Calgary's cowboy with the heart of gold took home some well-deserved hardware at last night's 2008 Juno Awards.
Paul Brandt received a Juno Award for Country Recording of the Year, making this his seventh Juno win since he took home his first statue in 1997.
"It's so exciting for me to be here at the Saddledome. I grew up singing at the Youth Talent Show at the Stampede ... it's phenomenal to be here and I love it all," said Brandt.
"I thought Calgary did an incredible job (hosting) ... There's something about the heart and soul of Calgary -- it's small and warm. Even though it's cosmopolitan, there's still the feeling that we all care about each other here."
Brandt was one of four Albertans nominated in the category, including Hobbema-bred Shane Yellowbird, Fort McMurray's Aaron Lines and Lacombe's Gord Bamford.
Toronto-based Johnny Reid was also nominated in the category.
The Juno for Brandt's latest release, Risk, wasn't the only trophy the western singer walked away with this weekend in Calgary.
The long-time philanthropist and humanitarian was given the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award at the Juno Gala Dinner on Saturday night.
Brandt teared up on stage at the Telus Convention Centre as he accepted the tribute for his various charitable efforts, including his work with Samaritan's Purse, World Vision, and the Alberta Children's Hospital, among others.
Brandt has gone abroad in the past to work in Nashville, but has always maintained his Alberta roots.
He and wife Elizabeth Peterson still reside near Calgary and are expecting their first child this spring.
"I tried to convince Liz that because I used to work at the Alberta Children's Hospital, I've already changed my fair share of diapers, but she's not going for it," joked Brandt.
"I can't wait (until the arrival of the new babe)."
