Charlie Landsborough has a soothing, lyrical voice as he weaves the magic of his ballads. He is a master storyteller who has captured the hearts of audiences across the globe.
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Australia holds a special place in his heart and, at the age of 78, he is performing his farewell tour to thank the people who have supported him throughout his long career.
The UK balladeer is flattered by the question of his likeness to Leonard Cohen. "Leonard is a phenomenal writer and Jennifer Warnes' album Famous Blue Raincoat, where she covers his songs, is one of my all time favourites. However, I'm not a fan of Leonard's own vocals although my son loves his voice."
When asked what made him realise he was a good storyteller, he says: "I was playing in a club many years ago and had started telling the odd tale to lighten proceedings. At the end of the night an older man came up and said kind things about the music. Then he proceeded to tell me he was a little disappointed as I hadn't told many stories. He said that was the main thing he'd come for! Then I realised that the stories were an important part of what I do".
He has written hundreds and hundreds of songs in his lifetime, but says the "vast majority are not particularly good".
"I have drawers full of old scribbling which will never see the light of day. But all the attempts are worth it for the odd occasion when you write one that means something to someone else. I subscribe to the view the more shots at goal you have the more likely you are to score. I'm thankful that I've scored a couple of times."
Landsborough humbly says some artists have been kind enough to record his songs. "Folk like Daniel O'Donnell, Jack Jones, Pat Boone and Foster and Allan are amongst them."
He says he keeps coming back to Australia because he loves the Aussie approach to life.
"I like the sense of humour, that there's no class system; the general friendliness and warmth; that it's less PC here. The Aussie expression 'no worries mate' typifies the approach to life here. Now that expression is heard all over the English-speaking world."
His good friend and fellow performer Terry Gordon, OAM, is touring with him. "I've known Terry for a long time now and we became instant friends. He's much loved here and I well understand why. We have similar tastes in music and whisky and we both love all things humorous. It seemed natural that we would finish up performing together. He's a great entertainer.
"When I first came down here I asked Foster and Allen what Australia was like. They said the country is like Ireland. I thought it was an odd comparison until I came here. But the Irish people were responsible for my breakthrough and I'll be forever grateful."
With 27 stops on this tour a lot of stamina is needed. "I think that what sustains you is the love of what you do. I'm surrounded by friends and meet great people. That pleasure makes the effort all worthwhile."
When asked what advice he would give to his younger self he says: "I'd tell myself to start writing earlier, be less self conscious, less eager to try and please everyone, be more willing to take chances and I would embrace my faith much earlier than I did".
You can have faith in the fact you will enjoy this wonderful entertainer's performance at Laurieton United Services Club on Tuesday, March 17, at 7pm. Tickets are $49 at the club.