British Stars: Charlie Landsborough

Charlie Landsborough is veteran singer-songwriter who has been performing since the 1970s, he is known for his blend of country, folk and gospel music. He has released over 20 albums and won several awards, including a BCMA Award for International Act of the Year.

Sure, I can try to write the introduction for you. Here is one possible example:

If you are a fan of UK country and folk music, you have probably heard of Charlie Landsborough, one of the UK’s top country acts and a prolific singer-songwriter. Charlie Landsborough has been making music for over five decades, but he rose to fame in 1994 with his touching song “What Colour is the Wind”, which tells the story of a young blind child’s attempts to envision the world. Since then, he has released 28 albums, sold over 700,000 units, won several awards, and performed at prestigious venues around the world. He has also been inducted into the British Country Music Hall of Fame, a testament to his legacy and impact on the genre.

Early Life and Influences

Charlie Landsborough was born on 26 October 1941 in Wrexham, Wales, the youngest of 11 children. His father was a ballad singer and his mother loved Hank Williams and Gracie Fields. His brothers were sailors who brought home guitars and country music records from such artists as Hank Williams, Jimmy Rodgers, Ferlin Husky and Montana Slim . Charlie grew up near the docklands of Birkenhead, surrounded by animals, music and laughter. He left school early and worked in various jobs, such as an apprentice telephone engineer, a railway worker and a flour miller. He also joined the army for four years and played in a band in Germany. He later became a teacher and married his wife Thelma. He wrote songs and performed on a semi-professional basis, but he did not achieve fame until much later in his life.

charlie landsborough 2019
Charlie Landsborough performing in 2019

Breakthrough in 1994

In 1994, Charlie’s song “What Colour is the Wind”, which tells the story of a young blind child’s attempts to envision the world, became a hit in Ireland after he appeared on a TV show.  The song was used as the title track of one of his albums, which sold over 100,000 copies.
Following the album’s success in Ireland, where he appeared on a TV show, Charlie Landsborough gained popularity in the UK and other countries. He appeared on several TV shows, such as Pebble Mill at One, Wogan and The Late Late Show. He also performed at prestigious venues, such as the London Palladium, the Grand Ole Opry and the Sydney Opera House.
Since then, he has released ten additional albums, including originals, greatest hits and double CDs of previous releases. Overall, sales of his albums have exceeded 700,000 units. He also has had two number ones singles in the Irish pop chart, and several of his albums have topped the British country charts. He has also won several awards, such as the BMCA Best Male Vocalist for three years in a row, and the Southern Country Award for best album. He has also been inducted into the British Country Music Hall of Fame on his 70th birthday.

One of his most successful releases, Still Can’t Say Goodbye was recorded in Nashville in 1999 and resulted in Landsborough winning the BMCA Best Male Vocalist (2000) for the third year in succession, and the Southern Country Award for best album. He has performed at most major concert halls and theatres in the UK, including the London Palladium. He also toured Australia and New Zealand in 2001.

Charlie Landsborough is a remarkable example of how a childhood full of love, music and laughter can inspire a successful and fulfilling career. His songs reflect his diverse musical tastes, his warm personality and his genuine emotions. He is one of the UK’s top country acts and a beloved singer-songwriter who has touched many hearts with his music.

Some of his most popular songs include “My Forever Friend”, “What Colour Is The Wind”, “I Will Love You All My Life” and “Love You Every Second”. He has also covered songs by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot and others.

Charlie Landsborough is a storyteller who shares his life experiences, emotions and faith through his music. He has touched many people with his songs of love, hope, joy and peace. He is a humble and generous man who often performs for charity and supports various causes.

To conclude this article about Charlie Landsborough, I would like to end with a quote from one of his songs that captures his spirit and vision:

“I want to live my life so that when I die / The world will be a better place for you and I / I want to leave behind me a little bit of light / A little bit of hope to help you through the night”

– “Shine Your Light” by Charlie Landsborough

 

Share this: