Smith, Hank (Heinz Schmidt)

Websites:  https://members.ccma.org/cgi/page.cgi/hall_of_fame_inductees.html?log=view&log_id=48
Origin: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria - Edmonton, Alberta, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994
Birth: September 15, 1934 - Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria
Death: October 19, 2002 - Edmonton, Alberta

Canadian rockabilly/country music singer, songwriter, guitarist and bassist. Originally from Germany, emigrated to Edmonton, Alberta in 1957. In 1958 Formed The Rock-A-Tunes and Rock-A-Tune Records in Edmonton in 1958 with Butch McGillis. When the rest of the Rock-A-Tunes left in 1962 to be the touring band for The Fendermen, Smith formed The Maddisons. Soon changed to country and bluegrass, forming the band Wild Rose Country. Founding president of the Academy of Country Music Entertainment, the organization which preceded the Canadian Country Music Association. Inducted into the CCMA Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2004 the CCMA created The Hank Smith Award of Excellence in his honour.

Many people feel that Hank Smith deserves the title of Father of Country Music in Canada. Born in Germany, Smith moved to Canada in 1957, settling in Edmonton and quickly forming his own band, Wild Rose Country, recording his first album in 1963. Smith went on to entertain hundreds of thousands of people both at home in Canada and throughout Europe.

As a recording artist, Hank Smith cut some 10 albums (Banff/Rodeo/Royalty, etc) and charted 12 singles on the RPM charts during the 1970’s, including four consecutive #1 hits in 1971.

Hank Smith also had the foresight to energize, promote and support the first organization to work for country music in Canada. As the founding president of the Academy of Country Music Entertainment, the organization which preceded the CCMA, Smith planted the seeds of the organization whose goal is to foster Canadian country music.

The Hank Smith Award of Excellence was established in 2003 by the CCMA in his honour.

Hank Smith passed away on October 19, 2002 at the age of 68.