Hank Smith
recording artist, builder | 1934 - 2002
BornSeptember 15, 1934 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany
DiedOctober 19, 2002 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Biographyby Sarah Davachi
Hank 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.
Hank 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.
Canadian Music Icon and Broadcaster | 1936 - 2018
