They are this year's winners of the Manitoba Entertainer-of-the-Year Award for country music.

In an interview at their farmhouse homestead, the Hillmans said the award is an honor despite the fact it came in the middle of parent-teacher interviews.

"Winning gives you the recognition and a bit of reassurance of what you're doing," said Bill Hillman. "You get different kinds of rewards, from having successful singles and doing tours of state and county fairs."

The Hillman Express has toured Western Canada, the United States and they visit northeast England regularly.

"With the reception we got last summer in English clubs with our foot-stompin' numbers, they must have thought Strathclair was Canada's capital. We were the wild west. One day we were playing in sunny England and the next day in a rainstorm at the Rossburn Indian reserve. 

Their eighth and ninth albums are to be released this summer. The group's last album was recorded between drug raids, "in a ghost studio somewhere underneath London - the same one used by the Sex Pistols."
 

Most rehearsing and composing is done in their Maple Grove Productions basement studio, where Bill keeps his collection of some 5,000 radio show tapes from the 1930s and 40s. His record collection covers a wide range from jazz and the Beatles, to new wave.

I appreciate all kinds of music. People who love this or hate that really cut themselves off."

Sue-On, born in southern China, lived for years at Newdale, where she became involved in choir and completed seven years of classical training on piano.

"Sue-On is more into interpreting music than writing it, so she's a good sounding board for me," said Bill.

Kevin Pahl, former student of the Hillmans is keyboard artist for the Express, and a commercial pilot "crop duster" who flies the group to some of the distant engagements.

Bill said living in a rural area prevents them from mixing often with other musicians but Strathclair is definitely home: "I enjoy teaching too much to go into a full-time singing career. My grandfather built this house and homesteaded the land 60 years ago and I've lived here all my life (37 years). We plan to stay.

WINNIPEG (CP) - Bill and Sue-On Hillman of Strathclair, Man., have won the entertainer-of-the-year award at the fourth annual Manitoba Country Awards.

The Hillmans were chosen over previous winner Ray St. Germain and another nominee, Smokey Furlin.

St. German picked up the award for top recording artist of the year. Furlin was given the Golden Music award for his achievements and dedication to country music in Manitoba. Other honors went to Ronny Halldorson for instrumentalist of the year, Rhonda Hart for top female vocalist and Harvey Henry for top male vocalist.

Congratulations. It's nice to see someone from the old band making good ~ Murry Bateman. p.s. Look us up if you're out this way.

This was the first of numerous future MACA nominations and appearances on their annual gala awards show. 

In the mid-'80s Bill also served on the MACA Board of Directors.

All nominees are invited t attend the press conference at the WestBrook Inn Saloon Room on Wednesday, March 5th, 1980 at 2:00 P.M. at this time the three finalists for each category will be announced.

[Entertainers of the Year: Bill & Sue-On Hillman ~ Len Henry ~ Ray St. Germain
Female Vocalist of the Year: Sue-On Hillman ~ Rhonda Hart ~ Sheila Dawn]

Yours truly,
Tony Sianchuk ~ MACA Committee Chairman

The Northstar Inn will be the scene tomorrow evening of the fourth edition of the Manitoba Annual Country Awards. Manitoba-based performers will be honored in seven categories. Among the nominated are Art Young, Reg Bouvette, Ray St. Germain, Wayne Fehr, Dale Russell, Sue-On Hillman, Sheila Dawn, Rhonda Hart, Harvey Henry, Country Tigers and Bill & Sue-On Hillman.

The Manitoba Annual Country Awards acquired a new impact with this fourth edition moving into more ceremonial surroundings and attracting the elite of this province's performers and those associated with country music in Manitoba. 

Entertainer(s) of the year was the outstanding husband-and-wife duo, Bill and Sue-On Hillman.

The winners are determined by a committee of judges comprised of individuals active in all phases of country music and related businesses. Top male vocalist award was presented to Harvey Henry, top female vocalist was won by Rhonda Hart. For the second year in a row the recording artist award went to Ray St. Germaine. Repeat winners for the third year as most popular country band was Red Wine. The Country Tigers were named top country band. Instrumentalist recognition went to Ron Halldorson, while Smokey Ferlin was saluted with the Golden Music Award. Tony Sianchuk, founder of the MACA, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to country music in Manitoba.

Strathclair & District Review ~ Thursday ~ March 20, 1980
1979 proved to be a landmark year for Maple Grove Recording artists, Bill and Sue-On Hillman of Strathclair, Manitoba. In addition to the usual slate of concerts, TV and Radio appearances, and club and dance dates, the duo embarked on their third summer tour of England's north-east with back-up provided by England's top-ranked country-rock show band - Desperado. Between concert dates the group booked session time in Durham's Guardian Studios for the soon-to-be released ninth album - On Stage In England. Bill produced the sessions and wrote half the songs. During the summer tour the duo learned that their latest single release - One Night Stand - had climbed into the Manitoba Top-Ten, as well as receiving air play on English radio stations. This led to a frenzied round of activity upon their return home to Canada, including an Opry North appearance with the Family Brown and Ralph Carlson and the Country Mile plus numerous Big Country concerts. 

The year was highlighted by winning the M.A.C.A. (Manitoba's Annual Country Awards) Trophy for Top Entertainers of the Year. In addition to this Sue-On was runner-up for Top Female Vocalist of the Year. The awards were presented at the Country Awards night in Winnipeg's North Star Inn on March 16, 1980.

M.A.C.A.Inc.
presents
MANITOBA'S
5th ANNUAL
COUNTRY 
AWARDS

Sunday, March 29th, 1981
6:00 P.M.
Birchwood Inn
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Dear Bill and Sue-On:

Just a short note to congratulate you on being nominated for Entertainer of the Year at this year's MACA Awards.
 

The quality of Manitoba talent has shown a steady improvement over the past many years and we believe that this year's group of finalists are the best ever.

Once again, good luck and best wishes.

Sincerely, 
Mike Ried