THERE is a rare chance to see an international singer-songwriter from Nashville who has links to Elvis and Buddy Holly.
Kevin Montgomery is heading to The Boat Shack in Upton Warren on Wednesday, February 12, and will be accompanied by Louisiana singer-songwriter and violinist Kelli Jones and Gregor Philip from Deacon Blue.
Kevin will be performing many of his songs and reminiscing about his mum and dad’s experiences with Elvis and Buddy Holly and his life on the road as a hard-working musician.
Montgomery’s mum sang with Elvis and his father, Bob Montgomery was Buddy Holly’s first musical partner and wrote songs, including Heartbeat.
Montgomery has written songs for Martina McBride and sung on Lee Ann Womack records and is a hardcore troubadour with four ‘50 states in 50 days’ tours under his belt.
Nashville, New York, and Los Angeles all figure prominently into the musical landscapes that singer/songwriter Kevin Montgomery paints with his high lonesome voice and heartfelt lyrics.
As the child of Buddy Holly’s musical partner and Elvis Presley’s backup singer, Montgomery was destined to go into the music business.
As well as his natural background Montgomery grew up in Nashville which set the rootsy Americana sound as the basis for his work.
He also spent time busking in New York subways.
The wide-open, sun-filled skies of Los Angeles top it all off with an optimism and melodicism reminiscent of Jackson Browne.
He had a strong debut album in 1993 with Fear Nothing which showcased his young talent and earned him slots fronting for label-mate Sheryl Crow.
Montgomery bounced around for several years before departing A and M. He got himself onto a number of compilation discs, including the Buddy Holly tribute Not Fade Away where he duets with Mary Chapin Carpenter.
Montgomery has also collaborated with artists such as Lee Ann Womack, Cindy Alexander, Rodney Crowell, and Anna Wilson.
Both Martina McBride and Juice Newton sought out Montgomery’s tunes to cover.
In 2000, Another Long Story came to light in the UK and Europe and the collection caught Paul McCartney’s ear.
He was then invited to perform at the former Beatles’ annual Buddy Holly birthday event in London.
His popularity overseas has been further proven by the numerous television performances and sold-out concerts enjoyed on every visit.
Call The Boat Shack Cafe, Aztec Adventure, Upton Warren, on 07831 390194 for more information.