Pictured: Songwriting sessions and final preparations for the Slim Dusty Tribute project
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
He was Australia’s pioneering King of country music who lived his childhood dreams out in the real world. At the age of 11, David Kirkpatrick, the son of a hard working Irish farmer from Kempsey, NSW dreamed of singing his songs to people. He even came up with a stage name ‘Slim Dusty’ believing one day he could record songs and play country music. When World War ll ended his Dad had promised him he would help him record his first record in Sydney. But sadly in 1946 Dan Kirkpatrick passed away. Soon after Slim Dusty recorded his first song and was signed to EMI, the beginning of a life long music career. Slim Dusty sold over 6 million albums in a country with a population of 20 million. He became the heart and soul of Australia and released over 100 albums until a battle with liver cancer took his life in 2004.
In my own journey of life I’ve looked back to see where the inspiration and influence has come from. Slim Dusty happens to be one of the icons and heroes. I only ever got to meet him once and yet felt like I knew him as a good mate from my early teenage years.
There was a spirit of freedom about the life of Slim Dusty. He dreamed… he believed and he accomplished. I greatly admire that in the life of a person. Slim had a faith and determination that impacted the lives of millions. I think that’s why I’m recording this new tribute album for him… in the hope it will reach millions with the good news of Jesus.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5: 22-23
Remembering people who have made such an impression on history is always a risk… as they were basically human and flawed like all of us.. But I do take it as a great honour to record some of the songs that one of my heroes sang. I’m inspired by the life of Slim Dusty. Thank God for people willing to believe and pursue life to its fullest.
Thanks for your prayers.
Godspeed,
Steve Grace
