Legendary Rogers confirmed for Castlebar

Country Roads

KENNY Rogers, one of the major names on the American country circuit for over four decades, is heading to Mayo. The acclaimed entertainer will headline his own show at the new TF Royal Theatre in Castlebar on Saturday night, March 21 and further details in relation to support acts will be announced later.

I recall a warm summer’s evening at the Midlands Music Festival at Ballinlough Castle close to Delvin in Co Westmeath two years ago when Kenny Rogers stole the show. It was a memorable performance by the man who showed some real style and class with the audience swaying and singing along to his string of hit songs.

Born in Houston, Texas in 1937, Kenny Rogers is an American institution. But the man who got a massive break in 1977 was on the verge of quitting showbusiness when the song ‘Lucille’ came along. It was a mega hit both stateside and on this side of the Atlantic and catapulted Rogers to the very top.

Soon, he could do no wrong, hitting the premier spot again with ‘Daytime Friends and Nighttime Lovers’ some months later. The good times had arrived for Kenny Rogers. He had struck a purple patch and next down the line came ‘The Gambler’, a song written by Dom Schlitz and one which has since become one of the great standards of country music. ‘Coward of the County’ followed in 1980 and Kenny Rogers’ special place in the history of the music was well and truly set in stone.

In a career which has spanned the decades, Kenny’s fondness for studio work has been remarkable. He has released 63 albums since the 1950s. Concert-goers are in for a real treat when Kenny Rogers comes to town.

Tickets for the show can now be booked at www.royaltheatre.ie, www.ticketmaster.ie, any ticketmaster outlet or from the box office of the Royal Theatre, Castlebar at 0818 300000.

Haggard inspires Williams album

MERLE Haggard has long been a true legend of the American country scene. Elected to the Country Hall of Fame some years ago, his career has spanned the decades, his rebellious nature ensuring his iconic status along the way.

Haggard has had a major influence on country music and many who followed in his footsteps are generous in their acclaim of ‘Hag’. Whenever good ole boys and gals get together for a country ‘jam’ session and sing-song, it is rare indeed if some Merle Haggard songs are not sung from the heart during the night.

A brand new album from Leona Williams is the latest tribute to Merle Haggard. This one is rather special because Leona is an ex-wife of the country legend. They were married for around six years before they went their separate ways back in the 1980s.

One of the finest country female singers of them all, Leona has penned some great songs, including the prophetic number one hit for Merle, ‘Some Day When Times Are Good’, ‘I’m Gonna Leave You’.

Her new album contains thirteen songs from the Merle Haggard chart list and this is country music as it should be. I’ve never heard a better version by a female singer of the classic ‘Today I Started Loving You Again’. Among the other classics on this collection are ‘Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down’, ‘It’s Not Love’, ‘Daddy Frank’, ‘The Fightin’ Side of Me’, ‘Okie from Muskogee’, and ‘Hungry Eyes’.

Leona, who now lives in Vienna, Missouri, and who guested at shows in Claremorris and Sligo last year, is a regular performer in Branson. She has a great love for Ireland and hopes to return here again for another tour.

“I feel very much at home with Irish people. You could almost say I’m missing that Irish way in recent times. The Irish people who enjoy country music are very much at home with the traditional roots of the music and that’s the kind that has always been closest to my heart,” she told me on the phone last week.

Leona Williams sings Merle Haggard is now on general release on both sides of the Atlantic.

Loughrey wants All-Ireland double for Tyrone/Mayo

SHAUN Loughrey (pictured) can scarcely avoid the hype in the build-up to the All-Ireland Finals on Sunday week. His late dad Johnny was a staunch Tyrone man and they take on Kerry in the senior game. His late mother Mary was formerly Prendergast from Feamore, Irishtown and a loyal supporter of the red and green. And Mayo face Tyrone in the minor showdown.

Shaun is taking it all his stride and, with great diplomacy, will be hoping for a Mayo win in the minor final and a Tyrone victory in the senior match!

On the music front, Shaun is very happy with the big reaction to his new single, ‘Living Proof’, a lovely country number that is picking up a lot of airplay on regional radio. The Ricky Van Shelton song is also a big hit with the dancers.

Shaun and his band return to Mayo this weekend and you can catch them in Digger Jay’s in Ayle on Friday night, September 12.