R. Harlan Smith (born Robert Harlan Smith, November 6, 1939, in Central Butte, Saskatchewan) is a Canadian country music singer, songwriter, record producer, and record label executive. He is best known as a founder of the Canadian country music label Royalty Records, and for his performances and recordings both as a solo artist and as a duo with his wife Chris Nielsen.
Career
Smith began his career in Edmonton under the name Bob Smith, playing guitar and singing in 1966 with the group Two Sharps and a Flat. His recording with the Common People for the Apex label of his song "Ode to Suburbia" became a major Canadian hit in 1970. He adopted the stage name R. Harlan Smith in 1972 and, singing in a relaxed country-pop style, released a succession of hit singles between 1972 and 1980, including "Ding-A-Ling Debbie," "Momma Brown," "Life & Love & You," "Here Comes Yesterday," and "We've Got the Magic."
In March 1974, Smith founded Royalty Records in Edmonton, Alberta, with business associate Jack Dubasz. The label grew to become one of Canada's most successful independent record labels, featuring artists such as Chris Nielsen, Gary Fjellgaard, Danny Hooper, Lisa Brokop, and others.
Awards and Recognition
- Two-time Juno Award nominee for Best Country Male Vocalist (Juno Awards of 1977 and 1979)
- Nominated with Chris Nielsen for Best Country Group or Duo (Juno Awards of 1981)
- Recipient of Big Country Awards as a record producer (1976, 1980) and for best album (Here Comes Yesterday, 1977)
- Inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame as a builder in 2005
- Recipient of the Alberta Achiever Award of Excellence
- Served as president of the Alberta Recording Industry Association (1997) and twice as a director of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA)
Selected Discography
- Bob Smith Sings (1970)
- Uptown Country (1972)
- I Remember Love (1973)
- Song for Shelly (1974)
- Song for a Country Man (1975)
- The Best of R. Harlan Smith (1975)
- Here Comes Yesterday (1977)
- We've Got the Magic (1978)
- Stolen Moments (1979, with Chris Nielsen)
- Two Stepping Round (1988)
Smith wrote over 100 songs, which have been recorded by some 20 other artists. As of 2003, he remained president of Royalty Records.
