Canada’s Walk of Fame announced today that six-time JUNO Award winner and platinum-selling singer-songwriter Serena Ryder is the 2021 recipient of the distinguished Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour presented to a remarkable musician, duo, or group that continues to make a positive impact with their talent and benevolence in the field of music. Canada’s Walk of Fame is grateful to the late Allan Slaight, Canada’s broadcast industry trailblazer and generous philanthropist, and proudly continues the legacy of this honour, which was established in 2010.
Through her journey of self-discovery – detailing despair, heartbreak, hope, joy, and love in her lyrics – Serena is just as passionate about her music as helping others find their path to mental wellness. She joins past Honourees, including Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Drake, Melanie Fiona, Shawn Hook, Brett Kissel, Carly Rae Jepsen, Shawn Mendes, The Weeknd and Nikki Yanofsky. Serena will be presented the honour during Canada’s Walk of Fame Awards Gala at Toronto’s Beanfield Centre on Saturday, December 4, 2021. A special broadcast will air at a later date on CTV.
“Being recognized for my work as a mental wellness ally through the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour means the world to me,” stated Serena. “I am honoured to continue the late Allan Slaight’s dedication to effect positive change, and am so touched to share this with so many incredible musicians who have been using their gifts for the greater good of the world. I promise to do everything in my power to continue to be of service to anyone who wants to keep walking the path to wellness through music and community.”
Toronto-based vocal powerhouse Serena Ryder is a platinum-selling artist, JUNO and Canadian Screen Award winner. Her newest album, The Art of Falling Apart, invites listeners to join her mental wellness journey and helps us understand the importance of sitting with the uncomfortable moments and the wisdom in their messages. As an ally for mental health, Serena has travelled across the country sharing her keynote message – which share’s the album’s name – and released an animated version to inspire and reach audiences worldwide. She was awarded the Margaret Trudeau Mental Health Advocacy Award in 2018; and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Serena launched The Art of Wellness, an interactive series designed to help fellow artists and creative professionals manage stress and find balance within themselves.
On behalf of the board of directors of Canada’s Walk of Fame, Randy Lennox said, “Serena continues to be her authentic self, through the accolades, awards and music success, allowing us into her experiences, heartbreak, joys and passions – including being a champion for mental well being. We’re proud to recognize her work in the community, with artists, youth, and other charitable organizations supporting mental health, and can’t wait to shine the Canada’s Walk of Fame spotlight on her incredible career and impact.”
Lennox continues, “Allan’s impact on the music industry was profoundly transformative; through his many philanthropic endeavours including establishing the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour, his legacy will continue to inspire today’s stars and tomorrow’s changemakers for generations more.”
“Serena exemplifies all of the values and qualities that my father Allan had in mind for this special honour. She is an incredibly talented singer-songwriter who leads with compassion and empathy, which is why she is able to connect so deeply with her fans and invite dialogue and hope. On behalf of the entire Slaight family, I congratulate you on all of your achievements, and know that you will continue to be an inspiring voice in the important conversation of mental wellness,” said Gary Slaight, President and CEO, Slaight Communications.
