NEWS ARCHIVE:
True North Records founder Finkelstein turns over the reins
Linus acquired all of True North's publishing except that of Bruce Cockburn


News Index

18 December 2007 - Pioneering Canadian indie music champion Bernard Finkelstein is stepping back from the day-to-day leadership of his landmark label, True North Records.

Finkelstein announced Tuesday that he has made a deal with Linus Entertainment, whose head, Geoff Kulawick will now be CEO of both companies.

However, Finkelstein will remain chairman of, and a long-term consultant for True North.
Bernie Finkelstein
  Bernie Finkelstein
  photo courtesy: http://www.cmw.net/

"It's been a long, interesting and fulfilling road starting and building Truth North these past 38 years, but all things must change," Finkelstein, a member of the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame, said in a statement.

"It's time for True North to have new direction and energy."

The deal does not include Finkelstein Management — as a top talent manager, his roster has included artists such as Bruce Cockburn, Murray McLauchlan and Dan Hill — or the publishing interests of Cockburn, who was the first artist Finkelstein signed to True North and who remains one of the label's best known artists. Both will continue to be run by Finkelstein.

The Toronto-born music executive began his career in the late 1960s as a talent manager of groups such as Kensington Market.

In 1969, he founded True North Records as a platform to promote Canadian recording artists, whom U.S. companies were not as willing to sign to record deals.

The company, which has since released music by the likes of Randy Bachman, 54-40, Rough Trade, the Rheostatics and Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, is now Canada's oldest independent record label.

Last year, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences awarded Finkelstein its Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award, which honours "individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the Canadian music industry."

In February, Governor General Michaëlle Jean invested Finkelstein as a member of the Order of Canada.

~ from CBC News

Related Links:
  • True North Records announces ...
  • Linus Acquires True North Records
  • Founder sells iconic record label





  • News Index

    This page is part of The Cockburn Project, a unique website that exists to document the work of Canadian singer-songwriter and musician Bruce Cockburn. The Project archives self-commentary by Cockburn on his songs and music, and supplements this core part of the website with news, tour dates, and other current information.