Tommy Emmanuel: Life As A Force Of Nature

Explicit content warning

01/31/24 • 50 min

In this podcast episode of “More In The Moni”, we spotlight the extraordinary life and career of guitar virtuoso, wizard, Jedi Knight of the guitar and all round legend: Mr William Thomas Emmanuel, affectionately known as Tommy. Born on May 31, 1955, in Australia, Tommy has left an indelible mark on the global stage as a renowned guitarist.

With an illustrious career in music, Tommy has earned widespread recognition for his solo work, boasting multiple award-winning recordings. In June 2010, he was honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), and in 2011, he secured a coveted spot in the Australian Roll of Renown. In 2019, MusicRadar acknowledged him as one of the world's top ten acoustic guitarists of all time, solidifying his status as a musical luminary.

Tommy's authenticity and genuine enthusiasm shine through in his live performances and recordings, capturing hearts across diverse audiences. His joy, rooted in an endless well of inspiration, transcends language barriers, creating an undeniable connection with listeners. As Tommy puts it, "When I was a kid, I wanted to be in show business. Now, I just want to be in the happiness business. I make music, and you get happy."

Throughout his career, Tommy has collaborated with esteemed musicians, including a notable performance alongside Stuart Fraser for the Concert for Rwanda at the invitation of John Farnham. His fearless fingerpicking guitar virtuosity earned him the title of "Certified Guitar Player" from the legendary Chet Atkins in 1999. Their subsequent collaboration on "The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World" elevated Tommy to new heights of recognition and respect.

Tommy's musical prowess has garnered him numerous accolades, including four Country Music Awards of Australia (CMAA) wins, two Australian Entertainment Mo Awards, and acclaim on the international stage with Grammy nominations, ARIA Awards, IBMA Awards, and various "Best Acoustic Guitarist" titles.

In an exclusive interview during his mid-tour, Tommy shares some fascinating insights on performing live and building an audience: "Regardless of Social Media and all of that, you still have to build it, you still have to create it. It’s up to you... have some good songs, make sure that what you do is absolutely something you can stand on - It’s rock solid.”

Tune in and listen to this heart warming and fascinating interview with the incredible Tommy Emmanuel, exploring the highs and inspirations that have shaped his remarkable journey in the world of music.

https://linktr.ee/yehyehben

https://linktr.ee/yehyehben

Previous Episode

Andy Dunlop: The Art Of Songwriting and all things Travis

Welcome to the “More In The Moni" podcast! In this episode, we explore the incredible story of Andy Dunlop, writer and lead guitarist of the international success story “Travis”. Andy is a music enthusiast whose passion catapulted him into the heart of the industry.

Andy, a true music lover, found his magic in melodies and rhythms, making school a secondary focus. Discovering his guitar prowess at a young age, he crafted a universe of sound, incorporating everyday noises into his music for a unique touch. As his love for music grew, so did his ambition. Andy, along with like-minded friends, formed the band Travis. Their 2003 album, "The Man Who," skyrocketed them to international fame, a result of Andy's dedication and belief in the power of his music.

Reflecting on his roots, Andy shares, "I was all about classical music, but at 11 or 12, I dived into rock music like AC/DC." His early exposure to live performances fuelled his passion, setting him on a path to success.

Despite fame, Andy returned to education, teaching aspiring musicians. He emphasises the importance of taste, saying, "You can be an amazing musician, but if your taste in music is garbage, it won't get you anywhere."

Andy's journey, fuelled by a genuine love for music, is a testament to the idea that success comes to those who pursue their passions wholeheartedly. Join us as we unravel the extraordinary musical journey of Andy, the guitarist guided by his love for music.

https://linktr.ee/yehyehben

Next Episode

Muzoon Almellehan: Staying True To Yourself

Good music is about being inspired by people, and one of the most inspirational people I've ever met is UNICEF Ambassador Muzoon Almellehan. In this weeks episode of ‘More in The Moni’ I sit down with Muzoon and talk about her life and discuss many of the challenges she has had to face.

Muzoon was born in 1999 in Syria and is a prominent activist and refugee whose tireless efforts have garnered her the title "Malala of Syria." Raised in the city of Daraa, Muzoon's upbringing was shaped by the dedication of her father, a schoolteacher, and the values instilled in her family.

The outbreak of the Syrian civil war forced Muzoon and her family to flee to Jordan in 2014, seeking refuge in overcrowded camps amidst the turmoil. Despite the upheaval, Muzoon remained steadfast in her pursuit of education, valuing her books above all else as they symbolized hope for a brighter future.

Her journey to the United Kingdom was marked by resilience and determination, as she negotiated her family's relocation under a government initiative aimed at aiding Syrian refugees. Settling in Newcastle, Muzoon faced the challenges of adjusting to a new language and culture, yet she remained undeterred in her pursuit of knowledge.

Muzoon's advocacy for girls' education emerged from her own experiences witnessing the plight of young girls forced into early marriages amidst the chaos of conflict. In refugee camps, she became a beacon of hope, urging parents to prioritise their daughters' education and empowering children to defy societal norms.

Her activism caught the attention of Malala Yousafzai, a fellow advocate for education, leading to a friendship that transcended borders. Inspired by Malala's unwavering dedication, Muzoon continued her advocacy, earning recognition on a global scale and eventually becoming the youngest GoodWill Ambassador of UNICEF in 2017.

Despite her newfound platform, Muzoon remained grounded in her mission to uplift marginalised communities, returning to Jordan to support students striving for education amidst the ravages of war. Her story serves as a testament to the power of education as a catalyst for change, inspiring countless individuals to persevere in the face of adversity.

Though Muzoon is not a figure of the music industry, I think we can all learn from her resilience, her determination and her ability to have a vision and stay true to herself. Tune in now!

https://linktr.ee/yehyehben