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Tommy had a musical upbringing, learning guitar from a young age and playing as a drummer in a group called Goldrush with his brother Phil. He moved on from this small project to become lead guitarist in The Southern Star Band who were the backing group for vocalist Doug Parkinson at the time and Emmanuel's reputation grew further. He then moved on to tour extensively with rock group Dragon, their schedule included a spell as a support act for the legendary Tina Turner. After this varied and exciting beginnings of his music career, the foundations were set for his solo career.
His solo endeavours were successful, he has recorded over twenty albums in his characteristic finger style guitar playing. His musical talents earned him the opportunity to work alongside artists such as Chet Atkins, Air Supply, Sir George Martin, John Denver, Eric Clapton and Doc Watson to name a few. His latest album 'The Colonel and The Governor' was released in 2013 and was a collaboration with Martin Taylor.
He is one of Australia's most celebrated artists, having performed at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In June 2010 Tommy was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to music. Whilst In 2012 he was honoured on the other side of the pond due to his mastering of the "finger style" method of guitar picking. Therefore the Commonwealth of Kentucky awarded Emmanuel the Kentucky Colonel title, this is the ultimate honour awarded by the state.
Tommy Emmanuel’s performance combines classical technique, with modern country good looks and easy going soft rock spirit. He has relocated from Australia to the heart of country music – Nashville, Tennessee. His performance is truly impressive. It is rare that a guitarist can be noticed by the mainstream purely for their technical skill. In a musical era where it seems all one must do to achieve worldwide recognition – acclaim even – is tweet some racy photos, star in a reality show and get someone to produce a single of you singing a song that you most likely didn’t write, Emmanuel is most refreshing.
The only other example I can think of is Carlos Santana, one other classical world musician who has transitioned into the pop-sphere based on an appreciation of actual talent.
To him, Tommy Emmanuel is most definitely comparable. His mad fingered plucking style transitions many genres, from blues and jazz to bluegrass, country and folk, and all I can do is shake my head in awe at how often the most obvious qualities are overlooked.
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