Life Time Achievement Award
Newfoundland & Labrador

On November 14, 2004, the Music Industry of Newfoundland & Labrador held its annual awards ceremony at the St. John's Convention Centre. This year the MIA's awarded a Life Time Achievement Award to the late Joan Morrissey. This award is not presented every year, in fact there has only been about 3 or 4 presented in the past - which makes this award even more special to the Morrissey Family.

Debbie Morrissey Stafford, Bev Thistle, Brenda Merlo and myself; Tina Thistle were all in attendance at this years event. Debbie, along with Sister Bev accepted the award on behalf of the family. Debbie gave a fantastic speech upon accepting the award that would make her mother proud, and during her speech a pin drop could have been heard through the audience. A standing ovation from the crowd made the night even more memorable, as they all remembered the impact Joan Morrissey made on the Newfoundland music scene.

Prior to the award being presented, the MIA's and CBC compiled a touching tribute of songs and video that was projected on to two large screens on either side of the stage. The video montage included many clips of Joan in the CBC show "All Around the Circle", interview with Tom Cahill (Songwriter/CBC Producer) and other various performances.

The event was filled with excellent music from some of Newfoundland's Finest Musicians and was a night to remember. Congratulations to all of the winners of the 2004 MIA's, the performers who made the night enjoyable and to the Music Industry Association for putting off an amazing event.