WINNIPEG - It's turning out to be a beautiful life indeed for the members of Doc Walker, the Manitoba band that cleaned up at the Canadian Country Music Awards on Monday night.
The hometown favourite walked away with five of the coveted statues at an awards ceremony in Winnipeg.
After winning songwriter of the year for the hit "Beautiful Life" at a gala on Sunday night, the group picked up everything the following evening from best song and album of the year to best video and group of the year.
"Thank you Winnipeg," lead singer Chris Thorsteinson said to a standing ovation. "You guys have been wonderful. The fans are wonderful, (you) keep us doing this."
The band -- made up of Thorsteinson, Dave Wasyliw and Murray Pulver -- also took home the sought-after fans' choice award, beating out heavyweights such as Paul Brandt, George Canyon, Emerson Drive and Jessie Farrell.
It was a welcome homecoming for Doc Walker, which recently lost one of its biggest fans, Thorsteinson's mother, Betty.
"This one here I'm going to dedicate to my mom," said Thorsteinson as the band accepted the award for best single, his voice wavering. "Unfortunately, it was the last song she ever heard us play before she passed away and couldn't make it this year. I'm sure she's here somewhere watching. For me, this one goes out to Betty."
"Beautiful Life," which was one of her favourites, debuted at No. 3 on the country sales charts in Canada when it was released in April -- ahead of such country stars as Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood and Alan Jackson.
After garnering the most nominations of any musician this year, Farrell won female artist of the year, beating out awards host Terri Clark, last year's winner Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Lisa Brokop and Crystal Shawanda.
The Vancouver musician, who burst onto the Canadian country scene this year with her single "Best of Me," also picked up the rising star award and top female talent of the year.
"My goodness," said Farrell, as she thanked everyone from her record company to her husband. "This is a great honour to be in the company of all the people I respect and admire."
Male artist of the year and top-selling Canadian album went to Johnny Reid, who belted out his soulful ballad "Thank You" during the show.
"They say a man is only as strong as the woman who stands beside him so I'd like to dedicate this to my wife and family first and foremost," Reid said. "I like to dedicate this award to each and everyone of you who spends your hard-earned money to buy a Johnny Reid record."
Clark, who was shut out of the awards after winning a total of 13 in her career, opened the evening as promised -- shunning an evening gown and heels in favour of jeans with a performance of her latest tune "In My Next Life."
"It's been quite a year in country music on both sides of the border," Clark told the cheering audience. "No offence, but the girls are kicking some serious ass this year."
The crowd was also treated to various country acts including performances by Emerson Drive, last year's host Paul Brandt and Gord Bamford -- the singer who won top male talent of the year for his hit "Blame It On That Red Dress."
The show ended on a high note when Randy Bachman, joined on stage by Beverley Mahood and Deric Ruttan, paid homage to the host city with the song "Prairie Town."
