Melinda Schneider Tamworth 2010

SCHNEIDERVILLE
Jayco Country Theatre, TRECC Tamworth 3pm, 16th January 2010

Melinda Schneider - Requests and Duets
Blazes, West Tamworth Leagues Club, Tamworth 1.30pm, 22nd January 2010

Click on the posters to enlarge for more details...

 

TOUR USA WITH MELINDA IN 2010

MELINDA WINS HER 6th CMAA GOLDEN GUITAR AWARD

'Still Here', the heart warming duet with Paul Kelly wins a Golden Guitar for 'Vocal Collaboration of the Year' at the 37th CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia. 'Still Here' is the latest single from the ARIA nominated album Be Yourself.

You can listen to 'Still Here' and watch the video at Melinda's MySpace page...

MELINDA SCHNEIDER AND PAUL KELLY CROON

ON THE 2ND SINGLE ‘STILL HERE’, TAKEN FROM MELINDA’S FOUR TIME CMAA NOMINATED ALBUM ‘BE YOURSELF’...

What Paul Kelly said about recording Still Here with Melinda - "I like the tune and the words. Long lasting love is the hardest kind of love to write about. I like the way our voices sound so different yet blend kinda salty-sweet. Cool clip, too. They should all be so easy." - Paul Kelly

'Still Here’, a duet by two of Australia’s most loved artists, singer/songwriters PAUL KELLY and MELINDA SCHNEIDER is undoubtedly one of the highlight tracks from Melinda’s latest, four time CMAA nominated album ‘Be Yourself’.

This heart warming love song was co-written by Melinda and long time Nashville collaborator Jay Knowles. ‘It’s about a long term relationship gone right’ said Melinda. ‘It’s the kind of love so many of us strive for in life, one of understanding and acceptance. When Jay and I finished the song, the first person who came to my mind to sing it with was Paul. I’ve always been a fan, so when he agreed to record it with me I was so happy’.

After an invitation by Paul to put down the vocals at his home in Melbourne, Melinda found herself standing in front of one of two microphones in Paul’s kitchen. It was there Paul and Melinda’s voices combined to bring the simple, heartfelt lyrics to life with a charming intimacy so rarely captured. Paul said "I like the tune and the words. Long lasting love is the hardest kind of love to write about. I like the way our voices sound so different, yet blend kinda salty-sweet. Cool clip, too. They should all be so easy."

‘Still Here’ is nominated for Vocal Collaboration Of The Year at the 37th CMAA Awards in January, one of Melinda’s four nominations, which also include Female Vocal Of The Year, Album Of The Year and Single Of The Year for her independently released album ‘Be Yourself’. ‘Still Here’ is undeniably one of the album’s most compelling songs.

“Be Yourself finds Melinda more assured in her voice and her craft as a songwriter. The ringing clarity of the production and the album's impeccably uncluttered arrangements beautifully reflect the new clarity in her outlook." - Michael Dwyer, Rolling Stone

MELINDA'S STAR STUDDED LINE UP

Three Huge Talents – One Big Show

Melinda Schneider has announced a sensational lineup for her Toyota Country Theatre Show at TREC on Saturday January 17th 2009 in Tamworth. Joining Melinda for performances will be Multi Platinum, Australian Rock Legend Mark Gable, plus one of Australia’s finest, award winning comedians, Darren Carr.

Building on a friendship forged in 2008 during their work as ambassadors for the charity Nordoff Robins Music Therapy, Melinda was delighted when Mark agreed to come and be her special guest at Melinda’s Tamworth TREC show. “I have always admired Mark’s talent from afar, his songwriting ability and distinctive voice are legendary in this country. When we finally met last year, I gained an even deeper respect for what he has achieved musically and what a huge contribution he has made to Australian Rock history with his song ‘Run To Paradise’. I can’t wait to see him blow the audience away during the show, which is actually his Tamworth debut! He stands alone vocally and musically, there’s nobody out there like him.”

In addition to Mark, Darren Carr takes the stage on a Melinda show for the first time at TREC. “It seemed only fitting to feature Darren. We kind of grew up together in the entertainment industry. We have a lot in common, Darren’s dad being Iconic Pianist Warren Carr (most people would remember playing piano on Play School) and my mum also being an artist. In fact, Warren and mum worked together many times over the years. I guess that kind of makes Darren like a brother to me. I love him, he’s incredibly talented and funny. We need more people like Darren in this world,you can never have too much laughter.”

Melinda herself has been stunning audiences Australia-wide for the last decade winning five coveted CMAA Golden Guitars along the way and, barely taking a breath since the release of her hit album BE YOURSELF in July 2008. Over the past six months Melinda has launched her independent record label, Be Music, dueted with Olivia Newton-John and Paul Kelly, been nominated for an ARIA for ‘Best Country Album’, toured with Kenny Rogers, received four nominations at the 37th Annual CMAA Awards including ‘Female Vocal’ (Be Yourself), ‘Single Of The Year’ (Be Yourself), ‘Vocal Collaboration’ (Still Here) with Paul Kelly and ‘Album of The Year’ (Be Yourself) and appeared on ‘Enough Rope with Andrew Denton with her mother Mary Schneider.

This stellar performer and songwriter presents a stunning show which takes the audience on a journey from the deepest most heart-felt ballads, to the lighthearted and often infectiously joyous and real songs she is so well known for. No doubt a memorable three way collaboration is bound to occur, in what is destined to be a spectacular opening to the 2009 Festival season at Toyota Country Theatre on Saturday January the 17th.

Melinda Schneider Dates:

Toyota Country Theatre at TREC - Saturday 17th January 2009 - 4pm Special guests – Mark Gable and Darren Carr www.visittamworth.com.au

West Tamworth League Club – Blazes Friday 23rd January, 2.30pm special Guest Darren Carr Ph: 02 6765 7588

*SPECIAL OFFER * SPECIAL OFFER * SPECIAL OFFER * SPECIAL OFFER * SPECIAL OFFER * SPECIAL OFFER* Receive one FREE ticket to Melinda Schneider In Concert at the Toyota Country Theatre at TREC Saturday 17th January, 4pm with every purchase of Melinda’s latest album Be Yourself.
Available through the following stores: Target, BIG W, Golden Guitar Gift Shop, Muster Appeal Store, TREC.

Melinda Schneider and Mark Gable Q & A

Two of our most accomplished singer/songwriters, Melinda Schneider and Mark Gable team up at the Toyota Country Theatre for Melinda’s January 17th Concert at TREC. The show is destined to kick-off the venue’s 2009 Festival season in a spectacular way. Melinda has cemented her credentials as a true star of country music, but what inspired her invitation to rock legend and Choirboys front man Gable, who makes his Tamworth Festival debut this year?

We caught up with Melinda and Mark amidst their busy schedules to find out more about how this musical connection came about…

When did you first hear each others music?

Melinda: I was in 16 when ‘Run To Paradise was a hit! Now that’s scary. I remember loving the female roadies in the video…such a cool idea and very eighties. Mark’s voice is so distinctive, not many male singers have his range and energy. I remember back then thinking how catchy Choirboys songs were. I think they are etched in our memories forever.

Mark: The first time I heard Melinda’s singing capabilities, was at a charity event that we both hosted. We did an impromptu version of “Run To Paradise”. I’m sure that like the rest of Australia outside country music, I had no idea up until that moment what an amazing voice and stage presence Melinda has. It was only after that time that I began to acquaint myself with her beautiful albums and incredible songwriting capabilities. From that moment on I was turned into an avid country music fan.

How did you first come to work together?

Melinda: The first big gig we did together was the Olivia Newton – John and friends concert in Sydney last September. I performed a duet of my song ‘Courageous’ with Olivia and Mark did ‘Run To Paradise’, but I was completely taken aback when Olivia asked Mark and me to sing ‘You’re The One That I Want’. There we were, singing the final song of the night, the biggest hit from Grease, with Olivia standing on stage with us….it was a bizarre experience for sure! I loved singing with Mark, it felt very natural.

Mark: Olivia Newton-John was after a bunch of friends to do a charity show at the State Theatre. Olivia asked Melinda and me to do a duet of the classic Grease song ‘You’re The One That I Want’. Melinda sang brilliantly, I sang sharp, but it was the highlight of my year.

What did you learn about each other from being on the road together?

Melinda: Mark’s energy levels and performance skills astound me. He is the ultimate entertainer, spontaneous, fun, funny, passionate and knows how to take charge and take the audience on a journey. He’s fascinating to watch on stage, he holds your attention. We’ve written a couple of songs together too, through working with him I’ve realised he has a really good handle on what a song needs…he knows when something is missing and what it is.

Mark: Melinda is not like any other performer I have met. She is total professional and is consumed by doing her utmost to do a brilliant show for both the punters and herself.

How did your love of country music begin? How does the country music scene differ from the Rock and Roll music world?

Melinda: Everybody has heard this one a million times before, but mum of course. Mum and my Aunty Rita are definitely responsible. Because of them, I listened to and formed a love of bluegrass and country music from an early age. The Country scene differs in some ways from the Rock world, but in other ways the country scene is similar. Most Rock and Roll music fans who are over 50 don’t really have any newly recorded, original Rock music to listen to, country/rock has therefore become their thing. Country artists tour Australia now like the rock acts did in the 50’s, 60’s 70’s.

Mark: As I stated earlier, I had never really taken a great deal of interest in country music. Now that I have met Melinda I am growing to love country music more and more. The country music scene seems to be full from real people, wanting to do real things. I think country music fans are more loyal than rock ‘n’ roll fans. I think a country performer can have a longer career in country music, than someone in rock or pop.

What will people be able to expect to hear at your show at the Toyota Country Theatre at TREC?

Melinda: We’re gonna do some old stuff, some new songs from Be Yourself and have a lot of laughs I hope. There’ll be a few surprises, a new song of mine that nobody’s heard before and a duet with Mark that I’m really looking forward to singing. I love collaborating.

Mark: I’m going to do exactly what I do when I’m in front of a normal rock ‘n’ roll crowd. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got, I reckon I’ll have twice as much fun as I normally do because I will be playing in front of what I hope is a more appreciative crowd.

Catch Melinda and Mark together with Darren Carr at the Toyota Country Theatre at TREC - Saturday 17th January 2009 - 4pm www.visittamworth.com.au

MELINDA'S NEW SINGLE & VIDEO

Melinda’s brand new single ‘Still Here’, a duet with Paul Kelly will be released to radio 1st January 2009. The ‘Still Here’ Video clip will air on CMC early January 2009.

MELINDA GETS WAXED

Melinda Schneider is to be immortalized in wax at the Country Music Gallery of Stars in Tamworth, alongside legends Smoky Dawson, Slim Dusty, Tex Morton, The McKean Sisters and others.

Melinda will be the 27th singer songwriter on permanent display and says "I am thrilled and honoured to be alongside some of the great artists who have been such an inspiration to me".

Gallery of Stars owner Wendy Bennet said "Selecting our Stars is an intense process based on professional longevity and accomplishments and Melinda is one of our hardest working and most popular performers. She has kept her family tradition alive since her stage debut at age three, performing with her mother Mary Schneider and she continues to be a leading light for the new breed of country music artists."

Melinda has experienced the first stage of sitting for the artist and her figure will be unveiled 10.30am Tuesday 20th January at the 2009 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

For more information, please contact Wendy Bennet at the Country Music Gallery of Stars on 02 6765 2688.

Melinda at 'Olivia and Friends' Concert - photos and videos

Olivia Newton-John, Melinda Schneider, Mark Gable and James Reyne
 

Video - Melinda sings 'You’re The One That I Want'
with Aussie Rock Icon Mark Gable

The songbirds...Olivia and Melinda perform 'Courageous'

Olivia and Melinda

Melinda Schneider and Mark Gable do the red carpet thing!

MELINDA SCHNEIDER RECEIVES ARIA NOMINATION FOR THE ALBUM 'BE YOURSELF'

Media Release - 11th September 2008

Melinda Schneider’s new album 'Be Yourself' was recognised at yesterday’s 2008 ARIA Awards nomination event in Sydney, receiving a nomination for “Best Country Album”. This year’s awards ceremony will take place on 19th October.

Experience has driven Schneider to the path of total independence. The result is a record with integrity. “Be Yourself” is the first release on her own label, Be Music. Melinda co-produced and recorded the album in Nashville with the legendary Mike Clute (Faith Hill, Diamond Rio) and Gordon Kennedy (Peter Frampton, Eric Clapton) as well as co-writing each of the album’s 13 tracks. These new songs are very much a personal account for Melinda and it’s an album of which she is understandably proud. On learning of her nomination, Melinda said today “I was thrilled to hear that Be Yourself had been nominated for an ARIA, I’ve worked hard on this project and what makes it even sweeter is that this comes at a time when I’m stepping out on my own. You’ve got to love that!”

Tune into Channel 7’s The Morning Show 12th September to see Melinda perform live with James Reyne. (Check the Morning Show Video Archive for a replay)

"As a songwriter and singer Melinda Schneider is one of this country's truly important artists." - Glenn A Baker “Schneider has emerged with possibly the most pure and complete representation of her own musical personality yet. There’s a voice of experience and attitude and her vocal delivery is authoritative and unpretentious in it’s story telling”. - Martin Jones, Rhythms

"Be Yourself finds Melinda more assured in her voice and her craft as a songwriter. The ringing clarity of the production and the album's impeccably uncluttered arrangements beautifully reflect the new clarity in her outlook." - Michael Dwyer, Rolling Stone

Melinda is about to hit the road for a 3 month period of live shows, starting at Rooty Hill RSL in Sydney – see above for latest touring details.

MELINDA SCHNEIDER SET TO BE HERSELF WITH ANDREW DENTON!

Visit the Enough Rope with Andrew Denton website to watch video snippets, the full interview in audio MP3 or read the fulltext transcript!

Melinda Schneider and her mother Mary are set to talk intimately on Enough Rope with Andrew Denton tonight, coinciding with the release of Melinda’s fifth studio album, the powerful ‘Be Yourself’.

Airing on the ABC from 9.35pm, Melinda and Mary talk with complete honesty about their relationship, life stories and the Schneider family music heritage. The not to missed interview will be topped off by Melinda’s live performance of a magical acoustic version of the album’s title track ‘Be Yourself’. The song was inspired by one of Enough Rope’s interview guests back in 2006, who uttered the words “Be yourself, everybody else is taken”. The message resonated strongly with Melinda. ‘Andrew had asked his guest what she had to say to anyone going through what she’d been through in her life, when she spoke those words they hit me like a tonne of bricks. I knew instinctively I had to write the song and that it would be the basis of my whole next album. It just felt right.’

The album ‘Be Yourself’, in store now on Melinda’s independent label Be Music and distributed by DestraMusic, debuted at #3 on the ARIA Country Chart. The single ‘Be Yourself’ is currently #11 on the ARIA Country Music Top 30 airplay chart (source: The Music Network), #3 on CMC’s top 10 video chart and made The Music Network’s top 20 most added list across all genres, coming in at #19!

Melinda returns from 'The Great Walk To Beijing'

Hi everyone,
I just got back from Beijing and I am so elated. What an amazing, life changing experience!

Walking along side cancer survivors, doctors and others who had lost loved ones to cancer was an extremely powerful and positive thing. Olivia Newton John was an absolute inspiration, walking for 21 days and over 200 kilometres along the Great Wall. She was so strong, happy and positive every day and her energy filtered through to the rest of us.

I’d like to thank my good friend Lizzi Dayney – Morrissey for getting me involved in the first place and Olivia for doing me the honour of recording my song ‘Courageous’ as a duet for the ‘Great Walk’ album. To all my new friends, Sigrid, Tammy, Angela, Phil and Louise, Paul, James, Debbie, Henry and Estelle...I love you guys!

This has been a week I will never forget and carry with me always.

You are......you are courageous.......walk on......walk on......these are the times that can make us courageous and strong...

Love and strength,
Melinda xxx

Melinda, Sigrid, Olivia, Lizzi	Tammy, Sigrid, Sir Cliff, Melinda
James, Melinda, Lizzi	Melinda, Ian, Sigrid

Melinda Walks Great Wall For Cancer With Olivia

Hi Everyone,
Just a quick email to let all my mates know that at the end of April, in just a few days, I am part of Olivia’s walking team for ‘The Great Walk To Beijing’!

This event will help raise money to build a much needed Wellness Centre for the Olivia Newton John Foundation.

As you know, I lost my beautiful dad, Keith to Cancer four years ago now and miss him terribly, so I will be walking in his memory. He’d be looking down and smiling I’m sure…he always taught me to try and help others in any way possible….so here goes.

To help raise this money, the walkers need people to sponsor their steps. I would love to give this my best shot, so even if you could donate the minimum amount of $10, that would be wonderful...every bit helps!

I have also been lucky enough to have recorded a duet with Olivia for her ‘A Celebration In Song’ Olivia Newton-John and Friends album...with a song I wrote...Courageous.

To sponsor my steps is easy...
1) Click Here
2) Then on that page click on the amount you would like to donate
3) Then go to the checkout button to pay by credit card

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for your constant support.

When I return home from the walk, I'll be hitting the ground running with the release of my brand new album ‘Be Yourself’, in stores July. I’m looking forward to seeing you all when I come to your area and start touring again in a few months time. Check back here for tour dates and all the latest news.

Love and strength,
Melinda xoxo

MEDIA RELEASE: MELINDA WALKS AND SINGS WITH OLIVIA

Melinda has committed to complete Stages 5 and 6 of the Walk, which takes place late April and will see a team of high profile international celebrities, Olympians, business leaders, corporate partners and cancer survivors take part to help Olivia raise funds for the global fight against cancer.

The trek itself covers 228 kilometres over 21 days and is something Melinda is thrilled to be a part of: “When Olivia asked me to join her on the great walk and I learned how the monies raised would be used, I said yes straight away. I lost my dad to lung cancer four years ago and the fight against cancer is very close to my heart. I’m in training now and hope that as many family, friends and country music fans sponsor me so that I can really contribute to Olivia’s mission.”

Each step of Melinda’s trek can be sponsored at www.greatwalktobeijing.com and all funds will be driven back through the ONJ Foundation to build Australia’s first Wellness Centre, providing complementary therapies to support patients on their cancer journey.

Melinda and Olivia have formed a special bond, recording Melinda’s new song “Courageous” as a duet to be featured on Olivia’s album “Songs Of Hope And Inspiration: Olivia And Friends”, which is being released as a charity album to coincide with The Great Walk, all proceeds going to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre.

Following Melinda’s successful start to the year, winning her fifth CMAA Golden Guitar, this time for ‘Top Selling Album’ with Stronger, will be the release of her brand new album, Be Yourself. The title track and first single “Be Yourself” will impact at media w/c 21st April.

For more information on the event, visit www.greatwalktobeijing.com
For more information on the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre Appeal visit www.oliviaappeal.com

For further information on Melinda Schneider:
Anouk Van Meeuwen Publicity - Ph: 0411 724 598 or email:

PRESS RELEASE : Tamworth 2008

Melinda Heads Star Studded Line Up

Three Huge Talents – One Big Show

Melinda Schneider has announced a sensational lineup for her Toyota Country Theatre Show at TREC on Saturday January 19th 2008 in Tamworth. Joining Melinda for performances will be Australia’s Queen Of Yodeling Mary Schneider, plus one of Australia’s finest and most accomplished singer-songwriters, Deborah Conway.

Building on a friendship forged during the Broad Tour of 2006, Melinda was delighted when Deborah agreed to come and perform a set at Melinda’s Tamworth TREC show: “I have always admired Deborah’s talent, courage and musical conviction and having been inspired by my experience with the Broad Tour last year I am excited to return the welcome to Deborah, for what is actually her Tamworth debut! When ‘It’s Only The Beginning’ was a smash radio hit, I was so impressed. To me Deborah is the epitome of strength, vocally and personally. She stands alone musically, there’s nobody out there like her. And then there’s her brilliant portrayal of Patsy Cline in the ‘Patsy’ theatre show”.

In addition to Deborah, Mary Schneider takes the stage on a Melinda show for the first time with a full band. “It seemed only fitting to turn the tables in 2008. I started out singing at my mother’s shows, and now I’m able to welcome her on mine. Apart from the fact she’s my mum, Mary truly is a musical phenomenon”, said Melinda.

Roll Of Renown inductee Mary Schneider has won countless awards and been wowing fans for over 50 years with her amazing vocal and instrumental ability. She’s been ‘Yodelling The Classics’ all over the world, and has performed with the likes of José Carreras, Sir Peter Ustinov and Bryan Ferry.

Melinda herself has been stunning audiences Australia-wide for the last decade winning four coveted CMAA Golden Guitars along the way and, barely taking a breath since the release of her hit album STRONGER, has spent most of November 2007 recording her fifth studio album in preparation for an early 2008 release. This stellar performer and songwriter presents a stunning show which takes the audience on a journey from the deepest most heart-felt ballads, to the lighthearted and often infectiously joyous and real songs she is so well known for. No doubt a memorable three-way collaboration is bound to occur, in what is destined to be a spectacular opening to the 2008 Festival season at Toyota Country Theatre on January the 19th.

Melinda Schneider Dates:

Toyota Country Theatre at TREC - Saturday 19th January 2008 - 2pm
Special guests – Mary Schneider and Deborah Conway www.visittamworth.com.au

West Tamworth League Club – Blazes Friday 25th January, 12 midday
special Guest Peter Denahy Ph: 02 6765 7588

For interviews -  
Email:        management@melindaschneider.com

Melinda Schneider and Deborah Conway Q & A

Two of our most accomplished singer/songwriters, Melinda Schneider and Deborah Conway team up at the Toyota Country Theatre for Melinda’s January 19th Concert at TREC. The show is destined to kick-off the venue’s 2008 Festival season in a spectacular way. Melinda has cemented her credentials as a true star of country music, but what inspired her invitation to rock icon and Broad spearhead Conway, who makes her Tamworth debut this year with guitarist- partner Willy Zygier?

We caught up with Melinda and Deborah amidst their busy schedules to find out more about how this musical connection came about…

>> When did you first hear each others music?
 
Melinda: I have always been a huge fan of Deborah’s. When ‘It’s Only The Beginning’ was a smash hit on the radio, I thought it was so cool. To me Deborah is the epitome of strength, vocally and personally. She stands alone musically, there’s nobody out there like her.
 
Deborah: I had produced a show called BROAD in 2005 basically pulling 5 female singer/songwriters from as wide a genre base as possible. (Everyone is on stage together to collaborate on each other’s songs and to conduct a discussion revealing some intimate workings of us as songwriters.) I was putting the 2006 version of it together and listening to a whole bunch of different female country singer/songwriters when I came across Melinda. She blew me away, her voice had so much clarity and cut and she had a very artful way of song construction. I loved her stuff immediately.

>> How did you come to work together?
 
Melinda: I received an email early 2006 from Deborah asking me if I’d like to be a part of her all female show ‘Broad’. It took me about a second to read the email and call her back to say I’d love to be a part of it.  We toured all around Australia and had an absolute ball!
 
Deborah: Well once I’d heard this voice and those songs I got in touch with her via her then record company and made her an offer to participate in BROAD. She was very open to the idea and responded quickly and positively.

>> What did you learn about each other from being on the road together?
 
Melinda: Deborah is an innovator. When she has an idea, she goes for it. I felt very empowered by her strength and belief that anything is possible.


Deborah: I just fell in love with Melinda’s warmth and openness, she lays herself out which I believe is the source and strength of her songwriting. She’s a wonderful collaborator and she brings an enormous depth of musicality to her performances.


>> How did your love of country music begin?
 
Melinda: Mine started pretty early, thanks to my mum. She bought me Ricky Skaggs’ ‘Country Boy’ album when I was about 10 and I have been hooked on Country and Bluegrass music ever since. My mum and Aunty Rita (The Schneider Sisters) also had a hillbilly double act back in the 50’s for about 25 years and were very cool and very much ahead of their time, so being exposed to that from birth was a huge influence on me musically.
 
 
Deborah: I guess Hank Williams was my first true country music love affair, the songs, the rawness of those performances, they cut right through. I loved Patsy Cline’s voice though I don’t think I really appreciated what an extraordinary singer she was until I had the privilege of playing her in the stage show of Always...Patsy Cline in 2001. At that point, listening as I did with the attention of a student learning from the master,  I grasped what a profound talent she was. Lately I have found that my country music appreciation is getting deeper, Gillian Welsh and Dave Rawlins, those amazing Bluegrass performers like Alison Krauss, Alison Browne and Ralph Stanley.

>> What will people be able to expect to hear at your show at the Toyota Country Theatre at TREC?
 
Melinda: I’ll be performing a lot of the songs that people kind of expect me to sing, as well as trying out some of the songs from my new album due out 2008 that I’m really excited about. I’m also thrilled to have my mum Mary as a special guest on the show this year. Life’s funny, I started out singing with her at her gigs, now she’s singing at mine! The three of us might even get to warble on something together…I hope.
 
Deborah: a warm, woody performance with Willy and myself going hard at it with our geetars. We’ve been writing songs that reflect this recent love affair with country/roots music and I have to say I can’t wait to get them in front of discerning country music fans. Of course we’ll throw in a few old faves and what would you say after learning that I’ve played Patsy Cline if I couldn’t throw in a couple of her tunes too.  Should be a fine afternoon for music lovers – no doubt I’ll worm my way into of Melinda’s set at some point too. Irresistible.

Love you Billy, goodbye…..

2004 CMAA Awards Melinda and Billy Thorpe sing "When The Last Child Leaves Home" photo courtesy of the CMAA.

When I heard the news yesterday that Billy Thorpe had passed away I was deeply saddened.

He has been so supportive of me over the years that I felt I needed to write about it.

I first met Billy about 8 years ago at the Emerald Country Music Festival where we were both performing. He had invited all of the other acts on the bill to get up on stage with him and join him on his last song "I Got My Mojo Working".

Everyone took a verse but I felt Billy was waiting for someone to really rock. When it was my turn, something inside me snapped, I grabbed the mic and started singing throwing in some wailing blues/gospel licks between each line. I looked over at him and he had a big beaming smile on his face, nodding his head and yelling ‘yeah’! In that moment, through music, we had connected. We traded a few licks, the song ended and after the show he came up to me and said ‘Who are you?’ I said, ‘Melinda Schneider’, he told me he had known my mum in the 60’s, he’d met her on a Brisbane TV show called ‘Teen Beat’.  I had heard her speak fondly of Billy my whole life.

Then he paid me the biggest compliment, ‘you sound just like my good friend in the States, Becca Bramlett’.  Well, I idolize Becca, so that was the highest compliment he could have paid me from another singer’s point of view.


2004 CMAA Awards Melinda and Billy Thorpe sing "When The Last Child Leaves Home" photo courtesy of the CMAA.

From that day we vowed to write together. It didn’t happen for a couple of years, we just didn’t get around to it. Then one night I bumped into him at an APRA function and we made a date. In early 2002 I turned up at his studio in Surry Hills and I must admit, I was a little nervous. He was larger than life, very strong and I wanted to deliver the goods as a writer - after all, he was one of the best. We sat down with our Maton guitars and started to strum and talk. We spoke about life, as I always seemed to with Billy and he was telling me about when his wife Lynne and he were living in LA and their daughters left home, they had suffered a bit of empty nesters and as I recall it was the catalyst for them moving back to Australia. I can’t remember who came up with the title ‘When The Last Child Leaves Home’, but as soon as we had that, the rest of the song quickly followed. It was a simple, heartfelt country song and a real tear jerker.

I recorded it on my album ‘Happy Tears’ and soon after, Billy and I did it as a duet. Again, a day of recording I won’t forget, he got his part in one take and nearly blew up the microphone with his power! We performed it at the 2004 Golden Guitar Awards, as always he was impeccably dressed, in fact he was probably the first person to don a dinner suit on stage at Tamworth.

His elegance, confidence, originality and positivite outlook will stay with me always. His unwavering belief in me I will draw on whenever I lose faith. His brutal honesty is something I aspire to.

Thank you Billy for all your words of wisdom and advice, stories about life and for your friendship, I’m gonna miss you.