Hall of Fame Inductees
We are proud of all Hall of Fame Inductees and their contribution to Canadian country music. Click on the Inductee name for more information.
Hank Smith

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