Tommy Emmanuel Tickets

Tommy Emmanuel: Origin, Early Band History and Songs

Tommy Emmanuel of Australia is considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest, fingerstyle guitarists in the world. He is recognized for his unique blend of classical guitar technique, robust percussive rhythms, and melodic phrasing, with multiple award-winning albums and numerous worldwide touring dates spanning over four decades.

Origin, Early Band History and Members Chronology

Tommy Emmanuel was born on 31 May 1955, in Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia, the fourth of five children of an Austrian-born father and an Australian mother. Beginning his musical education at the age of 4, he first took to the stage at the age of 6 playing a classical piece by Johann Sebastian Bach, ‘Bouree’. From a young age, he was surrounded by music from his family in the form of jazz, country, and classical guitar.

At 10, he joined and toured with his two brothers, Phil and Tom Junior, respectively 4 and 12 years older. Together they formed ‘The Emmanuel Quartet’ and began performing across Australia on tours arranged by their father. It wasn’t until Tommy’s early twenties that he decided to pursue a solo career and began playing his unique combination of classical guitar and percussive rhythms.

Similar Artists and Famous Songs

Tommy Emmanuel has been influenced by Nashville songwriter/guitarist Chet Atkins, with whom he has recorded several albums, as well as jazz guitarist George Benson. His style has also been compared to other fingerstyle guitarists, such as John Williams, Julian Lage and Andy McKee.

Tommy Emmanuel is renowned for his memorable compositions some of the most popular being covers of hits ‘Mombasa’ and ‘Troy’, as well as original songs ‘Angelina’, ‘Police Car’ and ‘Happy Hour’. He has released 18 studio albums including classics such as "Only" and "The Mystery".

As far as live performances, Tommy Emmanuel’s concerts are renowned for their sheer energy, as he thrills crowds with his intricate fingerstyle and percussive guitar playing. It is no surprise that he is one of the most sought-after touring acts in the world today.

Final Words

Tommy Emmanuel is one of the most celebrated fingerstyle guitarists in the world and has earned countless awards and accolades over the span of four decades. His unique blend of classical guitar technique, robust percussive rhythms, and melodic phrasing has left a lasting impression in the world of music and theater. With over 18 studio albums and countless live performances, it’s no wonder he is one of the most sought-after touring acts in the world. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to experience the classic musical brilliance that is Tommy Emmanuel.