About Tommy Emmanuel
Tommy Emmanuel is a legendary Australian guitarist who has made significant contributions to the music industry. He is renowned for his exceptional fingerstyle technique and energetic performances that leave the audience in awe. Emmanuel started his music career as a session player in various bands before becoming a solo artist. He has released numerous award-winning albums and singles that have earned him a worldwide reputation as one of the greatest acoustic guitarists of all time. In recognition of his contributions to the music industry, Emmanuel was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in June 2010. Additionally, in 2011, he was inducted into the Australian Roll of Renown, a prestigious accolade that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Australian music industry. Emmanuel's unique style has garnered him numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. His music has inspired and influenced many aspiring guitarists worldwide. Emmanuel continues to inspire and entertain his fans through his live performances and recordings. With his extraordinary skills, he has cemented his place in the music industry as a true icon and a living legend.
Tommy Emmanuel Early Life & Family
Born on May 31, 1955, in Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia, Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian musician of Australian-White ethnicity who holds Australian nationality. He was originally given the name William Thomas Emmanuel. As of 2022, he turned 67 years old and is one of six siblings. Emmanuel's mother taught him to play guitar when he was just four years old, and he received his first guitar in 1959. In 1961, at the age of six, he was inspired by Chet Atkins' performance on the radio. Emmanuel's parents' names have not been revealed to the public. Emmanuel is a Christian by religion and falls under the Gemini zodiac sign. He attended Parkes High School for his education.
Tommy Emmanuel Music Career
- Tommy Emmanuel is a highly respected guitarist, known for his unique fingerstyle technique and musical virtuosity. He received his first guitar at the age of four and by the age of six was already a working professional musician.
- Emmanuel's father recognized the musical talents of Emmanuel and his older brother and created a family band, with which they spent much of their childhood touring Australia.
- After their father passed away, Australian Country Music star Buddy Williams approached the family and asked permission to take the Emmanuel brothers on the road with his touring show, traveling around Australia.
- Emmanuel would go on to record a number of Buddy Williams albums in the early 1970s.
- Emmanuel gained prominence in the late 1970s as the lead guitarist in the Southern Star Band, the backing group for vocalist Doug Parkinson.
- During 1986–1988 and 1995, he joined the lineup of the leading New Zealand/Australian 1970s rock group "Dragon" that had reformed in 1982, touring widely with them, including a 1987 tour with Tina Turner.
- In 1994, Australian music veteran John Farnham invited him to play the guitar next to Stuart Fraser from Noiseworks for the Concert for Rwanda.
- Emmanuel had previously been a member of Farnham's band during the early 1980s and featured on the album Uncovered and rejoined after the 1994 concert.
- Emmanuel has received numerous accolades for his contributions to music. In July 1999, Chet Atkins awarded Tommy and four others the "Certified Guitar Player" title, calling him a "fearless" fingerpicking guitar player.
- He was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in June 2010 and was awarded the state of Kentucky's honorific title of Kentucky Colonel in 2012.
- Despite facing health problems in 2007, Emmanuel has continued to tour and perform, earning him a dedicated following of fans around the world.
- Tommy has a prolific discography spanning over four decades, with a total of 27 albums to his name. His first album, "From Out of Nowhere," was released in 1979. This was followed by "Up from Down Under" (1987), "Dare to Be Different" (1990), "Determination" (1991), "The Journey" (1993), "Terra Firma" (1994), "Classical Gas" (1995), "Initiation" (1995), and "Can't Get Enough" (1996).
- His later albums include "Endless Road" (2004), "Live One" (2005), "The Mystery" (2006), "Happy Hour" (2006), "Center Stage" (2008), "Little by Little" (2010), "All I Want for Christmas" (2011), "Tommy Emmanuel & Friends Live from the Balboa Theatre" (2011), "The Colonel and the Governor" (2013), "It's Never Too Late" (2015), "Christmas Memories" (2016), "Live at the Ryman" (2017), "Pickin" (2017), "Accomplice One" (2018), "Heart Songs" (2019), and his upcoming album "Accomplice Two" set to release in 2023.
- Emmanuel's discography is diverse, with each album showcasing his virtuosity and versatility as a musician. His albums range from solo guitar performances, to collaborations with other musicians, to Christmas-themed albums, and even a live album recorded at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
- Fans of Emmanuel's fingerstyle guitar work will appreciate albums like "The Journey" and "Live at the Ryman," while those looking for something different might enjoy his collaborations with other artists on "Accomplice One" and "Tommy Emmanuel & Friends Live from the Balboa Theatre."
Tommy Emmanuel Awards and Achievements
APRA Awards: Won Jazz Composition of the Year for "Stevie's Blues" in 1992
ARIA Awards:
- Won Best Adult Contemporary Album for "Determination" in 1992
- Won Best Adult Contemporary Album for "The Journey" in 1994
- Australian Roll of Renown: Inducted into the Australian Roll of Renown in 2011
Country Music Awards of Australia (Golden Guitar Awards):
- Won Instrumental of the Year in 2005 for "Tall Fiddler"
- Won Instrumental of the Year in 2007 for "Gameshow Rag/Cannonball Rag"
- Won Instrumental of the Year in 2019 for "Wheelin' and Dealin'"
- Won Bluegrass Recording of the Year in 2021 for "Finger Picking Good" (with Kristy Cox)
- Nominated in various categories over the years
Grammy Awards: Nominated for Best Country Instrumental Performance in 1998 and 2006
Mo Awards: Won Australian Performer of the Year in 1994 and 1996
National Live Music Awards: Nominated for Live Guitarist of the Year in 2019 for Rosie Fitzgerald (I Know Leopard)
Tommy Emmanuel Wife & Children
Tommy Emmanuel is happily married to his beautiful wife, Clara Rolls. The details of their wedding are not known to the public. The couple has been together for many years and has been successful in keeping their private life away from the media. Together they have three daughters, Amanda Emmanuel, Angelina Emmanuel, and Rachel Emmanuel. Despite Emmanuel's busy touring schedule, he has managed to maintain a strong relationship with his wife and children. There have been no reports of any marital issues or affairs, indicating a strong bond between the couple. The Emmanuel family is a tight-knit unit, and they have been an essential aspect of Tommy's life both on and off stage.
Tommy Emmanuel Net Worth
Tommy Emmanuel's net worth of $8 million in 2023 is a reflection of his successful career in the music industry. Emmanuel's primary source of income is from his music, which he has been actively producing and performing for decades. Throughout his career, Emmanuel has released numerous albums and collaborated with other artists, cementing his status as a legendary musician.
Despite his significant wealth, Emmanuel leads a relatively modest lifestyle. He has never been one to indulge in excessive luxury and is known for his grounded nature. His success and wealth have not gone to his head, and he remains dedicated to his craft, continually honing his skills as a musician and songwriter. Overall, Tommy Emmanuel's net worth is a testament to his talent and hard work, and his humble nature serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and fans alike.
Tommy Emmanuel Height & Weight
Tommy Emmanuel is not only known for his impressive guitar skills, but he also has a striking physical appearance. Standing at a height of 6 feet 2 inches, he has a lean and slim body type, with a weight of 78 Kg or 172 Pounds. Despite being in his mid-60s, he has maintained his health and fitness, which is evident from his energetic live performances.
Apart from his body type, Tommy Emmanuel also has distinctive features such as his grey hair and green eyes, which add to his charm and appeal. His well-maintained physique and youthful energy have helped him to continue touring extensively and performing for his fans around the world. Overall, his physical attributes complement his talent and contribute to his status as a respected and admired musician.
