Musicians of the Midnight Sun: Archie Loutit

Musicians of the Midnight Sun is a new 10-part CBC radio series produced by northern musical icon Pat Braden. Braden has spent 15 years collecting interviews, photographs, and recordings from some of the North's most celebrated artists, which he is releasing in an online archive.

A new episode of the 10-part series will debut on CBC Radio One's The Trailbreaker every Tuesday morning at 7:40 MT.

Listen to Episode 7 of Musicians of the Midnight Sun:

Archie Loutit was 12 years old when he got his first guitar.

He was so young, he wasn't even allowed to hang out with the band at the Yellowknife Royal Canadian Legion branch where he played between sets.

"So every time they finished a set, I'd have to go into the kitchen and sit there for a while," said Loutit.

Loutit is the eighth musician profiled by the new CBC radio series Musicians of the Midnight Sun.

Loutit died onSept. 3, 2018, but before he passed away, he shared his memories with series producer Pat Braden.

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Loutit grew up with music in his family. His aunt played the fiddle alongside former Yellowknife mayor Fred Henne at the Legion.

He's known as the founder of the band Northbound Freeway, which played the music halls and speakeasies of Yellowknife. He also hosted a variety show on CFYK.

Always humble, Loutit said he learned how to play rock 'n' roll by imitating Elvis.

"After a while, I advanced from two chords to three," he said.

You can listen to Braden's full interview with Loutit and see photos from then and now on the project's website.