Silverware

 

A few months ago I had a T.V. crew in my office filming an interview. The walls are covered with Platinum, Gold, and Silver Discs and I was asked which of them I was most proud of. My answer was that what I am most proud of is that they start at 1967’s “PUPPET ON A STRING” and go all the way up to 2001 and “THE SONGS I LOVE SO WELL”. Then I pointed out one of the walls that was blank “That’s to remind me” says I, “that there’s still room for a lot more.”

At the last count the tally was something like this:

• 23 Platinum

• 39 Gold

• 52 Silver

• U.K. MUSIC INDUSTRY SALUTES PHIL COULTER.

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Phil Coulter's enduring contribution to the music industry was recognised last month at a glittering ceremony in London's park lane, hosted by the British academy of songwriters, composers and authors. Along with one time songwriting partner bill martin phil was presented with the academy's prestigious gold badge award.in his citation, chairman of the academy Guy Fletcher, led the distinguished audience through Phil's prestigious career and wide ranging catalogue, from early eurovision successes to Elvis Presley, from the bay city rollers to Van Morrison.

 

The chairman particularly applauded Phil's ability to adapt and diversify, pointing out that after the demise of such a successful songwriting partnership he had gone on to conquer new territories. He reminded the gathering of music business legends of Phil's enormous success as a recording artiste and performer, with appearances in the world's most famous venues like Carnegie hall and invitations to perform at the white house and the nobel peace awards, as a producer of outstanding artistes from Sinead O'Connor to James Galway and of his continuing ability to compose a powerful song, like his country's sporting anthem 'Ireland's call'.  Phil received a special acknowledgement from Sir Cliff Richard, and a huge ovation from his peers, including legendary writer/producer Mike Chapman, who had flow in specially from the u.s. To pay his respects.in a report on the award the u.k's guardian newspaper singled out Phil as "one of the unsung heroes" of the music industry.

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Television Spectacular

 

I was deeply honoured when in 2002 the B.B.C. decided to mark my 60th birthday with a major Television Spectacular called “Congratulations and Celebrations,” to be filmed in my home town. It was a massive undertaking, featuring a 70 piece orchestra and a wonderful line up of world class guests including Sir James Galway, Moya Brennan (of Clannad) and premier Irish folk band ALTAN.

My next T.V. adventure was as one of the judges on a talent show called “You’re A Star” for R.T.E. I had a lot of laughs, especially with LOUIS WALSH, one of my co-judges.

Having enjoyed that for a couple of years I was invited by R.T.E. to host my own ten week music series “Coulter and Company.”
It was hugely successful and ran for three seasons. The guests were of a calibre seldom seen on Irish television, and ranged from songwriting greats like Albert Hammond and Mike Chapman to Country legends like Guy Clark, John Prine and Nanci Griffith. I had a ball.

I’ve always loved good Country music, but it was probably the joyous experience of working with those talents that gave me the idea for my next album “Classic Country.” Again it was something different and gave me a chance to put my own instrumental spin on some great Country songs.

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