Country music followers in Ireland, the UK and overseas learned of the recent passing of Al Grant with much sadness.
Al (76) had been coping with an illness in recent months. He was husband of singer and songwriter, Isla Grant.
Albert Gallon (Al Grant) was born on October 22, 1947, in the Scottish Borders where he grew up. He started his singing when he was 23 in working men’s clubs in Scotland and the North East of England where he formed his own country band fronting and playing bass.
He met Isla and started a new band in the early 80s.
The incredible success of Isla’s own songs catapulted her into the limelight in Scotland and Ireland and her fame soon spread through England and to Australia, New Zealand and Canada, where she enjoyed amazing success.
Ireland became her real launching ground and a visit to the Old Fair Day in Tubbercurry eventually led her to be signed up by manager Tom Kelly from Ballina, who was also Brendan Grace’s manager for many years.
Al, who always had a fondness for the songs of Jim Reeves, one of America’s most legendary country singers, began doing guest spots when singing two or three songs by Jim on Isla’s shows.
Such was the response from audiences that Al had to do the ‘Jim Reeves’ slot at all the shows. He later performed his own Jim Reeves Tribute Show for 12 years around Ireland and the UK with Isla doing a guest spot each night.
In one of my interviews with Al some years ago, he reflected on his career in country music.
“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 that I’d be going out doing a tribute show to Jim. It has been an absolute privilege to present these shows.
I was probably not aware of the iconic status in which Jim Reeves was held here in Ireland
“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 while on stage.
“I was probably not aware of the iconic status in which Jim Reeves was held here in Ireland. I started featuring Jim Reeves songs on the guest spots I did at Isla Grant’s shows and the audiences loved them. Before I knew it they were all singing along with me.”
“CMR Records in Dublin were 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.”
Al recorded four albums with CMR Records, three almost exclusively dedicated to the Jim Reeves repertoire. His classic interpretation of Jim Reeves songs have an amazing similarity to the voice of one of country music’s best loved singers.
This endeared him to many people when he sang songs such as I Love You Because, He’ll Have To Go, There’s A Heartache Following Me, My Heart Is In Rosa Rio, This World Is Not My Home, Anna Marie, I Guess I’m Crazy and a host of others.
His legion of friends all over the island of Ireland join with us in extending condolences to Isla and the family on the death of a true country gentleman.
The Petersens for Cork show
Country and bluegrass followers have a treat in store when The Petersens will perform in St Luke’s, Summerhill North, Cork, on Thursday, 22 August.
The highly acclaimed American family group is based in Branson, Missouri, and the show in Cork is the last of five on their European tour that also includes gigs in London, Belgium, Germany and France.
Their YouTube videos have over 200 million views as they bring music of the Ozarks to the world with a warm and laid-back country feel that has endeared them to so many.
Patrons can expect a variety of songs ranging from Gospel favourites to Country Roads and Delta Dawn.
A full house is expected for their show in Cork and a warm welcome awaits this down-home country family from Missouri. Show time is 8pm.