Tommy Emmanuel
Last Updated on Friday, 14 August 2009 13:05 Thursday, 13 August 2009 13:08
Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian virtuoso guitarist, best known for his fingerpicking style. Born in the Upper Hunter in Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia on May 31 1955 he started playing when he was 4, being taught by his mother who played the lap steel guitar. By the age of 6 he had developed his guitar playing so much that he was able to start working as a professional musician.
His siblings also shared his interest in music. Older brother Phil also played the guitar and in later years went on to have a very successful career doing just that (Phil Emmanuel). His other brother Chris played drums while his sister Virginia played slide guitar. Being the musical family that they were, his father set up a family band in which Tommy played rhythm guitar. By the time they started touring Australia, Tommy rarely went to school.
Shortly after his father's death in 1966, the Emmanuel family was approached by Australian country music star Buddy Williams, who took the family on the road until they were forced by the Australian child welfare department to stop travelling.
When the Emmanuel children consequently went to school they started playing in a band called The Trailblazers at the weekends. The Trailblazers won a televised talent competition and produced an EP. In those early years, Tommy and his siblings gigged in the band to support their family.
By this point Tommy was also teaching guitar and appearing in many musical competitions. It wasn't long before he started playing in clubs all over the city and he soon found himself in demand as a session player. He has recorded thousands of jingles for commercials.
From the mid 1970s to the early 1980s he played with popular New Zealand rock group Dragon.
Over the years, Tommy Emmanuel has performed with an impressive list of famous artists and bands that includes Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Keith Urban, Eric Clapton, Sir George Martin, Tina Turner, Joe Walsh, Stevie Wonder, Nokie Edwards (of the Ventures), Hank Marvin, Air Supply and Men At Work. In addition to his mastery of the guitar, Tommy is also a talented record producer and accomplished musical arranger.
Whilst on tour, he often mentors aspiring guitarists on his guitar workshops and masterclasses.
Tommy was honoured with the title of CGP (Certified Guitar Player) by Chet Atkins in 1999. Only three others share this title (Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner and John Knowles).
Tommy Emmanuel Grammy Award Nominations
Tommy Emmanuel has been nominated to receive a Grammy award twice (so far!). As a child he had been inspired by guitar legend Chet Atkins and in 1996 Tommy got the opportunity to record with Chet on "The Day the Finger Pickers Took Over the World". For this work Tommy received his first Grammy award nomination.
Tommy's second Grammy award nomination was received for “Gameshow Rag’ from “The Mystery” CD in 200.
Tommy Emmanuel On Youtube
There are some breathtaking displays of Tommy Emmanuel's virtuosity on Youtube, so here is a selection.
Tommy Emmanuel And Phil Emmanuel
Tommy Emmanuel And Nu Shoos Blues
Tommy Emmanuel - Guitar Boogie
Tommy Emmanuel - Beatles Medley
Love the stealth camera recording!