Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy. (QMI Agency file photo)

Blue Rodeo are the first big winners at next year’s Juno Awards.

The veteran country-rockers have been selected as the 2012 inductees to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, organizers announced Monday morning.

“We couldn’t be more honoured,” singer-guitarist Jim Cuddy said in a press release. “We have always been grateful for our long musical journey above the 49th parallel. Though far from over, we humbly take our place among those who given us so much inspiration.”

Blue Rodeo’s musical journey began in 1984, when Cuddy and singer- guitarist Greg Keelor formed the band in Toronto. Since 1987, they have released a dozen studio albums including their most recent CD, 2009’s The Things We Left Behind. They’ve topped charts with singles such as Try, Diamond Mine and Til I Am Myself Again. They got a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2009. And they’ve already won 11 Juno Awards — including five trophies for group of the year — out of a whopping 29 nominations. Their current lineup includes bassist Bazil Donovan, multi-instrumentalist Bob Egan, drummer Glenn Milchem and keyboardist Mike Boguski.

Blue Rodeo will be inducted during the 41st Juno Awards, being held in Ottawa. The ceremony will be broadcast live on CTV on Sunday April 1.

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