What genre/genres do you consider your music to be?

Irish Country

How long have you been performing?

I first sang at my school concerts and in my late teens I started off singing in a band in local venues in County Fermanagh and neighbouring counties with my cousin Raymond Coulter.

I then moved to Belfast at 25 and had stopped singing regularly for many years after my cousin who played in the band with me passed away suddenly. I instead went into media and promoting Country music. I worked for the Newsletter for many years and other titles. Alongside managing music artists, judging talent competitions, publicist etc.

It was only about four years ago, after Irish Country legend and good friend Gene Stuart passed away that I took to the stage for the first time again after an absence of many years.

I had been asked to sing a tribute to Gene Stuart at a Country Music Legends concert in Castlebar, Co. Mayo that I was attending. I reluctantly agreed and I sang a few hits of Gene to a very appreciative audience. Ever since that I've been in great demand.

Where do you perform?

I perform everywhere from the Ulster Hall in Belfast to a church hall in Brookeborough.

What is your favourite song to perform and why?

I love singing 'Old Father Time' because it's a very simple country story song about life. I recorded it a few years ago and it's been very popular for me.

What has been your biggest gig to date?

I've performed at many big concerts, it's hard to pick just one. Indeed my first professional performance was when I was just 16. I was asked to sing at a Country Music Jamboree in front of over 3,000 at Ashbrooke Estate outside Brookeborough.

Any funny gig/rehearsal stories?

I could write a book with the amount of crazy things I've seen happening when out on the road especially backstage antics. But I'd get into alot of trouble if I told you.

Who are your major influences?

From I was no age I used to listen to my mum's record collection. And the artists I loved and admired back then are still the singers I listen to today.

I've been extremely privileged that I've met and become close friends with most of my heroes, like Irish Country music legends the late Larry Cunningham, Gene Stuart and Big Tom.

'The Queen of Country' Philomena Begley, Brian Coll and Ireland's 'First Lady of Country' Susan McCann who was always my favourite singer of all time.

What would be your dream gig?

Well that's already in the pipeline and only weeks away now.

I have for some time now championed the cause to let the public have their say when it comes to Country Music Awards in Ireland. Most of these events are only chosen in there entirety by music industry insiders and announced in the media before the event. So I'm excited to be hosting the very first Northern Ireland Country Music Awards voted by the public. The awards are be held on Monday, February 3 in the Seagoe Hotel, Portadown. And I have to say I'm totally overwhelmed by the huge response and excitement from the majority of our Country artists from throughout Northern Ireland offering to lend their support to the event.

I'm really looking forward to hosting this event alongside Sandy Kelly and Big T from Downtown Radio.

Voting is online and open between January 1 and 26. All nominees and winners only announced on the night.

Best moment as a musician so far?

Again I'm lucky enough to have quite a few to look back on and choose but it was when I was touring with a Showband Show a few years ago with all the stars of that era including Dickie Rock, Red Hurley, Brian Coll etcetera and I was opening the show with my personal tribute to good friend the late Gene Stuart.

It was a little nerve-racking firstly because I was going to be singing the hits of one of the most loved legends in country music in Ireland but even more so because I knew Gene's wife and family were in the audience.

What is the most unusual venue you have played?

I honestly can't think, maybe it's my age or maybe I have blocked the painful memory out of my head.

What is your ‘go-to’ encore song?

I generally never get through performing at a show without being requested to sing 'I'm Just Lucky I Guess'. A number one for Gene Stuart.

What's the best thing about performing?

It's the real adrenaline rush you get from getting up on stage and singing in front of a packed venue. All performers will tell you it's a buzz like no other.

Do you always perform solo or do you also play with a band?

I don't sing full time due to other commitments, hosting Sky TV shows, writing for newspapers and because with ongoing medical conditions I just couldn't do it. I do a lot of guest spots at events and I'm always in demand for hosting major country music events.

What does 2020 hold for you?

Well I've just moved back to Fermanagh before Christmas after living in Belfast for 17 years. Mostly because my mum has been ill and I wanted to be closer and support her. But also because I've ongoing health issues which can prevent me normally planning very much in advance.

But like 2019 I'll be continuing to perform at events which support good causes helping to raise much needed funds and awareness.

I also plan to finally record an album and unsurprisingly will be made up of the hits of Big Tom, Larry Cunningham and Gene Stuart.

Any last words?

Words mean nothing if not followed up by action.