Maxi chats to Irish Country Music sensation, live performer and recording artist, Mike Denver. From the Garth Brooks’ classic that countless Irish couples slow danced to back in the day, to a hip-swinging stroke of creative genius from Taylor Swift, read about which pieces of music hold a special place in The Galway Boy’s heart.

Crystal Chandelier,
Charley Pride
My mam has a recording of me singing this song when I was about five or six. It’s on a tape at home. It’s a song that is still in my programme to this day. I am a massive fan of Charley Pride, and I was lucky enough to get to tour with him when he was in Ireland. For anyone who is into country music, Charley is a huge part of it for us all. I was so lucky to tour with many artists that I admire, but Charley is still one of the special ones for me. Ireland played a huge part in his music, so much so that he came every year. I am choosing Crystal Chandelier because it stands out for me. I think of that song and the little kid – me – singing it, and how it has been a song I have loved all my life. It’s timeless. Charley is timeless, and so is Country music. I have been very lucky to tour with Charley, Crystal Gayle, Mo Bandi, and of course, I recorded with George Jones. I flew to Nashville and sang with him in person. Then I toured with him when he came to Ireland.
In May 2008, if I’m not mistaken, we flew to Nashville. What a great memory, we sang live with a band and singers in a studio in the middle of Nashville.

Continue reading in this week’s Ireland’s Own