Australian-born and Alberta-raised, Gord Bamford stands as one of the most decorated artists in Canadian country music with an impressive 26 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) awards, multiple JUNO nominations and is the only two-time winner of Nashville’s Country Music Association (CMA) Global Country Artist (2013 & 2015). But it is his distinctive sound, and songwriting ability that defines Gord Bamford as one of country music’s best neo-traditional artists.
This 3-time CCMA ‘Male Artist of the Year’ releases his 10th studio album titled “Diamonds in a Whiskey Glass”, in June of 2021. The second single, “Heaven on Dirt” is already quickly climbing the charts. Previous accolades include the recognition he received for his eighth studio album Neon Smoke (2018) which produced the smash #1 chart-topper “Dive Bar”. In 2016, “Tin Roof” received the honour of CCMA’ Album of The Year’. Gord celebrated his first #1 hit song, ‘When Your Lips Are So Close’ in 2013.
Gord’s self-named charity The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation was established 14 years ago, in 2008. Gord wanted to use the recognition he had generated to give back and use his influence he has. The charity has generated over $4.2 million focusing on primarily children’s charities such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, numerous children’s hospitals across Canada and MusiCounts.
“Those organizations have had an impact on my life and that’s why we do what we do. It’s always great to get out, play music, be on stage and wake up every morning loving what I do. But probably the greatest thing I get to do is interact with a lot of these children and try to make a difference in their lives. It’s hard to comprehend but it’s an awesome thing to see a kid’s face light up who is really sick and all he wants to do is go to Disneyland. It puts it all into perspective as to why I think God put me on earth to do what I do because it’s helping other people.”
These organizations have appreciated the hard work Gord has done to raise funds to support their missions by honouring him in their own ways. Big Brothers Big Sisters recognized Gord with their Distinguished Alumni award in 2015. Not only for helping to save the Lacombe chapter but for his work he does to support national initiatives like ‘mentoring matters.’ MusiCounts has recognized Gord for his ongoing commitment to ensure that everyone has access to music through the Band-Aid program. In 2019, they gave him the MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award. Growing up in Alberta and part of the local 4-H Club, Gord embraced their motto learn by doing. In 2020, 4-H Club recognized not only his embracing of their motto but his support in the years that have followed by acknowledging him with 4-H Canada’s Distinguished Alumni Award at the annual 4-H Canada Leadership Awards.
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