Hank Smith Stage Outift

Not currently on exhibit

Artifact TypeStage Outfit

Datec. 1970

Embroidered with the initials "HS", this custom-tailored suit was worn by country and bluegrass singer-songwriter Hank Smith on the cover of his 1976 album Ten Golden Years of Country. Born in Germany, Smith made a name for himself in Canada as a successful recording artist and was instrumental in the development of the Canadian country music industry. In 1976 he founded the Academy of Country Music Entertainment, a forerunner to the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA). He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1992 and was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994.

Cultural SignificanceAlthough there are a number of musical styles that can be said to correspond with a particular fashion aesthetic, perhaps none is more iconic than that of the Country and Western genres. Throughout the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, numerous stars of the country western scene, such as Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, looked to niche tailors to produce customized suits that would set them apart and establish a certain stage presence. The suits were often brightly coloured and elaborately adorned with tassels, sequins, imitation jewels and rhinestones, and intricate embroidery. They also typically consisted of a complete ensemble that included corresponding boots and hat. Arguably the most notable of such tailors was the Ukrainian immigrant Nuta Kotlyarenko (1902 – 1984) who became better known as Nudie Cohn of Hollywood, California. Nudie produced some of the most expensive custom garments, catering both to country superstars as well as high-profile performers in other popular genres, including Elton John, the Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley. Other well-known tailors included Rodeo Ben, Turk of Van Nuys, California, Manuel of Nashville, Tennessee, and Rockmount Ranch Wear of Denver, Colorado.Users/PerformersHank Smith was born 15 September 1934 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, relocating to Canada in 1957, settling in Edmonton, Alberta. He is often regarded as the father, so to speak, of country music in Canada. His first band, Wild Rose Country, was formed in Edmonton in around 1960, releasing their first album in 1963. Throughout his career, Smith recorded approximately ten studio albums with twelve singles, four of which consecutively reached number one on the charts in 1971. Smith founded the Academy of Country Music Entertainment in Canada, which later became known as the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) in 1976 with Gary Buck, an organization that has widely been recognized for its early support of country music in Canada. Following his passing on 19 October 2002, the CCMA established the Hank Smith Award of Excellence in his honour. Smith was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994.

Collection