Legendary central Alberta country singer/songwriter Dick Damron greeted fans and supporters at an 88th birthday party held from him in his hometown of Bentley.
Over the years, Damron experimented with many musical styles in the country genre, including ‘outlaw,’ rockabilly, honky-tonk and gospel. His songs have been recorded by Charley Pride, George Hamilton IV, Merle Haggard and other country stars.
Damron has recorded over 30 albums, written over 500 songs. He was named the BMI Best Canadian Songwriter seven times, was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame, and has won many music awards.
Tuesday’s party was attended by his family, former schoolmates and fellow performers, including Ivan Daines.
Mike Bradford of Central Music Festival Society said the community church hall was full of “family, friends, fans and love…
“The music played and we all sang along — sometimes remembering the words, sometimes not.”
Birthday greetings to Damron were written on a Canadian flag, as well as an overflowing pile of cards.