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Brian Sklar "Captain Canada" Stage Outfit

Not currently on exhibit

Artifact TypeEnsemble

Manufacturer Gerri Schneider

Date20th Century

A fittingly patriotic outfit for a musician who went by the handle “Captain Canada”—this suit and belt combination was once owned by legendary fiddler Brian Sklar. Designed in the flamboyant Nudie Cohn style favoured by country and rock artists throughout the ’60s and ’70s, this outfit likely had its time in the spotlight. The prolific Sklar, along with his band the Western Senators and the Tex Pistols, has toured Europe 32 times, released 29 studio albums, appeared in over 250 television productions and performed at 39 Calgary Stampedes.

On loan from Brian Sklar

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/PerformersBrian Sklar (date of birth unknown) began his musical career as a child, taking lessons in violin and fiddle in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. At just eight years old, he was the recipient of the Royal Conservatory of Music’s silver medal in performance for achieving among the highest scores on examinations in the province. After having performed briefly with the Prince Albert Concert Orchestra, Sklar began working with the Halldorson Family Orchestra as an old-time fiddler. He formed his own group from this experience and went on his first tour throughout Ontario and the northern United States at the age of 19. He has performed extensively throughout his career, including appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, and is the recipient of numerous accolades and awards. Being among the more prolific of Canadian country musicians, Sklar has toured Europe 32 times, released 29 studio albums, appeared in over 250 television shows, and performed at 39 Calgary Stampedes. In 2007, he was nominated for his first Grammy award. In addition to his work in country music, Sklar has also made many contributions to polka music in Canada, following in the Cleveland style practiced by groups such as the Canadian Polka Kings and the Happy Roamin’ Rangers. To this end, he formed The Western Senators in 1976, who recorded their first album in Edmonton that year. A second band focused more on Western swing and 1960s-style Nashville country called The Tex Pistols was formed in the 1990s. The group is characterized by their old-fashioned behaviour, sporting over-the-top Nudie suits and extensive interaction with the audience. More recently, Sklar established the Fiddle Frenzy stage show. He is a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Association of Country Music Legends. Sklar is commonly referred to as the ‘Captain of Canada’.

Object numberT.2016.34.1-3