Fieldwood Heritage Society

Canning, Kings County, Nova Scotia


Wilf Carter

Excerpt from the text on the back of the jacket of LP CAM-83 'Reminiscin' with Wilf Carter' made by RCA of Australia Proprietary Limited
The date was 20 December 1933.


The first hit record by a Canadian country performer was
Wilf Carter's first 78, recorded by him (in December 1933)
for RCA Victor in Montreal. It consisted of his songs
"My Swiss Moonlight Lullaby" and
"The Capture of Albert Johnson".
Encyclopedia of Music in Canada


"Carter has been acknowledged as the father of country music
in Canada, a distinction based on his prominence as Canada's
first country star, on his influence on Canadian performers,
and on the assistance he gave to the careers of others.
If the distinction does not belong solely to Carter,
he shares it only with Hank Snow."
Encyclopedia of Music in Canada


"He was really big in the '30s and '40s," recalls Jim Kunkel,
retired program director at CFAC radio (960kHz AM in Calgary).
"At that time, he was more of a chronicler of events
than anything else. A real modern-day troubadour."
According to Kunkel, every morning at 7:20 a.m.,
the station played a Carter song.
That went on for probably around 25 years.
Wilf Carter's obituary Calgary Sun, 7 December 1996


"He worked on radio station CFCN Calgary in 1933 but
soon moved to New York, where he played on the CBS radio
network. It was here in 1934 that he was first introduced
as Montana Slim, probably to distinguish him from the
Carter Family. He said he did not mind what they called
him as long as they paid him, and during his long career,
he has become equally well known by both names."
The Music Barn


"Wilf Carter was a recognizable country music
celebrity the world over but for many in Canada and
the United States he was the voice of a generation.
Songs like 'When It's Springtime in the Rockies'
and 'There's a Bluebird on My Windowsill' were
soothing melodies during the hard years
of the Depression."
People of Alberta


"Carter sang in a friendly, intimate voice
about the charms of Canada's natural landscape
and the not always easy lives of the people
who populated it. He framed his songs in
mostly simple, spare acoustic settings,
made strong records, and
in no way deserves neglect and obscurity.
— Jerome Clark, 27 March 2004


Wilf Carter


Wilf Carter

Wilfred Arthur Charles Carter was born on December 18, 1904 in Port Hilford, Nova Scotia. He was one of nine children and by the age of eight he was working odd jobs in Canning, Nova Scotia.

Map showing the location of
Wilf Carter's home near Canning.


It was in Canning that he went to see a travelling performer named "The Yodelling Fool", this enticed Wilf to learn to sing, and he never looked back. He left home at the age of 15 after a heated debate with his father, who was a Baptist Minister in the Canning area, over his shaky attendance record at prayer service.

When he was 19, Wilf headed to Alberta, and in between working as a logger, sang with hoboes in boxcars and also at local dances.

He then moved to Calgary where he sang to people outside of the Calgary Stampede grounds. He was fascinated with cowboys and their mystique so he got a job in the rodeo as an 'ear-downer'. His job was to grapple the horse around the neck as it ran by and bite down on its ear until it stopped bucking.



Wilf Carter, 1983
1983


Wilf's break came in 1930 when he was asked to be an entertainer on trail rides through the Rockies for the Canadian Pacific Railway. He eventually became the company's major attraction and he was asked to join the S.S Empress of Britain on her maiden voyage as an entertainer.

Upon returning to Calgary, Wilf found out that two of his recordings had been picked up by RCA and were spreading like wildfire across the nation.

According to Mr. Hugh Joseph, former Director of Artists and Repertoire, RCA Victor, Montreal, My Swiss Moonlight Lullaby was the first song Wilf recorded for RCA Victor. It was produced by Mr. Joseph in the Montreal studios in December 1933.

In the late 1930s Wilf had his own radio show for CBS (the Columbia Broadcasting System, then the largest radio broadcasting network in the United States). This show originated in New York, where he picked up the nickname "Montana Slim".



Cover: Montana Slim 78rpm record album P-114 (early 1940s)
Cover: Montana Slim 78rpm record album P-114 (early 1940s)


Jacket: Wilf Carter 33rpm LP record made in West Germany (1980s)
Jacket: Wilf Carter 33rpm LP record 5044 made in West Germany (1980s)


Jacket: Wilf Carter 33rpm LP RCA Camden CAL-2222
Jacket: Wilf Carter 33rpm LP RCA Camden CAL-2222 1970


Wilf Carter's records


Wilf Carter LP: Starday SLP-300
Wilf Carter LP: Starday SLP-300


I Love To Yodel, CD made in Czech Republic in 2004
"I Love To Yodel" CD made in Czech Republic in 2004


In 1940 Wilf was involved in a serious car accident in Montana and was unable to perform for nearly ten years.

However, in 1950 he decided to make his first cross-Canada tour, and at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, he pulled in over 50,000 people every week.

Wilf remained busy recording and performing throughtout the 1960s, and even up until the late '80s. He died in 1996, just two weeks before his 92nd birthday.

His simple, honest sound continues to be listened to by new generations. Wilf Carter's music is pure Canadian, heartfelt and strong. When asked by reporters why his music always sounded the same for over 40 years, Wilf replied "I remain dedicated to one ideal, to please people and sing the songs I know how to sing. I'm not going to change my style for more money".



Wilf Carter, 1971
1971


Awards Wilf Carter Received



Montana Slim Postcard 1938, top half
Montana Slim Postcard 1938, top half
Complete postcard, front and back


Montana Slim Song Book 1939, top half front cover
Montana Slim Song Book 1939, top half front cover
Complete front and back covers


RCA Victor Bluebird Catalog 1941, top half front cover
RCA Victor Bluebird Catalog 1941, top half front cover
Complete front cover and Montana Slim listing


RCA Victor Bluebird - list of Wilf Carter records, circa 1949
RCA Victor Bluebird - list of Wilf Carter records, c. 1949
Complete list


Wilf Carter memorabilia, display case #1, Fieldwood Heritage Society, Canning, Nova Scotia
Wilf Carter memorabilia, Canning Heritage Centre
Display case #1 (above)       Display case #2 (below)
Wilf Carter memorabilia, display case #2, Fieldwood Heritage Society, Canning, Nova Scotia
Photographed 29 May 2004


Montana Slim 78: Montgomery Ward M-7263A, Don't Let Me Down Old Pal
Montana Slim 78: Montgomery Ward M-7263A
Don't Let Me Down, Old Pal


Montana Slim 78: Regal Zonophone MR-3523, Echoing Hills Yodel Back to Me
Montana Slim 78: Regal Zonophone MR-3523
Echoing Hills Yodel Back to Me
Made in England


Wilf Carter 78: Bluebird 55-3217A, Smiling Thru' Tears
Wilf Carter 78: Bluebird 55-3217A
Smiling Thru' Tears


Wilf Carter RCA Victor Bluebird B-4601 78rpm record: side A label
Wilf Carter 78: RCA Bluebird B-4601A
The Rescue from Moose River Gold Mine


Montana Slim 45rpm record, Let a Little Sunshine in Your Heart, Decca 9-30633
Montana Slim 45rpm record: Decca 9-30633
Disc jockey demo


Wilf Carter record (Australia) 33rpm LP RCA Camden OCS-944 side two
Wilf Carter 33rpm LP: RCA Camden OCS-944
Made in Australia

Montana Slim record (New Zealand) 33rpm LP Camden CAL-2171 side two
Montana Slim 33rpm LP: Camden CAL-2171
Made in New Zealand

Wilf Carter record 33rpm LP Cowgirlboy 5003 side one label
Wilf Carter 33rpm LP: Cowgirlboy 5003
Made in West Germany


Country Music People magazine, October 1986 – Cover photo: Wilf Carter
Cover photo: Wilf Carter
Country Music People magazine, October 1986
Complete cover


On 9 December 1996
the Nova Scotia Legislature unanimously adopted
RESOLUTION NO. 1059

Mr. George Archibald, MLA for Kings North –
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move
the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Wilf Carter, a country music artist who last week passed
away at the age of 91, was born in Port Hilford, Guysborough County
but grew up in Canning, Kings County; and

Whereas Wilf Carter had developed a truly unique three-in-one or
echo yodel which became a trademark of his performance; and

Whereas for over six decades he sang his songs which reflected a
down-home, simple life, songs about cowboy life, fur trappers and
other Canadiana;

Therefore be it resolved that the Speaker relay sincere condolences
on behalf of the Members of the Legislature to the Carter family on
the passing of Wilf Carter, a Nova Scotia country music legend.

Mr. Speaker – Is the member requesting waiver of notice?

Mr. Archibald – Yes.

Mr. Speaker – Is it agreed that notice be waived?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye.
Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.


Source: Hansard
    http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/hansard/han56-4/h96dec09.htm


Wilf Carter Biography
The Canadian Pop Music Encyclopedia

The Wayback Machine has archived copies of this document:
Wilf Carter Discography

Archived: 1997 April 10
http://web.archive.org/web/19970410040315/http://www.canoe.com/JamCountryEncyclo/carter_w.html

Archived: 1997 August 08
http://web.archive.org/web/19970816000320/www.canoe.com/JamCountryEncyclo/carter_w.html

Archived: 1998 December 05
http://web.archive.org/web/19981205162409/http://www.canoe.com/JamCountryEncyclo/carter_w.html


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The Wayback Machine has archived copies of this document:
Wilf Carter Anthology of Singles & Albums
1934 - 1988

Archived: 1996 December 22
http://web.archive.org/web/19961222212903/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterSA.html

Archived: 1997 August 11
http://web.archive.org/web/19970811102240/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterSA.html

Archived: 1998 December 06
http://web.archive.org/web/19981206101223/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterSA.html

Archived: 1999 September 12
http://web.archive.org/web/19990912221812/www2.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterSA.html

Archived: 2000 June 02
http://web.archive.org/web/20000602173219/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterSA.html

Archived: 2001 July 14
http://web.archive.org/web/20010714162504/http://nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterSA.html

Archived: 2002 April 22
http://web.archive.org/web/20020422153643/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterSA.html

Archived: 2003 July 10
http://web.archive.org/web/20030710031949/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterSA.html


The Wayback Machine has archived copies of this obituary
Wilf Carter 1904-1996
The Singing Legend
Yodelling Cowboy Hits The Trail at 91
Calgary Herald, 7 December 1996

Archived: 1996 December 22
http://web.archive.org/web/19961222195701/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalHerDec796.html

Archived: 1997 August 11
http://web.archive.org/web/19970811102301/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalHerDec796.html

Archived: 1998 December 05
http://web.archive.org/web/19981205234222/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalHerDec796.html

Archived: 1999 October 09
http://web.archive.org/web/19991009000046/nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalHerDec796.html

Archived: 2000 September 14
http://web.archive.org/web/20000914044906/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalHerDec796.html

Archived: 2001 November 12
http://web.archive.org/web/20011122113712/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalHerDec796.html

Archived: 2002 November 07
http://web.archive.org/web/20021107150556/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalHerDec796.html

Archived: 2003 May 02
http://web.archive.org/web/20030502023157/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalHerDec796.html


The Wayback Machine has archived copies of this obituary
We'll Miss Wilf
Calgary Sun, 7 December 1996
(The correct date of publication is 1996, not 1997.)

Archived: 1996 December 22
http://web.archive.org/web/19961222220827/www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalSunDec796.html

Archived: 1997 August 11
http://web.archive.org/web/19970811102429/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalSunDec796.html

Archived: 1999 May 04
http://web.archive.org/web/19990504013656/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalSunDec796.html

Archived: 2000 June 16
http://web.archive.org/web/20000616211325/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalSunDec796.html

Archived: 2001 November 22
http://web.archive.org/web/20011122121852/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalSunDec796.html

Archived: 2002 November 07
http://web.archive.org/web/20021107145255/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalSunDec796.html

Archived: 2003 July 10
http://web.archive.org/web/20030710031324/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalSunDec796.html


The Wayback Machine has archived copies of
Carter's Music Will Live for a Long Time
Halifax Herald, 7 December 1996

Archived: 1998 December 06
http://web.archive.org/web/19981206030148/http://www.herald.ns.ca/chronicle/sat/free/articles/leadstory2.html

Archived: 1999 February 21
http://web.archive.org/web/19990221211330/www.herald.ns.ca/chronicle/sat/free/articles/leadstory2.html


The Wayback Machine has archived copies of
Wilf Carter, The Golden Balladeer

Archived: 1996 December 22
http://web.archive.org/web/19961222182930/www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarter.html

Archived: 1997 August 06
http://web.archive.org/web/19970806045309/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter.html

Archived: 1998 December 02
http://web.archive.org/web/19981202225755/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter.html

Archived: 1999 October 23
http://web.archive.org/web/19991023075439/http://www2.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter.html

Archived: 2000 September 14
http://web.archive.org/web/20000914185020/http://nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter.html

Archived: 2001 August 16
http://web.archive.org/web/20010816083031/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter.html

Archived: 2002 June 09
http://web.archive.org/web/20020609141932/http://www.nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter.html


The Wayback Machine has archived copies of
Wilf Carter Remembrances, Calgary Herald, December 1996

Wilf Carter Never Forgot His Fans
Calgary Herald, 7 December 1996
Archived: 1999 October 09

http://web.archive.org/web/19991009010403/nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalHerDec796b.html


Tribute: People Who Made A Difference, Wilf Carter, A Fan's Fan
Calgary Herald, 11 December 1996
Archived: YYYY MM DD

http://web.archive.org/web/19991008225015/nucleus.com/~cowboy/WilfCarter/WilfCarterCalHerDec1096.html





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