American country singers David Frizzell and T Jae Christian will headline three shows around Ireland next week. The Phil Mack Country Show on Irish TV Sky 191 is behind the venture, which will see both singers make their Irish debut.

In 1981, David Frizzell recorded his first number-one hit, You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma, a duet with Shelly West. The song was the CMA Song of the Year and was featured in Clint Eastwood’s film, Any Which Way You Can. The song has long since become an American country classic with enduring appeal.

A year later, in 1982, Frizzell had his second number one in the US charts with I’m Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home, a song later covered here in Ireland by TR Dallas.

David is, of course, a brother of the late Lefty Frizzell, who was a legend on the American scene in the 1950s and 1960s. He had his first big chart success with The Long Black Veil and later enjoyed a massive hit with Saginaw Michigan. He died at the age of 47 back in 1975.

T Jae Christian, who resides in Tennessee, may not have a major profile in Ireland, but he is held in high regard by many on the traditional country circuit in the USA.

A fine songwriter, he has had his compositions recorded by such major names as Roy Orbison, Charlie Pride, Jeanne Pruett, Jimmy Martin and many others. He has also produced albums for many top performers.

He performed alongside many of the legends down the years, including George Jones, Buck Owens, Ray Price, Conway Twitty, Roy Acuff, Ferlin Husky, Jimmy Martin, Johnny Paycheck and Lefty Frizzell.

Phil Mack says he is delighted to host these special shows this July.

“I have had long chats with David and T Jae and they are thrilled to be coming over to Ireland. These are real traditional country singers and I believe this kind of country resonates in a special way with Irish audiences.

“We have a host of guest artists on all the shows, so patrons are in for a truly special night of quality music and guests.

“We start in the Silver Springs Hotel in Cork on Tuesday 14 July, where David and T Jae will be joined by Louise Morrissey, Robert Mizzell, Trevor Loughrey, Ben Troy, Lisa Stanley, Crystal Swing, John Permenter, Sarah Jory and the Ryan Turner Band.

“We are in the Allingham Arms Hotel in Bundoran on Wednesday 15 July and then in Armagh, where Robert, Trevor, Ben, Lisa, John and Sarah and the Ryan Turner Band will also be joined by Jordan Mogey.”

Tickets for all three shows will be available at the door each night.