Red Hurley, Tennesee Special, 1976

Singer Red Hurley, performing his excellent single from 1976, Tennesee Special!
Brian 'Red' Hurley is an entertainer from Ireland whose singing career has spanned several decades. He is principally known as a solo artist, although he does perform with various bands, the members of which are prone to change.
Personal life-
Hurley grew up in Milltown, Dublin with five brothers and two sisters. (His sister Olive is a world renowned Irish Dance teacher). His father spent some time as a professional musician but later worked for Dublin Corporation. His brother Fran is his manager.
Early career-
Hurley started his career in 1969 as lead vocalist with The Colours. In 1970, he went on to form his first band, Wheels, which also featured his brother Liam who was also a member of the Airchords. Hurley released several singles during this period with Wheels including Isadora and Take Me Tonight, both these singles made it into the Irish charts.
Big Break-
In early 1971, his brother Liam left the Airchords to join The Nevada Showband. A few months later, when Roly Daniels left The Nevada Showband, Liam suggested his brother as a replacement. It was through The Nevada Showband that Red Hurley became a household name.
Hurley was selected to sing one of the entries in the Irish National Song Contest in 1976, this further helped to establish him as one of the country's well known vocalists. He enjoyed continued success with The Nevada Showband until he left in 1974 to form his own Red Hurley Band.
Eurovision Song Contest-
In 1976 Hurley was chosen to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest. He finished tenth (The contest was won by Britain's Brotherhood of Man with their song, Save Your Kisses for Me).
End of an era-
Towards the end of the 1970s the music circuit underwent a change and showbands increasingly resorted to touring abroad where they could still pack an event. He kept his career going throughout the 1980s and 1990's albeit at a lower profile.
Today-
After nearly 40 years on the scene he still plays gigs both at home and abroad. Hurley lives part of the year in Florida, having obtained a green card in 1997. His latest album 'I will sing' was released in the UK on the 15th Jan 2007.