This is a subscriber-only article
Al Grant is taking his acclaimed Jim Reeves Tribute Show on its last tour of Ireland.
The Scottish singer has announced he is bringing the curtains down on the show, which has enjoyed major success over the last 12 years.
The show, which began its fourth Irish tour last week, features Al singing many of the best-known songs of the legendary Texan country star, as well as video screen footage of Jim Reeves from the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Jim Reeves
“I always loved the songs of Jim Reeves and have been singing them since I was around 14-years-old.
"I never thought back then I’d be going out doing a tribute show to Jim. It has been an absolute privilege to present these shows.
“People are so kind and you can always feel the warmth there is for Jim Reeves here in Ireland.
"When people remark to me that when they close their eyes they think they are listening to Jim Reeves on-stage, I take that as a lovely compliment.
I always try and feel the emotion in each song and put my heart into it.
Tragedy
Jim Reeves, one of America’s best-known country singers of all, died in a small plane crash in Tennessee on 31 July 1964.
He was piloting the plane at the time. The only other person on board was Dean Manuel, the piano player with Jim’s band. He also died.
“I was probably not aware of the iconic status in which Jim Reeves was held here in Ireland,” reflects Al.
“I started featuring Jim Reeves’ songs on the guest spots I did on Isla Grant’s shows and the audiences loved them. Before I knew it they were all singing along with me.
“CMR Records was quick to spot this and asked me to record a Jim Reeves tribute album.
"It proved very successful and soon I was encouraged to put together a Jim Reeves Show.
Tom Kelly promoted the show and I have had a very good run with it. It is phenomenal to think that it is now 54 years since Jim’s tragic death and his songs still have such appeal and outreach to audiences everywhere. It is truly amazing the impact he has had on country music.
“I’ve absolutely loved doing the show, but everything has a life span and I am happy to have taken the decision to conclude the series when this tour ends. In my heart I feel the decision is right.
“I will continue to do guest spots on Isla’s shows and she is doing a nine-date Irish tour from 28 February until 11 March.
"We are taking time out in the months ahead for Isla to record a new album and DVD this summer.”
The two-hour show, Welcome to My World - The Life and Music of Jim Reeves, featuring Al Grant and band with special guest Isla Grant, is now on its final Irish tour.
There are dates in Killarney, Newtownabbey, Enniskillen, Armagh, Tullamore, Enniscorthy, Loughrea, Sligo, Dundalk, Blanchardstown and Dún Laoghaire.
All the details and contact numbers for the venues can be had by visiting tomkellypromotions.com.
SHARING OPTIONS: