CRYSTAL SHAWANDA NOMINATED FOR 2026 JUNO AWARD
CRYSTAL SHAWANDA LANDS 2026 JUNO NOMINATION FOR SING PRETTY BLUES
TORONTO, ON — JUNO Award–winning artist Crystal Shawanda has received a 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Blues Album of the Year for her latest release, Sing Pretty Blues.
The album blends blues and southern soul inspired by Stax, Chess, and Motown, exploring themes of resilience, self-worth, and independence. Produced by her husband and longtime collaborator Dewayne Strobel, the record features originals like “Stop Funking Me Around” and “Waiting For My Lover to Call,” alongside covers of Tom Petty’s “Honey Bee,” Son House’s “Preaching Blues,” and Black Sabbath’s “Changes.”
Sing Pretty Blues follows her 2022 album Midnight Blues, which earned Shawanda her 8th career JUNO nomination and debuted at #8 on the Billboard Blues chart, making her the first Indigenous woman to reach the Top 10.
The album’s first single, “Would You Know Love,” released in January, blends Shawanda’s signature raspy vocals with raw blues emotion and country storytelling.
Born in Wikwemikong First Nation, Manitoulin Island, Shawanda first found success in country music before transitioning to the blues. She won a 2013 JUNO Award for Best Aboriginal Album (Just Like You) and a 2021 JUNO for Best Blues Album (Church House Blues).
JUNO Awards:
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Gala: Saturday, March 28, 2026 — Hamilton, ON
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Broadcast: Sunday, March 29, 2026 — TD Coliseum (CBC / CBC Gem / CBC Music YouTube)
Learn more about Crystal Shawanda:
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