A star is borne

George Hamilton IV, who shot to fame in the States in the Fifties, will be joined by Britain’s “Mr Country Music”

Tony Goodacre for night of entertainment at St Mark’s in Marske, east Cleveland, on Monday night.

The Reverend Janet Fife said: “We’re delighted that George Hamilton IV and Tony Goodacre will be performing at our church – it’s going to be an amazing evening.”

George, who was born in North Carolina, is a regular at the country music mecca, The Grand Ole Opry, and has toured with such stars as Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, the Everley Brothers, Eddie Cochrane and Jerry Lee Lewis He recorded his debut single in the summer of 1956 and it became a top-five hit.

George visited Britain for the first time in 1967 and in 1969 he played the first International Festival of Country Music at Wembley.

He earned his familiar title of “International Ambassador of Country Music” when he became the first American country singer to perform in the former Soviet Union.

“George Hamilton IV is no stranger to the UK, having toured and performed church concerts nearly every year since 1988, but this is first time he’s come to Marske,” added the Rev Fife.

The concert has been arranged by Tony Goodacre, who, along with his wife, Sylvia, became regular members of our congregation at St Mark’s Church last year, following his retirement from full-time life “on the road” in November 2009.

“Prior to that, Tony had sung country music around the world for over 50 years. He was the first ever recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in British Country Music in 2007, and has recorded over 30 albums,” said the vicar.

“We’re honoured to be hosting them both at St Mark’s, and there’ll be a warm welcome for everyone who comes along.”

All proceeds from Monday’s concert, which starts at 7.30pm, will go to support St Mark’s Church.

Tickets, costing £5, are available from Sylvia and Tony Goodacre on 01642-479898, or email tonygoodacre@hotmail.

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