Steve (Stephen) Mc Auley, a longtime executive at EMI Music Canada, passed away on Aug. 24, at the age of 71. He had been battling Alzheimer’s disease.
His obituary states that “Steve was born in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Newfoundland/Labrador and is husband to his soul/song mate, Jennifer Loucks. He had many friends who were like family, having spent 25 years of his music career with Capitol/EMI Records of Canada in Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto.”
Jennifer Loucks tells Billboard Canada that ”Steve’s love for music began early as he was part of the Nepean Marching Band while living in Ottawa, Ontario. His passion for drumming and music developed over time. As a teenager, he got involved with music technology while attending Confederation High.
”During those years he enjoyed going to clubs like the Sly Fox where he engaged in the disco scene and started DJing. He then moved to Calgary in his early 20s where he worked as a DJ at the Refinery Club while also managing music distribution for various discos. Later on, he became a promotion representative for RCA Alberta before joining Capitol Records/EMI Music Canada.”
Mc Auley’s journey at EMI started in May 1980 and continued until July 2005. He took on various roles within the company, mainly focusing on artist relations and promotions while collaborating with numerous Canadian and international artists.
A close friend from the label, Peter Diemer, recalls to Billboard Canada that ”I knew Steve back in the early ’80s when I was the music director at CJAY 92 in Calgary. Steve worked for Capitol but up north in Edmonton. In 1983, Steve reached out to me with a job offer; however Lesley Soldat simultaneously offered me a similar position in Vancouver which I chose instead.”
”Then during summer of 1990, Deane Cameron [EMI president] asked me to join EMI which I gladly accepted. At that time Steve was director of artist relations reporting directly to me. He truly was my right-hand man.”
A press release from 2015 announcing Mc Auley’s appointment as general manager of Downtown Miramichi noted that ”Steve started off in music promotion at EMI by working closely with radio and television outlets. He quickly demonstrated an innate talent for building relationships and planning events along with marketing expertise. His vision allowed him to take on various executive positions throughout his impressive career span.”
”The clients under Steve Mc Auley Management included Canadian Idol, The Juno Awards, Canadian Music Week, as well as Saint John’s celebration of becoming Canada’s first incorporated city during its 225th anniversary.”
Loucks shares with Billboard Canada that ”Steve relocated to New Brunswick about 16 years ago to care for his father Mac Mc Auley who had Alzheimer’s disease as well; Mac was also a World War II veteran whom Steve placed into Ridgewood Veterans Home located in Saint John.
”It was there at Long Term Care where Steve and I met since I worked alongside his father as a recreation therapist specializing within dementia care units. We have shared our lives together for over 15 years now and celebrated our marriage on August 10th this year.”
She adds that “in New Brunswick during those years, Steve contributed significantly towards organizing events such as City of Saint John’s celebrations marking their milestone anniversaries along with efforts made downtown Miramichi Business Districts following our move outside Moncton where he served as general manager overseeing operations at Moncton Farmers Market.”
The news about Mc Auley’s passing sparked heartfelt messages across social media platforms from past colleagues within the industry expressing their fond memories together. Below is just a small selection taken primarily from Facebook unless specified otherwise.
Rhonda Ross (previously associated with Capitol/EMI Music Canada) remarked: ”It was my pleasure working alongside Steve at Capitol Records (Myself serving national artist & media management role while Steve handled central region promotions). Being an authentic Eastern Canadian-he always offered warm welcomes accompanied by jokes or smiles precisely when needed.”
”Steve genuinely cared about what he did-navigating through backstage corridors ensuring Duran Duran avoided unexpected mobs or brainstorming promotional ideas around office discussions-we always found ways to have fun! So many artists come into mind: Crowded House; Kate Bush; Tina Turner; Anne Murray; Tom Cochrane; Glass Tiger-it felt like family.’’
Peter Diemer stated: “I’ve known Steve close to forty-five years now-with countless fond moments shared together! Our Juno parties are legendary! After everyone left we’d celebrate together enjoying Grand Marnier around six AM-the ‘Garth’ trip across Canada traveling alongside Garth Brooks…All nights filled engaging activities involving both local talents plus international executives connected through our work dynamic.'”
“However what stands out most vividly remains one memorable day spent volunteering alongside Air Canada’s ‘Dreams Take Flight’ team-a transformative experience demonstrating how fortunate we truly are while reminding us all just how crucial it is appreciating good health-Steve remained dear friend-I’ll miss hearing laughter emanating from him!”‘
‘Denise Donlon (Much Music/Sony Music Canada): “Oh no! So saddened by this news.. Stepping forward into remembrance evokes thoughts surrounding someone so grounded yet full life energy sending wishes strength peace directly towards beloved family members.”‘
‘ Dave Mac Millan chimed into Billboards sharing,”In totality…I collaborated extensively beside STEVE professionally throughout thirteen consecutive calendar cycles not only here but later stemming further leading distributed labels department handling numerous responsibilities pertaining liaising directly concerning arranging parties honoring releases meeting prominent figures upon award ceremonies.'” “Moving eastward ultimately led him reuniting amongst love Jennifer Loucks-Mc Aulay-a caring wife recently introduced through recent visit earlier last month-we exchanged few words yet much warmth filled air especially when gazing photograph depicting precious infant grandson present!” God bless you always dear friend-it’s been wonderful knowing you,” added Dave.’ ‘Manager Ron Kitchener voiced,”Feeling disheartened receiving word regarding devastating outcome tonight-RIP admirable professional colleague bearing contagious enthusiasm promoting records positively encountered along path.’” ‘ ‘Veteran Kevin Shea reflected,”Like others currently processing grief after repeated exposure losses experienced lately-it feels surreal coming forward acknowledging departure prominent figure shaping record/radio realm effortlessly-that being said losing TIM whilst enduring fight against unrelenting effects Alzheimer’s serves poignant reminder life fleeting beauty amongst joyous memories formed alike!’” ‘ ‘Scott Carmichael noted simply,’Sad day indeed…thankful forever grateful providing opportunities presented through journey shared- remember every moment highlighted post-show parties!’ ”’ ‘Longtime photographer Barry Roden shared,”Experience participating several post-JUNO parties hosted by STEVE since event held VANCOVOUR way back then established phenomenal rapport maintaining guest list-completing duties sober each time remaining vigilant observing dynamics flow ensuing these gatherings unto seamless execution exemplifying integrity character demonstrating passion behind scenes.”’ ‘Susan Rosenberg expressed condolences stating,”Respectfully conveying sincere sympathies extended outward recognizing charm welcoming nature characterized gentleness amid industry often perceived harshness displayed validity reliability engrained ethical foundation.”‘
Source link Michael Bublé reminisced recalling,”Dolly once wrote letter requesting feedback upon song penned contemplating possibly performing duet agreement signed immediately without hesitation confirming willingness participate instantly endorsed wholeheartedly even prior listening fully validating merit her craft indubitably deserving consideration lifted spirit ignited excitement encountering opportunity arise possessing ability unite forces present harmonious exchange talented individuals crafting memorable pieces captivate audiences extending sincerity rising above conventional measures success thus far stimulating dialogues centered ingenuity perseverance innovation connectivity blending cultures aligned ambitions enriching artistry enhancing vibrancy creative spaces nurturing relationship blossomed over time embody philosophy generosity sustained humility effortlessly navigating waters remain devoted genuine engagement authentic expression birthing timeless musical narratives loved widely inspired created narratives traversed milestones paving groundwork establishing benchmarks admiration – eternally grateful crossing paths share wisdom illuminate existence vibrant mosaic thriving resonates truth woven diligently penned pages chronicling glory withstand ages unfold artistry touches transforms nurtures elevate emotions transcend limitations seamlessly intertwining rhythms lifetimes merge dances exquisitely composed freedom revealing secrets lie therein churning energies rousing hopes rekindling flames ignite passions burning bright.’”
‘Denise Donlon (Much Music/Sony Music Canada): “Oh no! So saddened by this news.. Stepping forward into remembrance evokes thoughts surrounding someone so grounded yet full life energy sending wishes strength peace directly towards beloved family members.”‘
‘ Dave Mac Millan chimed into Billboards sharing,”In totality…I collaborated extensively beside STEVE professionally throughout thirteen consecutive calendar cycles not only here but later stemming further leading distributed labels department handling numerous responsibilities pertaining liaising directly concerning arranging parties honoring releases meeting prominent figures upon award ceremonies.'” “Moving eastward ultimately led him reuniting amongst love Jennifer Loucks-Mc Aulay-a caring wife recently introduced through recent visit earlier last month-we exchanged few words yet much warmth filled air especially when gazing photograph depicting precious infant grandson present!” God bless you always dear friend-it’s been wonderful knowing you,” added Dave.’ ‘Manager Ron Kitchener voiced,”Feeling disheartened receiving word regarding devastating outcome tonight-RIP admirable professional colleague bearing contagious enthusiasm promoting records positively encountered along path.’” ‘ ‘Veteran Kevin Shea reflected,”Like others currently processing grief after repeated exposure losses experienced lately-it feels surreal coming forward acknowledging departure prominent figure shaping record/radio realm effortlessly-that being said losing TIM whilst enduring fight against unrelenting effects Alzheimer’s serves poignant reminder life fleeting beauty amongst joyous memories formed alike!’” ‘ ‘Scott Carmichael noted simply,’Sad day indeed…thankful forever grateful providing opportunities presented through journey shared- remember every moment highlighted post-show parties!’ ”’ ‘Longtime photographer Barry Roden shared,”Experience participating several post-JUNO parties hosted by STEVE since event held VANCOVOUR way back then established phenomenal rapport maintaining guest list-completing duties sober each time remaining vigilant observing dynamics flow ensuing these gatherings unto seamless execution exemplifying integrity character demonstrating passion behind scenes.”’ ‘Susan Rosenberg expressed condolences stating,”Respectfully conveying sincere sympathies extended outward recognizing charm welcoming nature characterized gentleness amid industry often perceived harshness displayed validity reliability engrained ethical foundation.”‘
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