Organist of the Year

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This award is presented annually to an outstanding organist who is currently active in the theatre organ art form through live performances and recordings. Recipients must have been publicly active for five or more years in the theatre organ field.

Current Award Winner

  • 2023 - Donnie Rankin

Past Recipients

  • 2022 - Zach Frame
  • 2021 - Brett Valliant
  • 2020 - Justin LaVoie
  • 2019 - Pierre Fracalanza
  • 2018 - Jack Moelmann
  • 2017 - Jerry Nagano
  • 2016 - David Peckham
  • 2015 - David Gray
  • 2014 - Lance Luce
  • 2013 - Len Rawle (United Kingdom)
  • 2012 - Mark Herman
  • 2011 - Dave Wickerham
  • 2010 - Richard Hills
  • 2009 - Chris Elliott
  • 2008 - Chris Gorsuch
  • 2007 - Scott Foppiano
  • 2006 - Dwight Thomas
  • 2005 - Rob Richards
  • 2004 - Russell Holmes
  • 2003 - Stan Kann
  • 2002 - Tony Fenelon
  • 2001 - Jelani Eddington
  • 2000 - Charlie Balogh
  • 1999 - Barry Baker
  • 1998 - Clark Wilson
  • 1997 - Simon Gledhill
  • 1996 - Donna Parker
  • 1995 - Lee Erwin*
  • 1994 - Gaylord Carter*
  • 1993 - Walt Strony*
  • 1992 - Bill Vlasak
  • 1991 - Walt Strony*
  • 1990 - Jim Riggs
  • 1989 - Ron Rhode
  • 1988 - Lew Williams
  • 1987 - Jonas Nordwall
  • 1986 - Tom Hazleton
  • 1985 - Dennis James
  • 1984 - Lyn Larsen
  • 1983 - Ashley Miller
  • 1982 - Rex Koury
  • 1981 - Ann Leaf
  • 1980 - Lowell Ayars
  • 1979 - George Wright
  • 1978 - Milton Charles
  • 1977 - John Muri
  • 1976 - Eddie Weaver
  • 1975 - Gaylord Carter*
  • 1974  - Dick Leibert
  • 1973 - C. A. Parmentier
  • 1972 - Lloyd Del Castillo
  • 1971 - Don Baker
  • 1970 - Lee Erwin*

*Recipient of more than one annual award in this category

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