It will be a big week for music, with the Forest City London Music Awards revealing its list of prestigious honourees ahead of London Music Week. According to a news release, the 24th annual Forest City London Music Awards (FCLMA) and London Music Week will take place June 6 -14, and this year, the organization will be honouring a wide of array of people, including, “an iconic family, a celebrated blues artist, and a legendary country radio host for their lasting contributions to the region’s musical legacy.” Inducted into the London Music Hall of Fame is Ted “Teddy” Leonard, whose music career began at a local jam session at London’s Fire Hall. Inspired to pursue music full-time, Leonard went on to win a Juno Award, a Maple Blues Award and Guitarist of the Year honours. Early in his career, he also shared stages with B.B. King and members of The Band. He also performed as a sideman for Morgan Davis and later toured with Colin Linden, establishing himself as a major force in Canada’s blues scene. In addition, the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be the Jones family, known as the entertainment pioneers of London. “For nearly a century, they have helped shape Canada’s live entertainment landscape —not from boardrooms, but from theatres, gardens, and stages across the country,” the release reads. The Jones Entertainment Group continues to expand that legacy through touring productions, festivals and large-scale live experiences. Also receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026 is Fred Smith, the longtime host on CHRW-FM. His program Hardcore Country is one of the longest-running radio shows of its kind in Canada. Smith has played a vital role in supporting independent and alternative country music for more than four decades, “helping shape the sound and identity of the local scene.” “In a city known for its strong DIY music culture, voices like his are essential—championing artists, influencing audiences, and sustaining the community week after week,” the release reads. These Londoners will be honoured during two award celebrations: FCLMA Gala Volume One – June 7 at Aeolian Hall, celebrating classical, jazz, world music, and folk/roots categories FCLMA Gala Volume Two – June 14, highlighting pop music categories The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the music community over several decades, while Hall of Fame inductees and Lifetime Achievement recipients are selected by a steering committee and the FCLMA Board of Directors.
