Kings and queens of country music at Agricultural Show

THABAZIMBI – Nationally acclaimed country singers such as Barbara Ray, Bobby Angel, Clive Bruce, Billy Forest and Tommy Oliver will all make appearances at the Thabazimbi Agricultural Show from 31 July until 2 August.
Barbara Ray, considered to be the “Queen of country music” in South Africa became a household name after moving here from Scotland in the mid-sixties. She started recording and has performed in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Scotland, Madeira and Australia. She has earned her respect in the industry by appearing on many top radio and TV programs, and during this time has earned over 22 Gold Records.
In 1975, after having been a singer in bands for many years, Bobby Angel burst into the country charts with “You ask me to”. This song really launched his career as a country singer. Many hits followed, such as “Green Eyed Angel”, “Before the next teardrop falls”, “Don Junior”, “Kelly’s, Song” and “Rainbows & Roses”, which elevated Bobby into South Africa’s “King of country”.
Although Clive Bruce is a household name in the world of entertainment, it took years of dedication to get it there. Clive started his singing career in 1963 as a school boy with his guitar. Virginia Lee assisted Clive with his first recording and “Sally Sunshine” reached No 1 on the Hit Parade. He started with country music in 1976 and featured regularly on “Gentle on my Mind”, which was presented by Bobby Angel. Clive received platinum status in 2002 from his record company for sales of more than 75 000 for his three albums, “One last Kiss”, “Just one more Dance” and “My God loves me”.
Billy Forest’s involvement in the music industry stretches as far back as 1961. He successfully turned to country and western music in 1963, which saw him release songs such as “Don’t let me cross over” and the popular “Miller’s Cave”. His first big hit was in December 1964 with “Hello Operator” which earned him his first Gold Record Award. Forest’s success continued and he received numerous awards and even released his first Afrikaans solo album in 2003.
Hits like “I wanna live” and “Just an everlovin’ Woman” by country singer Tommy Oliver received gold status in the 1970’s. Since his rise to fame he has appeared on many English and Afrikaans TV programs. In 2003 Steve Hofmeyr used Oliver’s first hit single “I wanna live” on his album “Toeka”. Oliver also reached Double Platinum with the same track. Since then Oliver has toured South Africa with Hofmeyr, performing in front of big crowds. He has been nominated The Country Legend of 2007 by Radio I.F.M.