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The town made famous by Big Tom in his Four Country Roads song, Glenamaddy, will host a special night in memory of the great man and also host the first Irish performance of John Rex Reeves, nephew of one of country music’s greatest legends, Jim Reeves.
The Big Tom Tribute Night takes place in the Oaklands Hotel in Glenamaddy on Friday 27 September and organiser Julie Healy is sparing no effort in making this a night to cherish out west.
“I always loved Big Tom and Jim Reeves, and I thought it would be a great idea to link those two amazing legends with a big show in my hometown that Tom made a household name through his hit song.
“I was checking up on Jim Reeves on the internet when I came across an item about his nephew who lives in Texas and has recorded some country albums. I made contact with him and said I would love to have him visit Ireland.
“He was very enthusiastic from the outset as he had never been to Ireland. He was aware that his uncle Jim had a great fondness for this country and had intended to record a full album of Irish songs before his tragic death in a plane accident near Nashville in 1964.
“The end result is that John Rex is coming over to perform in Glenamaddy in September and we are getting an enthusiastic response to the news with people coming from all over the country. He is really looking forward to meeting the people and performing a selection of Jim’s best-loved songs,” says Julie.
John Rex said: “Growing up in east Texas, I was fascinated with country music, and through the years, my love for the simple, heart-felt ballad has become a part of my natural being. I listened in awe as my uncle Jim would sing for us during his visits to Panola County, Texas, while taking a few days off from his touring schedule as a top recording artist for RCA Records.
“He would sit, just him and his guitar, and sing country ballads so melodic and haunting and though I was a youngster, his music would stir my very soul,” reflects John Rex.
The Big Tom Tribute Night of cabaret and dancing will also feature guest spots by Damian Davis, Philomena and Michael O’Brien, Aoife Leonard, Pat McKenna, Johnny Carroll, PJ Murrihy, Sabrina Fallon, Kieran Lundy, Pat Mulchrone, Mick Mulhern, Paul Molloy, Eddie Carey, Malcolm McDowell, Camillus Egerton and Tommy Burke. The Conquerors will provide the music for all the acts. CL
Tickets for the show are now on sale from the Oaklands Hotel and other outlets and directly from Julie Healy at 087-9049 388.
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