Leonard Rambeau Fonds
Biographical History
Date 1946-1995
Leonard T. Rambeau is considered one of the leading figures in developing the Canadian music industry. He is best known as singer Anne Murray’s manager. His work and professionalism in the music industry is annually remembered when the Canadian Country Music Association presents the ‘Leonard T. Rambeau International Award’ to a person who has helped country music artist’s advance their career internationally.
Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Rambeau grew up on Cape Breton Island. He attended St. Mary’s University in Halifax and began a career with the federal government after graduating. His career with Anne Murray began in 1968 when Rambeau was with the youth group ‘Club ‘45’ in Dartmouth. Murray’s career had already begun to soar, making her a great headliner for a club fundraiser Rambeau wanted to organize. Murray agreed, and the success of the fundraiser and the professionalism and organization Rambeau exhibited left a deep impression on the young singer.
In 1971, Murray’s career had grown, bringing her to Toronto. She realized that to continue to expand and reach new heights in her career she would need help. She reached out to Rambeau in April that year, and convinced him to move to Toronto as her manager. He agreed, knowing this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Together with Anne, they formed Balmur Ltd. Rambeau was general manager and helped run all aspects of a musical career, planning for tours to running the lights at concerts. By 1977, Rambeau took over Murray’s exclusive management.
Not only did he shape Murray’s career, but he is also credited for helping grow the career of many Canadian musicians and the Canadian music industry. Rambeau, through the help of the company Balmur, shaped the careers of artists like John Allan Cameron, Frank Mills, Rita MacNeil, and George Fox.
The Anne Murray Centre at Springhill, NS was Rambeau’s idea. He encouraged her to save important and memorable items from her career, like the dress from the 1971 Rose Bowl parade she was in to later showcase at the Centre.
Rambeau passed away in 1995 after suffering from cancer. He was awarded the Global Achievement Award by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences at that year’s Juno Awards and was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.