TOMMY EMMANUEL AWARDED MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

He’s one of Australia’s most loved musical exports, and now the man Eric Clapton called “the best guitar player I’ve ever seen”, has been awarded the Member of the Order of Australia medal. This is a tremendous honour for Tommy, who still calls Australia home despite being based in Nashville, with an endless touring schedule that sees him regularly circumnavigate the globe.

“This is such a thrill for me”’ said Tommy. “It means so much to me to know my homeland has awarded me such a prestigious award. I couldn’t be more proud.”

Previous recipients of the Member of the Order of Australia include fellow musicians Peter Garrett, Rolf Harris, Col Joye and Angry Anderson. Tommy can now add the letters AM to his name, after CGP (Certified Guitar Player) - which was bestowed upon him by the late Chet Atkins.

The AM award was established "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service".

An unofficial Ambassador for Australia and fiercely proud of his birthright, Emmanuel spends most of his time on the road, spreading his message of love and harmony through “the universal language of the guitar.” Over the course of a year, he will play everywhere from USA to Russia, UK to Japan and China to New Zealand. Many of his original compositions meld the influence of American fingerpickers like Chet Atkins and Merle Travis with traditional indigenous music from Oz.

Tommy is planning to tour Australia again later this year.

www.tommyemmanuel.com
www.entertainmentedge.com.au

Media Enquiries:

Kerry Roberts - (02) 9712.8445

kerryroberts@therobertsnetwoork.com.au