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Justin McGurk

Singer, Songwriter & Author

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Have a Little Faith in Me

July 29, 2021 By Justin McGurk Leave a Comment

“When the road gets dark, and you can no longer see, just let my love throw a spark, and have a little faith in me”

John Hiatt

It’s great to be back singing again after eighteen months off due to lockdowns and the ban on live music. I have never been in any doubt how important music has been to my own mental and emotional health, but after such a long break and not being able to sing to an in-person audience it is easy to forget what it means to others.

After only a verse of a song at my first gig back it was reaffirmed to me how I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be and the important role that live music plays in so many of our lives. This story may cause a few tears but will hopefully also warm a few hearts.

My first gig back was to sing at a wedding ceremony in Holywood Methodist church for the marriage of Patrick Murray & Caroline Walker. When we arrived at the church to set up, I was shown by a member of staff the small area designated for the music. I would have been very cramped for myself + my accompanist Eamon, plus I felt it was too close to where the bride & groom would be positioned throughout the ceremony, which would have meant we would also be in shot for the photographs and video. To the side of the altar, there was an upright piano hiding under a cover, which looked like it hadn’t got much use and therefore made me think it probably hadn’t been played for some time. We quickly removed the cover to check it out and see if it was even in tune, and to our surprise, it played and sounded beautiful.

The bride had requested a John Hiatt song ‘Have a little faith in me’ which I had never sung before, Eamon began to play it and I began to sing, after just a few bars of the song I noticed a gentleman observing and listening very closely to us. This gentleman in a high visibility vest was George the caretaker & car park steward, and he now appeared quite emotional, so I finished my practice and began chatting to him. With a tear in his eye, George said “you don’t know how good it is to hear that piano after so long and played so beautifully” then pointing to the brass engraved plaque on top of the piano he explained that he and his family had purchased the piano sixteen years ago in dedication to his late wife who had sadly passed away after an illness. Thank you George for allowing us to play this wonderful instrument. ‘May all who listen rejoice to the sound of music.’

Enjoy this live version featuring Justin McGurk on vocals & Eamon lynch playing George’s piano.

Filed Under: General

Everyday Heroes

June 6, 2020 By Justin McGurk Leave a Comment

During lockdown Justin was inspired to write and record a moving tribute song called ‘Everyday Heroes’ Even during these troubling times creativity cannot be stifled. Everyday heroes is available to download across all digital platforms.

iTunes – Buy Single

Filed Under: General

Tribute to NHS & Care Heroes

April 11, 2020 By Justin McGurk Leave a Comment

During lockdown, Justin McGurk was Inspired to write this emotional tribute song to all the NHS & Care Heroes.

Justin will be recording this song from his home studio and will be available to purchase from this web-site soon.

Filed Under: General

All the Gold in Gortin

April 10, 2020 By Justin McGurk Leave a Comment

“All the gold in Gortin” is another great original song from the pen of Tyrone singer song-writer Justin McGurk. Justin comes from the parish of Kildress which neighbours Greencastle & Gortin where they have been digging for gold for the past 30 years.

The song paints a picture of the beautifully scenic area set in the heart of Sperrin Mountains. It’s an emigration song from the perspective of a young man, like so many others from the area, who has left his home in Ireland to go seek his fortune and in Australia. The irony is that he travels thousands of miles to the other side of the world only to end up working in a Gold mine down under.

He reminisces and yearns for home by drinking whiskey and singing popular Irish songs like “The pretty little girl from Omagh”, “The Hills of Donegal” and “The Green Glens of Antrim.” He misses his family, friends and his hometown so much that he would give all the gold in Gortin to be back home in Ireland once again.

iTunes – Buy Single

Filed Under: General

If I Could Take Your Place

April 10, 2020 By Justin McGurk Leave a Comment

If I Could Take Your Place

Co written by Justin & Shay Healy. This song documents the emotions Justin experienced when his wife Roisin was treated for Cancer. A powerful and inspiring ballad that evokes the sentiments felt by many when a loved one is going through illness.

£10.99 – Buy Album Proceed to Checkout Added to basket

Filed Under: Featured, General

20/20 Vision

April 10, 2020 By Justin McGurk Leave a Comment

20/20 Vision By Justin McGurk & Californian Hip Hop artist Loot Bryon Smith.

So you might ask ‘how did this unlikely pairing come about between a Contemporary Country Singer from Co Tyrone N.I. and a Californian Hip Hop / Rap artist’? Loot, explains that the music he creates is intended to empower, encourage, enhance, inspire and promote a positive, liberated mindset. Justin was first introduced to Loot’s music when he was being interviewed by his friend, Spiritual Life Coach Evelyn McAleer on her regular video/podcast (Oct 19.)

After the interview, Justin took inspired action and reached out to Loot and suggested they write a song together. 20/20 Vision is the result of that action. Justin proclaims it is more than just a song, it is a three minute mantra for every day that encourages the listener to stay focused on their purpose, or as the song goes ‘Story of my life’ We really feel that we have captured something special in this collaboration and that everyone who listens to this song will also think and feel inspired to take action and work toward accomplishing their own goals and desires.

iTunes – Buy Single

Filed Under: Featured, General

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