Stu Davis

Born as David Stewart, Stu Davis’ love of country music began in his early childhood when he began collecting cowboy songs and ballads. His music career began at the age of 18, when he and his brother Fred sang as the Harmony Boys on CKCK in Regina.

Eventually becoming known as “Canada’s Cowboy Troubadour”, Davis spent time in the Royal Canadian Air Force before moving to Calgary in 1945, where he performed on CFCN Radio, at the Calgary Stampede, and at the Buckhorn Guest Ranch.

In 1946, Davis, on the advice of Canadian country star, Wilf Carter, recorded his composition ‘What A Fool I Was’ for the US label, Sonora. The song would go on to become a major hit for Eddy Arnold in 1948. Davis also made appearances on US radio’s “National Barn Dance” in Chicago and Nashville’s “Grand Ole Opry”.

Working first from CBC Winnipeg and then CBC Edmonton, Davis starred in a daily radio show as well as several television series through the 1950s and 60s, including “The Stu Davis Show”, “Swing Your Partner”, “Rope Around the Sun”, and “Trail-Riding Troubadour”. He was the original singing host of ”Red River Jamboree”.

Davis’ songs have been recorded by country greats Wilf Carter, Ray Price, Hank Snow, and the aforementioned Eddy Arnold, among others. His own recordings were released on RCA Victor, Apex, Aragon, London, and Quality labels.

In 1969 he returned to the recording scene briefly, releasing new material under the pseudonym, “Johnny Canuck”.

Stu Davis passed away on March 25, 2007 at the age of 85.