Overview

A tribute to Big Tom McBride, ‘the Johnny Cash of Irish country music’. From labourer to music star, the journey of the singer who brought so much joy to fans at home and to emigrants abroad over five decades. Featuring never-before-published interviews with Big Tom and the country stars who loved him, as well as exclusive family photographs, this book is full of the characteristic wit and warmth of Ireland’s greatest country music legend, Big Tom. Big Tom McBride was the original Irish country music star, who paved the way for today’s new wave of artists. His unique voice and sincere delivery earned him the title The King of Irish Country. He was held in huge affection by many thousands of devoted fans, and was greatly loved and respected by his fellow musicians. Throughout Big Tom’s music career, spanning five decades, he packed ballrooms and marquees the length and breadth of Ireland and Britain, with his band The Mainliners and later with The Travellers. His records sold by the tens of thousands, and he had numerous Top Ten hits. Legions of fans were transported by his beautiful singing, evoking an Ireland of a more innocent age. Many made the pilgrimage to the McBrides’ home outside Castleblayney, County Monaghan, where they were greeted with genuine, warm-hearted hospitality. Tom Gilmore has interviewed family, friends and fans, as well as unearthing previously unpublished interviews with Big Tom himself. This book also features tributes to the music legend from luminaries of music, sport and politics.    

Full Product Details

9781788490641

Table of Contents

Reviews

superb -- Fr Brian Darcy * Sunday World * a treasure trove -- Galway Advertiser set to be a Christmas bestseller -- Connaught Telegraph entertaining -- Evening Echo

superb -- Fr Brian Darcy * Sunday World * a treasure trove -- Galway Advertiser set to be a Christmas bestseller -- Connaught Telegraph an entertaining tribute -- Evening Echo Book of the Year -- CCR Radio readable and highly entertaining -- Sunday World It's a funny, comprehensive view of his life story ... pretty much everything you need to know -- Marc Roberts' Keep it Country TV the story of a very Irish icon -- Irish Mail on Sunday the perfect present for country music fans this Christmas -- Antrim Guardian and Ballymena Guardian a must-have for Irish country fans -- The Anglo Celt

a must-have for Irish country fans   -- The Anglo Celt the perfect present for country music fans this Christmas -- Antrim Guardian and Ballymena Guardian the story of a very Irish icon -- Irish Mail on Sunday It’s a funny, comprehensive view of his life story … pretty much everything you need to know -- Marc Roberts’ Keep it Country TV readable and highly entertaining -- Sunday World Book of the Year -- CCR Radio an entertaining tribute -- Evening Echo set to be a Christmas bestseller -- Connaught Telegraph a treasure trove -- Galway Advertiser superb -- Fr Brian Darcy * Sunday World *

Author Information

Tom Gilmore is a journalist, author and broadcaster with The Tuam Herald and Galway Bay FM. He was recently honoured for his outstanding contribution to country music presented by Big Tom himself. Tom Gilmore has been writing about country music for over 30 years. Big Tom said of Tom Gilmore: ""Tom and myself go back a long long way. He is one of the nicest people in the business and it is great to see that he is being honoured here tonight. He has always been a gentleman since the first time I got to know him. I think this has come as a big surprise to him.""

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