My friend and partner Hank Karr is releasing his new DVD called Long Gone to the Yukon in Whitehorse on March 29th at 6.30pm in the Old Fire Hall on Front Street.When I first met Hank Karr back in 1965, he was the hottest property to hit the Yukon since sourdough pancakes and fresh oranges. He was a ball of musical energy. This Saskatchewan-born son of the soil could deliver any song with ease. Ballads, pop, country, story songs – Hank handled them all.
He had a stage presence so natural, it belied his shyness underneath. Hank Karr did not blow his own horn. He didn’t have to. Whenever he performed, fans and friends would be there to sing along and dance.
Our friendship began when we were recording this first pan-Northern CBC Radio series called Northern Jamboree in the sixties — first in the ballroom of the old Whitehorse Inn, and later in the CBC studios on Third Avenue. From then, and during Canada’s centennial year (1967) when he represented the Yukon at Expo in Montreal, until today, Hank Karr has been a great ambassador for the Territory.
And through the years, he has never forgotten those fans who gave him undying loyalty. To this day, Hank Karr represents a good song well sung. Hank’s voice remains true to the country music sound he enjoys. He is an ambassador of Yukon and its music world-wide.
His CDs and DVD are testaments to the fact that a performer doesn’t have to leave the Yukon to succeed in the music world. He was once asked why he didn’t go to Nashville to make it. His reply was true to his philosophy.
"The Yukon," said Hank "is my Nashville."
The DVD called Long Gone to the Yukon is the second DVD release by the legendary singer. The first was called Hank Karr's Yukon Book of Memories and was released three years ago. It, along with the DVD - Long Gone to the Yukon and three classic CDs of great Northern Music are available at fine record stores and gift shops throughout the Yukon
I was introduced to the music of Hank Karr about 20 years ago by my brother-in-law who lived in Whitehorse at the time. He was in Ontario visiting and had a tape playing in his vehicle. I had to inquire who it was, being a fan of Jim Reeves and Jim Ed Brown. His mellow, pleasant tone of voice reminded me so much of theirs. I hope he would not be offended by that comparison. My wife and I are planning a road trip to the Yukon in May, 2010 and we will be visiting our niece in Whitehorse and I will be looking to pick up whatever CD's or DVD's Hank has available. I would love to know whether he will be doing anything in the way of a music concert anywhere in the area in May, 2010. If someone knows, please let me know at rtaverner@rogers.com. Look forward to seeing your beautiful surroundings soon.
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