Country great Hal Ketchum returns for another performance in St Joseph's Hall in Omagh on Friday, April 4.

Hal has sold over seven million albums worldwide. His popular hits include Past the Point of Rescue, Mamma Knows the Highway, Small Town Saturday Night, Sure Love, Five O'clock World and Hearts are Gonna Roll. Hal, who was honoured as a member of the Grand Old Opry in Nashville, wowed Irish audiences with a sell-out tour last year.

He says, "My first visit to Ireland was in 1995 and I have had some wonderful times there. My band are from Austin, Texas. It is normally hard to get them out of there, but not when Ireland is concerned, we try to visit once a year. The people are friendly and passionate about music. We've made some great friends, especially in Belfast and are looking forward to our visit."

Hal, originally a carpenter by trade, was a late starter in the industry; he didn't receive his first contract until he was 38 years of age. Brought up on his father's music, he has been greatly influenced by the songs of Buck Owens and by bluegrass music.

Born in Greenwich, New York State, Hal first moved to Gruene Austin, Texas with his wife and children. It wasn't until later he moved to Nashville. Playing in small town local groups, it was a by chance meeting with legendary songwriter Howard Harland that launched his music career.

His music has had a long connection with Ireland. It was Irish songwriter Mick Hanely who wrote the hit song Past the Point of Rescue which took Hal to stardom. His debut album, which took the song as its title track, went gold establishing him as part of the so-called new country movement. Since then Hal has had 15 top ten hits and sold in excess of seven millions albums worldwide. His hushed and effortless singing style is echoed in his latest single, In Front of Alamo, a song about unrequited love.

Hal has preformed on stages with all the top country greats including Charley Pride, Johnny Cash, and Vince Gill. Garth Brooks has often commented that Hal has been a big influence on his career. Hal Ketchum is a very accomplished songwriter and has penned hits for various top country stars including Trisha Yearwood, The Mavericks and Leanne Rimes, however his real passion lies in live performances and negotiations are currently undergoing at the possibility of Hal presenting his own show at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

* Hal Ketchum will be

appearing at St Joseph's Hall

in Omagh on Friday, April 4.

Tickets from McCrory's Newsagents, John St, Route 66 and Top News, Georges Street

or from 07753 936701