Images(5)

Ronnie Prophet Stage Outfit

Not currently on exhibit

Artifact TypeSuit

Manufacturer Harvey Krantz

Manufacturer LocationCalabasas, California, USA, North America

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/PerformersRonnie Prophet was born Ronald Lawrence Victor Prophet on 26 December 1937 in Hawkesbury, Ontario. He was raised in Calumet, Quebec, and is the second cousin of famed country musician Orval Prophet. Prophet made his musical debut at age 15 on CFRA’s “The Happy Wanderers” show in Ottawa. Shortly thereafter, Prophet briefly relocated to Montreal before settling in the United States in 1964. Between 1964 and 1969, he was based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and, from 1969, Nashville, Tennessee, where he operated a nightclub, Ronnie Prophet’s Carousel Club. Prophet has hosted several television shows, including CBC’s “Country Roads” in 1973, CTV’s “Grand Old Country” between 1975 and 1980, and “The Ronnie Prophet Show” in 1974. His recordings with RCA were successful both in Canada and abroad, including Sanctuary (1975), and Shine On (1976). Hit songs include “Big Big World” (1976), “Phantom of the Opry” (1980), and “I Need a Lover” (1983). Prophet has been the recipient of two Juno Awards in 1978 and 1979, as well as a CCMA award in 1984. His performances are revered for their unique combination of song, comedy, and instrumental virtuosity. Prophet was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999. Prophet passed away on March 2, 2018.

Collection