joe Ferri The Citation is: Joe Ferri born October 27, 1932, Bristol, RI, Married Ann Marie Parrent---Divorced. 2 sons: David, Joe Jr. Worked at Raytheon for many years. 35 years in the National Guard Started playing Steel at 7 years of age became noticed and played with many local and National stars Local Hank Walters-Nashville Sound Rick Rayle Country Travelers Jack Thompson Rockabilly' s Joe La Flipp Lee Collins Country Limited Rayle Brothers Rick & Ken Charley Carson Eddy Fenner Snakebite Charrell Sisters Rene & Jeanie Al Roberts National Hank Williams Jr. Johnny Paycheck Hank Thompson Elton Britt Kenny Rogers Lefty Frizzell Johnny Cash Tommy Cash Faron Young Bill Phillips Cal Smith Kitty Wells Toured RI, CT. Mass as warn-up band TV Channel 6 Country Wide Showcase Rayle Bros Channel 12 Just Country Rayle Bros Arenas etc Otis AFB Rick Rayle Travelers Hillbilly Ranch Jack Thompson, Rick Rayle Boston Gardens Rayle Bros Quonset point Military Base Rayle Bros* RI Veterans Auditorium Rick Rayle Travelers Indian Head Ranch, Webster Ma. Rayle Bros Crescent Park and Rocky Point
2007 Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association
The Massachusetts Country Music Award Association (MCMAA) held their Annual Awards Show on September 29th. The following winners are members of the CMA of RI:
: Peoples Choice Award, Entertainer, and Male Vocalist: - Manny Massa,
Female Vocalist - Cindy Lane
3 or 4 Piece Band - Cindy Lane & True Country,
5 or more Piece Band - The Goat Ropers
Bass Guitarist- Elaine Ellis
Horizon Band - Dogie and Cowpie Poachers
2009 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Nightclub of the Year - American Legion Post 15, East Greenwich
Radio Station of the Year - WBLQ, Westerly
Songwriter of the Year - Matt Connelly
Album of the Year - The Best of Hayloft
Song of the Year - One More Broken Heart by Matt Connelly
Vocal Duet of the Year - Linda and Gary Leslie
Keyboard Player of the Year - Linda Leslie
Bass Guitar Player of the Year - Elaine Ellis
Steel Guitar Player of the Year - Roger Trahan
Lead Guitar Player of the Year - Michael J. Frogg
Drummer of the Year - Harry Card
Rhythm Guitar Player of the Year - Bill Friday
Band of the Year - Cindy Lane & True Country
Female Vocalist of the Year - Linda Leslie
Female Entertainer of the Year - Linda Leslie
Male Vocalist of the Year - Bill Friday
Male Entertainer of the Year - Matt Connelly
2009 Living Legend Award by Bill Friday
The Living Legend Award is the highest award the COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION OF RHODE ISLAND can give a performer. The award is not just based on previous awards or a long list of personal achievements. The award is also based on the person's contributions to the Country Music Family and the respect that person has earned over the lifetime of effort. Other than Eddy and Richie Zack you'd be hard-pressed to find a local entertainer who is more loved or respected than this years Living Legend recipient. If personal awards were the only measure for this award, then this year's Living Legend would qualify hands down over any performer we know over the last two decades. While we could list all his awards here, let's just say he has received over 60 awards since 1984 for everything from Male Vocalist, Entertainer of the year, Rhythm and Lead guitarist, Song of the year, Album of the Year, Songwriter of the year, and his band has been the Band of the year 8 times. If there was an award for the nicest person in the business he would certainly be a multiple winner in that category as well. We'll ask our honoree to join us up here in a little while but, first, let's take some time to talk about the CMA of Rhode Island's 2009 Living Legend ... Matt Connelly. First, I think Matt would want you to know he is married to the love of his life, Kathryn... They have two children, Elissa and Amber. His parents, the late Michael and Doris Connelly gave him 7 brothers and sisters: Mark, Jill, Mick, Pat, Marilyn, David, and Maureen. He is called Uncle Matt by Diane, Tim, Gretchen, David, Andrew, Joey, Michael, Sherry, Patricia, Clay, Terri, Harry, Mark, Chelsea, Patrick, Alex, and Sarah. Matt was born in Maine in 1957 and at the ripe old age of 7 he performed on a local TV show hosted by Salty Brine called Spotlight on Talent. Matt is an extremely private person so not much is known about what happened after that. In fact his drummer in Westwind, Dave Plante says it would have been easier getting information about Osama Bin Laden but... According to Dave-- Matt used to entertain his classmates in the school yard at elementary school and his performance on Spotlight on Talent brought rave reviews from both Salty and his dog Jeff. As a very young performer, he became an Arctic mainstay at Ronnie's Last Chance Saloon. Also, when you get a chance ask Matt what happened when he was performing at an awards show at Mishnock and he and his brother Mark decided to eat a sandwich and have a beer during a break. Let's just say the police were involved. Dave also wanted you to know Matt is a life long Red Sox fan... and looks really buff in a Speedo. Matt met Dr. Bob Brassard in the late 70's. Dr. Bob says he first heard Matt sing at a talent contest at the Covered Wagon. Joe Hayes was the first to sing, followed by Dr. Bob, then Matt, "When Matt opened his mouth," says Dr. Bob" It was like angels singing. There was no doubt Matt was the best." Matt actually came in third. Dr. Bob was so upset with the outcome he tried to give Matt the belt buckle he had won. Matt declined and Dr. Bob says "From that day on I wanted to be in a band with Matt" And of course that happened in 1977 when they formed Westwind. Did you know the band members have nicknames...? Dr. Bob is "Spike", Dave Plante is "Cartman", Bob Santos is "Pablo" and Matt is Meat-n-Taters because he hates seafood. Bill Friday, who really wanted to be here to make this presentation but has a band commitment in Massachusetts, says...in his words..."We singers wouldn't be up in front of people unless we thought we had really good voices. But, the first time I heard Matt sing he stopped me in my tracks and to this day when Matt Connelly sings I stop what I'm doing and listen. In my opinion, he's a singer's singer...... music just flows from his body and you have to listen."
Matt and his band have opened shows at the Warwick Musical Theater for Reba McIntyre, Willie Nelson and Tanya Tucker and played shows with Jim Ed Brown, Sheb Wooley and Jeannie C. Riley among others. His songwriting has produced a wealth of awards including an official proclamation from Governor Lincoln Almond recognizing Matt's writing achievements. He was put into the Rhode Island Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996... The youngest person to ever receive that honor. When the number of local clubs offering Country Music closed down, Matt did a couple of things: He formed the Kleptones which today is recognized as one of the best 50's and 60's oldies bands in the area and he started recording both his music and other local artists. As his wife, Kathryn says: "Matt loves recording music. It gives him more time to concentrate on his creativity in writing and learning more about the music. He researches and experiments and tries to learn everything he can from every angle. He listens so intently to the music sometimes and hears every sound so differently that he sometimes has trouble just enjoying a song." This has been a rather lengthy summation of Matt's musical career yet a lot was left out and there is still a lot to be added because his career is far from over. Let's end this by listening to a message from Dr. Bob to this Clark Kent of Country Music in Rhode Island. "To my friend Matt, I want to congratulate you for this award. With your singing, writing, recording and performing abilities, I can't think of anyone else who deserves it more than you. It's been an honor and a privilege working with you all these years..." Ladies and gentlemen. May I present our Living Legend for 2009? Matt Connelly.
2009 R. I. C. H. Competition Results
Congratulations to all who participated.
FEMALE ENTERTAINER NEW COUNTRY YOUTH 13 - 16 - JAMIE HARRIS
FEMALE VOCALIST NEW COUNTRY YOUTH 13 - 16 - JAMIE HARRIS
FEMALE ENTERTAINER TRADITIONAL YOUTH 13 - 16 - JAMIE HARRIS
FEMALE VOCALIST TRADITIONAL YOUTH 13 - 16 - JAMIE HARRIS
FEMALE ENTERTAINER NEW COUNTRY ADULT - TIED REBECCA LOU SNYDER & VIRGINIA JOHNSON
FEMALE VOCALIST NEW COUNTRY ADULT - 1. REBECCA LOU SNYDER, 2. RACHEL LANDRY
FEMALE ENTERTAINER TRADITIONAL ADULT - 1. KIM OAKES, 2. RACHEL LANDRY
FEMALE VOCALIST TRADITIONAL ADULT - 1. KIM OAKES, 2. RACHEL LANDRY 3. JEANNIE PRATT
MALE ENTERTAINER TRADITIONAL ADULT - WAYNE CARLOW
MALE VOCALIST TRADITIONAL ADULT - WAYNE CARLOW
MALE ENTERTAINER TRADITIONAL GOSPEL - WAYNE CARLOW
MALE VOCALIST TRADITIONAL GOSPEL - WAYNE CARLOW
VOCAL DUO NEW COUNTRY ADULT - 1. KIM OAKES & REBECCA LOU SNYDER, 2, VALERIE & ELIZABETH VANCZA
FEMALE SONG WRITER TRADITIONAL ADULT - RACHEL LANDRY
FEMALE SONG WRITER NEW COUNTRY ADULT - VALERIE & ELIZABETH VANCZA
TRADITIONAL CD FEMALE ADULT - KIM OAKES
NEW COUNTRY CD FEMALE ADULT - REBECCA LOU SNYDER
PIONEER AWARD - TONY POCCIA
PIONEER AWARD DECEASED - JACKIE THOMPSON
EDDIE ZACK AWARD - ELAINE ELLIS
2009 Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association Award Show
At the 2009 M. C. M. A. A. Award Show in September, the following CMA of RI Members received these Awards:
Entertainer: Cindy Lane
Peoples Choice: Manny Massa
Male Vocalist: Manny Massa
Female Vocalist: Cindy Lane
3 or 4 Piece Band: Cindy Lane and True Country
5 or More Piece Band: Goat Ropers
Steel Guitar: Roger Trahan
Bass Guitar: Elaine Ellis
Horizon Band: Dogie and Cowpie Poachers
Congratulations to them all.
2010 Country Music Association of Rhode Island Awards
Nightclub of the Year A. L. Post 15, East Greenwich
Radio Station of the Year WBLQ, Westerly
Songwriter of the Year Matt Connelly
Album of the Year Memory Lane—Babs & Maril
Song of the Year Statue of a Fool—Ray Cross
Vocal Duet of the Year Cindy Lane & Mike Frogg
Keyboard Player of the Year Cindy Lane
Bass Guitar Player of the Year Homer Adams
Steel Guitar Player of the Year Manny Escobar
Lead Guitar Player of the Year Dave Brown
Drummer of the Year Bob Considine
Rhythm Guitar Player of the Year Ray Cross
Band of the Year Ray Cross & The Country Heartbeats
Female Vocalist of the Year Cindy Lane
Female Entertainer of the Year Cindy Lane
Male Vocalist of the Year Ray Cross
Male Entertainer of the Year Ray Cross
Living Legend Award Bob White
Special Recognition Award Mike’s Kitchen & Staff
2010 R. I. C. H. Awards
Female Entertainer New Country Adult Kim Oakes
Male Vocalist Adult Gospel Wayne Carlow
Female Vocalist Traditional Youth 17-20 Jamie Harris
CD Male New Country Adult Paul Johnson
Female Vocalist Adult Gospel Jennie Pratt
Male Vocalist Traditional Adult Wayne Carlow
Female Entertainer New Country Youth Jamie Harris
Song Writer New Country adult Valerie & Elizabeth Vancza
Female Vocalist New Country Adult Kim Oakes
Male Entertainer Traditional Adult Wayne Carlow
CD Traditional Female Adult Rachel Landry
Female Entertainer Traditional Adult Kim Oakes
Female Entertainer Traditional Youth Jamie Harris
Male Entertainer Adult Gospel Wayne Carlow
New Country Vocal Duet Valerie & Elizabeth Vancza
Female Vocalist New Country Youth Jamie Harris
Female Vocalist Traditional Adult Kim Oakes
Deceased Pioneer Award Ralph Paulin
Living Pioneer Award Paul Johnson
Eddie Zack Award Frank Butch Keenan
Popeye Dickens Award Jamie Harris
Rising Star Award Kim Oakes
2011 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Congratulations to:
Nightclub of the Year A. L. Post 15, East Greenwich
Radio Station of the Year WCTK
Songwriter of the Year Matt Connelly
Album of the Year Precious Memories—Babs & Maril
Song of the Year Who Were You Thinking Of—Sean Finnerty
Vocal Duet of the Year Lois Briggs & Rick Rayle
Keyboard Player of the Year Linda Leslie
Bass Guitar Player of the Year Sean Finnerty
Steel Guitar Player of the Year Andy Perry
Lead Guitar Player of the Year Matt Connelly
Drummer of the Year Harry Card
Rhythm Guitar Player of the Year Bill Knight
Band of the Year Babs & Maril and the Hayloft Jamboree
Female Vocalist of the Year Linda Leslie
Female Entertainer of the Year Babs White
Male Vocalist of the Year Dave Brown
Male Entertainer of the Year Dave Brown
Living Legend Award Shirley Jackson
Special Recognition Award Shirley Beattie & Vern Oakley
2011 Living Legend Award
Shirley Jackson
Inspired by her Brother Billy Jackson, the second person to be inducted into the CMA of RI Hall of Fame, Shirley sang her first song on the stage at Indian Head Ranch at the age of 16. Thus began Shirley Jackson’s musical career.
She sang with Her Brother Billy on many guest spots until forming her own band called Shirley & The Drifters in 1970. Her band performed 5 nights per week in the beginning. At such places as The Lyon’s Den, Perrini’s and at her own Night Club The Sands which she and her first husband owned.” In 1972 Shirley wrote and recorded her own songs “You Are My Sunshine When It Rains and “Don’t Ever Change My Love.
After her first husbands death Shirley remarried and she and her second husband owned Rocchio’s Town Tavern in Johnston, RI., where she and The Drifters performed . Many well known entertainers such as Dick Curless and Kenny Roberts appeared with her band. Numerous gigs were played at The Angle Inn, Webster VFW and many others. Her band also played for Election events for the late Senator John Chaffee She also returned to sing with her brother Billy’s Band , Ray Dixon & The Country All-Stars.. In 1985 Shirley retired but the love for the music never left her and after getting together with her Brother-In-Law “Texas” Eddy Le Doux on lead guitar and her son Tony on drums Shirley & The Drifters returned playing at many events for The CMA of RI , The Lefebvre VFW Post and others . After her Son Tony relocated to Virginia, Shirley retired for good, she now sings guest appearances, has been featured on Cox Cable along with Walter Hall who she has also appeared with at several large Jamborees as guest performer and they have recorded several CD’s together.
2012 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Songwriter of the Year-------------- Manny Escobar
Album of the Year-------------------- Loco Tone – Dave Brown
Vocal Duet of the Year-------------- Patty Robbins & Dave Guilbeault
Bass Guitar Player of the Year-----Rick Rayle
Steel Guitar Player of the Year-----Manny Escobar
Lead Guitar Player of the Year----- Dave Brown
Drummer of the Year----------------- Bob Considine
Rhythm Guitar Player of the Year-- Al Carter
Band of the Year----------------------- The Rhode Island Rednecks
Female Vocalist of the Year--------- Patty Robbins
Male Vocalist of the Year------------ Tonto
Fiddle Player of the Year------------- Richie Dubois
Post 15 Award--------------------------- A. L. Post 15
Living Legend Award------------------ Roger Glenn Miller
Special Recognition Award---------- Paul Taylor
Inducted as Honorary Members of the CMA of RI
Rena Ackerman & Myrt Bonus
2013 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Album of the Year-------------------------Bill Friday
Song Writer of the Year -----------------Paul (Tonto) Pronteau
Vocal Duet of the Year ------------------Patty Robbins & Dave Guilbeault
Keyboard of the Year --------------------Linda Leslie
Bass Guitar of the Year -----------------Elaine Ellis
Steel Guitar of the Year -----------------Manny Escobar
Lead Guitar of the Year -----------------Dave Brown
Drummer of the Year --------------------Harry Card
Rhythm Guitar of the Year -------------Tonto
Band of the Year --------------------------Branded
Female Vocalist of the Year ------------Patty Robbins
Male Vocalist of the Year ---------------Bill Friday
Fiddle Player of the Year ---------------Richie Dubois
Post 15 Award----------------------------- A. L. Post 15
Living Legend of the Year --------------Bill Friday
2014 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Vocal Duet-----Patty Robbins & Dave Guilbeault
Key Board------Linda Leslie
Bass player—Ollie Stedman
Steel player—Manny Escobar
Lead guitar—Dave Brown
Drummer ---Harry Card
Rhythm guitar—Tonto
CMA band –Branded
Female vocalist---Patty Robbins
Male vocalist tie – Tonto & Bill Friday
Post 15 award Post 15
Living legend – Mickie Lee Marshall
Special recognition award—Betty Walsh
2015 Country Music Association of RI Awards
Lead Guitar Player………………. Dave Brown
Steel Guitar Player………...….Manny Escobar
Guest Steel Player…………….…..Vinny Doyle
Rhythm Guitar Player…………………....Tonto
Guest Rhythm Guitar Player...Rudy Escobedo
Drummer ……………………….... Bobby Page
Band of the Year……………....R. I. Rednecks
Vocal Duet ..Patty Robbins & Dave Guilbeault
Bass Player……………………...Ollie Stedman
Male Vocalist……………………..….Bill Friday
Guest Male Vocalist…………...Frank Spencer
Female Vocalist ………………....Patty Robbins
Guest Female Vocalist……….Shirley Jackson
Keyboard Player……………......Norman Craig
Special Award…………………….….. Post 15
Special Recognition Award…… Jean Repose
Living Legend Award...Paul (Tonto) Pronteau
2016 CMA of RI AWARD RECIPIENTS
Lead Guitar Player-_________________Dave Brown
Steel Guitar Player______________ Manny Escobar
Rhythm Guitar Player ____________________Tonto
Bass Guitar Player ________________Ollie Stedman
Drummer _________________________Bobby Page
Keyboard Player _________________Norman Craig
Band of the Year _____The Rhode Island Rednecks
Vocal Duet ______Patty Robbins & Dave Guilbeault
Male Vocalist _____________________Dave Brown
Guest Male Vocalist _____________Rudy Escobedo
Female Vocalist _________________Patty Robbins
Guest Female Vocalist __________Joann Svendsen
Living Legend _____________________Walter Hall
2017 Country Music Association of Rhode Island AWARD RECIPIENTS
LEAD GUITAR PLAYER_____________Mike Zielski
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER___________Roger Trahan
RHYTHM GUITAR PLAYER________________Tonto
BASS PLAYER_____________________Elaine Ellis
DRUMMER_______________________Bobby Page
KEYBOARD PLAYER______________Norman Craig
BAND OF THE YEAR_______________RI Rednecks
VOCAL DUET_Mickie Lee Marshall and Darlene Cory
GUEST FEMALE VOCALIST_______Shirley Jackson
FEMALE VOCALIST_________________Linda Leslie
GUEST MALE VOCALIST___________Frank Spencer
MALE VOCALIST__________________Ollie Stedman
LIVING LEGEN____________________Ed Fenner
2018 Country Music Association of RI AWARD RECIPIENTS
LEAD GUITAR PLAYER________________Mike Ziekski
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER_______________Roger Trahan
RHYTHM GUITAR PLAYER_____________Tonto
BASS PLAYER_______________________Darlene Cory
DRUMMER__________________________Bobby Page
KEYBOARD PLAYER__________________Linda Leslie
BAND______________________________ ( A tie) Branded and The Goat Ropers
VOCAL DUET_______________________Linda and Gary Leslie
GUEST FEMALE VOCALIST___________Joyce Sabetta
FEMALE VOCALIST__________________Darlene Cory
GUEST MALE VOCALIST______________Mike Roberts
MALE VOCALIST_____________________Norman Craig
FEMALE ENTERTAINER_______________Darlene Cory
LIVING LEGEND_____________________Dotty Zack
