Images(4)

Joyce Smith Stage Outfit

Not currently on exhibit

Artifact TypeDress and Belt

Date20th Century

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/PerformersJoyce Smith was born on 22 October 1940 in Lethbridge, Alberta, later settling in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of twelve. Smith displayed a talent for musical ventures at an early age, singing and performing both on the radio and television as a teenager, including guest appearances on “The Noon Show”, “The Chuckwagon Show”, and CHED’s “Jubilee Jamboree”. Smith also performed in the group, Rogers Brothers Band, who served as the opening act for many notable groups, both locally and throughout the country, including George Jones, Wilf Carter, and Hank Snow. It was not long before Smith was maintaining a steady performance and recording schedule, eventually earning the opportunity to work with legendary producer Owen Bradley at Columbia Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Her hit, “Leavin’ on Your Mind”, was later recorded by Patsy Cline in 1963. Smith has released a total of six albums and numerous singles, and has toured extensively throughout Canada, the US, and Europe. She was inducted into the Alberta Country Music Hall of Fame in 1991, and the CCMA Hall of Honour in 2010, and was the recipient of the prestigious ‘Bev Munro Award of Dedication’ in 2002. She was married in 1962 to George Myren, a former Canadian champion bronco rider and bass player, and have resided in Edmonton since 1964.

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