Tamworth: Star Maker announced & Hall of Famers inducted
As the Tamworth country music festival kicked off in 40-degree heat for its 47th year, two of its major events took place on the weekend.
Last night saw a huge crowd out to see Port Macquarie’s Blake O’Connor take out the 40th Toyota Star Maker.
He won with a cover of Ozark Mountain Daredevils’ ‘If You Wanna Get to Heaven’ and his own ‘Worth a Little More’.
The 18-year old wrote his first song at 14 when he got a gig playing a wedding.
He released a self-titled debut EP last June and toured with Adam Eckersley & Brooke McClymont on their Highway Sky Tour.
Eckersley said he was a hit with their audiences, adding, “Blake is extremely talented and driven, and it’s clear to see that he has what it takes to make a career out of music.”
The nine other finalists were Arna Georgia from Sans Souci NSW, Chelsea Berman from Terrigal NSW, Jake Sinclair from Springhurst NSW, Juliet Oliver from McLaren Vale SA, Leigha Moore from Sippy Downs QLD, Linc Phelps from Gympie QLD, Lizzie Steadman from Kootingal NSW, Matt James from Mt Gambier SA and Stephanie Penrose from Moore Creek NSW.
Star Maker, Australia’s longest-running search for a new country music star, launched Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, James Blundell, Travis Collins, Gina Jeffreys, Beccy Cole, Sam McClymont (The McClymonts), Darren Coggan, Lyn Bowtell, Kirsty Lee Akers and Kaylee Bell.
Last year’s winner Brad Cox, from Jindabyne, has two nominations for best new talent and contemporary album of the year in the 2019 Toyota Golden Guitars.
Meanwhile, at the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame event, 11 individuals were recognised for their contribution to country music.
They were Ron and Rosie Adsett, operators of the Country Music Store in Brisbane; bush balladeer Ashley Cooke; producer Ross McGregor; photographer Robyn McIntosh; artist Aleyce Simmonds; artist Gina Timms; and musician and recording studio operator Lindsay Waddington.
Two were inducted into the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame: retired announcer and video director/producer Graham Archer and the late South Australian broadcaster and industry figure Wally Sparrow.
The 2019 Eric Watson Literary Award inductee was Anna Rose who wrote about country music for the Northern Daily Leader for almost 30 years.