Tommy Hunter
Background:
Tommy Hunter, known as 'Canada's Country Gentleman' began his career performing as a child entertainer in local theatres, eventually moving on to appearing regularly on Gordie Tapp's 'Main Street Jamboree' on CHML radio in Hamilton, Ontario.'The Tommy Hunter Show' debuted in 1960 and ran until 1965 on CBC radio, eventually succeeding 'Country Hoedown' on CBC TV in 1965. The television show was extended to an hour length in 1970 and the same year was introduced to US viewers via The Nashville Network. 'The Tommy Hunter Show' was one of the most popular variety programs to ever run on Canadian TV, earning a Gemini Award in 1992. Over the years, the show featured performances from such acts as Anne Murray, Donna and Leroy, Al Cherny, Garth Brooks and Shania Twain, in her teen years.
Tommy Hunter not only hosted, but also performed across Canada and also acted as the leader of several concerts that toured in Europe in partnership with the Department of National Defence. While on summer hiatus from the show, Hunter regularly appeared at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay, Ontario where he was broadcast on CBC radio.
Hunter recorded his first single in 1958 with King Ganam, subsequently going on to record on the Columbia label. His recording of Mary in the Morning charted in the US in 1967.
After the cancellation of his television show in May 1992, Hunter went on to tour, completing about 70 concerts annually. In 1997, the fiftieth anniversary of his beginnings as an entertainer, Hunter performed at the Grand Ole Opry and the CNE. That same year, his hometown of London, Ontario proclaimed Tommy Hunter Week.
Tommy Hunter won Juno Awards for Best Male Country Singer for three consecutive years (1967-69), he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1986 and to the Order of Ontario in 1996.
