tommy emmanuel

Over the years, growing up in Australia

I was always aware of an amazing musician by the name of Tommy Emmanuel

Even as a kid, I knew that Tommy was one of the best guitar players in the world

Tommy started working as a proffessional musician when he was 9 years old

He, along with his family (his brother Phil is also a shit hot picker) toured Australia constantly with their family band

Tommy’s incredible gift and unique style has seen his popularity take off all over the world

He’s won just about every award there is to win

Including being nominated twice for a Grammy

I remember sitting on the floor of my apartment in Nashville, watching Tommy & his brother Phil, showing the world just how good they are

At the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics in 2000

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One of the most prestegious things to happen in Tommy’s amazing career

And something that ANY guitar player would give their left nut for

Was a collaboration with the legend, and Tommy’s personal hero, CHET ATKINS

Not only did Tommy & Chet make some incredible music together

(The Day Finger Pickers Took Over The World is a staple on my iPod)

(I took this pic last week, from the wall of stars backstage before our show in Ayr. Where ever you go, you can bet Tommy has been there before – at least twice!)

In 1999 Chet awarded Tommy the honour of CERTIFIED GUITAR PLAYER

It is the highest accolade for any guitarist, and very few can claim to be a CGP

I have met Tommy many, many times over the years

And a lovelier man you will never meet

He is known throughout the industry as a really great bloke

And in a world top heavy with egos & self importance

Tommy has neither

I had the privilege of playing with him a few years ago in Chicago

Don’t worry, I just pretended to play, and let Tommy make my song sound beautiful

And yeah, it was a straight song

Tommy’s manger, Gina has been a great mate of mine for many years

We were even room mates in Nashville for a while

But that’s a whole ‘nother blog

This week, I learned from Gina that Tommy has just been awarded the THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

It is:

An Australian society of honour for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service

Which basically means Tommy was presented with a medal, by order of the Queen of England, for his service in music to the people and youth of Australia

It is, ‘as good as it gets’

And I can’t think of another bloke more deserving

Congratulations Tommy

You make me proud to be an Aussie

I was going to say ‘Aussie Musician’

But I thought that’d be pushing it a bit

Well done mate!

 

*photos (stolen from) Gina’s facebook account