When Big Tom Sang Gentle Mother

A young Donegal singer who has just completed his Leaving Cert is picking up huge airplays on country shows all over Ireland with his latest release, When Big Tom Sang Gentle Mother. Keelan Arbuckle has been quietly making a name for himself over the last three years, but this song looks set to raise him to a higher plane.

The song, a co-write between Margo O’Donnell and Joe McShane, was intended for Big Tom under the original title Thank God I Heard Gentle Mother.

Tom had heard the song and was going to record it, but sadly he never got the chance to put it down in the studio.

Margo says they decided to change the lyrics around slightly so that it became a tribute song to Tom.

“Keelan and his mother called by to visit me in Castleblayney after Tom’s funeral and Joe McShane rang from Chicago while they were here. Providence seemed to take hold and the changes were made before Keelan left for Donegal.

“He recorded the song within days under the guidance of Clive Culbertson and I think he has done an amazing job on it. He lives every word of the song and I can feel his love for the legend who was Big Tom as he sings it.

“Keelan has so much going for him and I think this song will let so many people see what this young man is all about. I am so proud of him and I know Big Tom would be proud of him too,” says Margo.

Keelan says the response has been overwhelming and messages of goodwill and support have been pouring in since the song hit the airwaves.

“Big Tom was one of my inspirations in country music, from his hits like Gentle Mother to Four Country Roads. I fondly remember the first time I visited Tom and Rose in their home in Oram, along with Margo. It was one of the best days of my life to be in the company of the legend in his home. It was such a surreal experience.

“There was something truly special about him and the way he treated us younger folk with such warmth and kindness. Tom was very supportive of what I was doing and gave me some great advice. I still can’t believe the king is gone. It was such a sad day. I want to dedicate this song to the McBride family and I hope it is a fitting tribute to Big Tom and Rose,” says Keelan.

A measure of the sincerity of any artist can be gauged from the respect they show to their heroes. Not only did young Keelan journey from Donegal for the funeral of Big Tom, but he also made the long journey back again to attend the Month’s Mind mass for the country legend.

Keelan, who hails from Burnfoot, said farewell to pupils and staff at Crana College in Buncrana last week after sitting his final Leaving Cert exam, where he took seven subjects including English, Irish, Spanish and, of course, music.

“My plans are to study music technology in Derry if the exam results go the way I want them to,” says Keelan. “I intend to combine further studies with my music career and continue to play gigs with my new five-piece band, as well as doing individual guest spots on shows and concerts around Ireland.

“I want to express special thanks to my manager Steve Bloor for all his work over the last three years and to Margo who is proving such a big support for me these times. My family has been on board from the outset of my journey.”

It has been quite a journey already for the young man, who will celebrate his 18th birthday on 23 September. CL