The Wilkinsons and Ron Kitchener Take Their Place in the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Exhibition
Updated exhibition celebrates the 2026 inductees and others who have made their mark on Canadian country music
(Calgary, AB — November 9, 2026) National Music Centre (NMC), in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®), will unveil an updated Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame™ exhibition on November 18 in Calgary. The exhibition celebrates 2026 inductees The Wilkinsons (Artist) and Ron Kitchener (Stan Klees Builder).
The Wilkinsons – Amanda, Steve, and Tyler Wilkinson – became one of Canada’s most successful country acts after breaking out in the late 1990s with their debut album, Nothing But Love. The album produced a series of hits, including the career-defining single, “26 Cents,” which topped the charts in Canada and the U.S. Over a 30-year career, the trio has earned two GRAMMY Award nominations, a JUNO Award, and 11 CCMA Awards, and the family’s story inspired a Gemini Award-winning CMT Canada television series. The group disbanded in 2009, with Amanda and Tyler going on to have success as CCMA Award-winning duo Small Town Pistols, and Steve establishing himself as an acclaimed songwriter, producer, and mentor to emerging artists. Today, The Wilkinsons remain one of Canada’s most influential country groups, whose legacy of beloved harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and enduring hits continue to inspire generations of artists and fans.
The updated exhibition features Steve Wilkinson’s Yamaha guitar that has accompanied the group on countless tours, along with photos, awards, and other memorabilia from throughout their career.
“We have been on the most amazing journey with music, and are so thankful to the country music community for embracing us through the years,” said The Wilkinsons. “To be inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and to be honoured through this exhibit at the National Music Centre is deeply humbling.”
For more than 30 years, Stan Klees Builder inductee Ron Kitchener has championed Canadian country music as an artist manager, label founder, and industry leader, guiding the careers of Johnny Reid, Dean Brody, Corb Lund, Doc Walker, Tim Hicks, Jason McCoy, Madeline Merlo, and many others. He founded RGK Entertainment Group, a fully integrated country music company that includes Open Road Recordings. Open Road is regarded as one of Canada's top independent country record labels, bolstered early on by a licensing deal that brought Taylor Swift's catalogue to Canadian audiences. The artists and projects Kitchener has supported have earned five JUNO Awards and 56 CCMA Awards, while Kitchener is a 14-time CCMA Manager of the Year and three-time Industry Person of the Year. His work in artist development and expanding international opportunities has helped raise the profile of Canadian country music both at home and around the world.
“For someone who's spent over 30 years behind the scenes, it's a thrill to see reminders of my journey displayed at the National Music Centre – the wonderful home for Canada's musical history,” said Ron Kitchener. “The items featured capture a well-travelled career focused on artist development, and the many nights I was lucky to watch great moments from the side of the stage. I'm grateful for this Hall of Fame honour.”
Among the treasures from Kitchener’s career, country fans will see his Nashville office sign, CCMA Awards, 100 backstage and VIP passes he has saved over his career, demonstrating his commitment to supporting the music, and a plaque commemorating Open Road's success with Taylor Swift.
“The Wilkinsons and Ron Kitchener represent two sides of what has made Canadian country music so successful – exceptional artists who have connected with audiences across North America, and industry leaders who have created opportunities for Canadian talent to thrive,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO, National Music Centre.
“After honouring The Wilkinsons and Ron Kitchener during Country Music Week in Saskatoon, this exhibition gives country music fans another opportunity to discover the stories and milestones that have defined their inspiring careers, while highlighting the impact they’ve had on country music in Canada,” said Amy Jeninga, President, Canadian Country Music Association.
As the permanent home of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, National Music Centre is the custodian of more than 2,000 artifacts spanning instruments, stagewear, photographs, and more. The annually updated Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame exhibition features artifacts from the 2026 inductees and past honourees who have made their mark on Canadian country music, including k.d. lang, Jason McCoy, Rita MacNeil, Terri Clark, Paul Brandt, Hank Snow, Michelle Wright, and Ian Tyson.
The updated Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame exhibition will be open to the public from November 18 to August 2027 at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. For more information on hours and admission, visit studiobell.ca/general-admission.
About National Music Centre | Centre National de Musique
National Music Centre (NMC) is a registered charity dedicated to amplifying the love, sharing, and understanding of music in Canada. More than a museum, NMC focuses on five key areas: Exhibitions and Collections, Artist and Professional Development, Performance and Recording, Education and Learning, and Music and Wellness. From its headquarters at Studio Bell in the heart of Calgary’s East Village neighbourhood and satellite location in Montreal, NMC celebrates Canada’s rich musical legacy, honouring legendary artists, nurturing new voices, and bringing people together through music. NMC also houses a vast collection of rare instruments, artifacts and memorabilia, world-class recording studios, and four of Canada’s music halls of fame, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Quebec’s Adisq Hall of Fame. National Music Centre marks its 10th anniversary as Canada’s home for music in 2026, with a year-long lineup of exhibits, events, and programs planned. Visit studiobell.ca/10 to explore the full list of anniversary activities happening now through summer 2027. To check out the NMC experience online, visit amplify.nmc.ca.
About the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®)
Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and recognizing Canadian country music. Now in its 50th year, the CCMA celebrates the spirit, community, and creativity fostered by country music through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards.
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Media contact:
Julijana Capone, Senior Manager, PR and Marketing
julijana.capone@nmc.ca | @nmc_canada