EXAMINE MANY of the best known pop and rock hits of the last 50 years and it is likely Albert Hammond wrote them, either by himself, or in collaboration with another songwriter.
The Gibraltarian singer-songwriter is best known for his classic solo single 'It Never Rains in Southern California'. As a songwriter, he has created, or helped create, a plethora of memorable singles, including more than 50 chart-topping hits - ‘The Air That I Breathe’, ‘One Moment In Time’, ‘To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before’, ‘When I Need You’, and 'Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now'.
Artists he has written for include Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond, Julio Iglesias, Willie Nelson, Celine Dion, The Hollies, Whitney Houston, and Tina Turner. Hammond also penned songs for Ireland's late, legendary Joe Dolan - ‘Make Me An Island’, ‘Good Lookin’ Woman’, and ‘Teresa’.
“I loved Joe” Hammond has said. “After I wrote those songs for him, I moved to California. Joe was looking for more material to record. But nobody told me. That was a big regret of mine. Joe was an amazing talent and a wonderful person.”
Galway will have a chance to hear Hammond and his band, perform many of his great songs when he plays Leisureland, Salthill, on Bank Holiday Monday, October 28. Tickets are on sale from OMG@Zhivago Shop Street, 091 - 509960, and www.ticketmaster.ie
