0:00:02 > 0:00:06In Ireland, country music is more popular than ever.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10A host of new country music stars have tempted a generation
0:00:10 > 0:00:13to turn their back on the nightclub, don their Stetsons
0:00:13 > 0:00:16and jive the night away, from Ballymena to Ballydehob.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23This week, we're forming an orderly queue
0:00:23 > 0:00:26at Ireland's leading country music record store.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31We've been here for four hours, waiting to see Derek Ryan again,
0:00:31 > 0:00:32and we're really excited.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34CHEERING
0:00:35 > 0:00:37In a world of streaming and downloads,
0:00:37 > 0:00:42Stewart's has stood steadfast for 40 years in Dungannon town centre.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46There's a feeling you get that you don't get anywhere else, you know?
0:00:46 > 0:00:49This is the place to be.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52And with a very special birthday on the horizon,
0:00:52 > 0:00:56store owner Raymond is planning to celebrate in style.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58The shop's there 40 years, it's something special.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00I want to have the biggest collection
0:01:00 > 0:01:02of Irish country artists ever in the one place.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06But is a small store in a town centre
0:01:06 > 0:01:09prepared for the most impressive country music line-up
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Ireland has ever seen?
0:01:11 > 0:01:12Philomena's on at the minute.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14Big Tom - he's arrived, we can't get him out the car
0:01:14 > 0:01:17because everybody's around him, wanting photographs.
0:01:17 > 0:01:18Derek Ryan's in here, eating all the buns,
0:01:18 > 0:01:20and I can't even get a cup of tea!
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Welcome to the celebratory world of Irish country music.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48Stewart's Record Store in the heart of Mid-Ulster is an institution.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53# Sing your heart out, country boy... #
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Legendary singer Gene Stuart
0:01:56 > 0:01:58opened the store in 1975,
0:01:58 > 0:02:00and with a bone fide icon in charge,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04there's no surprise it became a country music Mecca
0:02:04 > 0:02:05for generations of fans.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09# Sing your heart out, country boy... #
0:02:09 > 0:02:13Over the years, the shop has withstood bombs and changing tastes.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Still in the Stewart family, the shop is run by Gene's brother,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Raymond, and his daughters, Olivia and Mairead.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23# Singing all his stories to the crowd... #
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Country music has always been popular in Ireland.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28I think it's in the DNA of Irish people.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33Our shop's there 40 years, it was opened by people like Brendan Quinn,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Eileen King, Bryan Coll - all of those people.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40# Sing your heart out, play your guitar... #
0:02:40 > 0:02:41The thing that has happened in recent years,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44it's the new young people coming into the business that have
0:02:44 > 0:02:47really brought it on, and they have encouraged the new generation
0:02:47 > 0:02:49of country music fans to come in.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52They're all good-looking, great artists, great songwriters,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55and that has given the whole industry a spike.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57- FANS:- Whoo!
0:02:57 > 0:03:00With country music undergoing something of a renaissance,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02the shop is busier than ever,
0:03:02 > 0:03:06but being a fan wasn't always something to shout about.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12Before, country music wasn't cool with young people.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15I remember a girl coming into the shop many years ago
0:03:15 > 0:03:18and buying a country album, and she asked for it to be put in two bags
0:03:18 > 0:03:21so she could walk round the town and people wouldn't know.
0:03:21 > 0:03:22She probably told them she was
0:03:22 > 0:03:24buying the Bay City Rollers or something.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Now, young people are coming into the shop and they're loving to buy
0:03:29 > 0:03:32country music, they're buying Derek and Mason and Mike Denver
0:03:32 > 0:03:35and Johnny Brady and Lisa, all those people.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37So it's cool to be country now.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46But there's more to this record store than meets the eye.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50Above the shop is where the real operation takes place.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Dungannon might be a small town, but it can rightly claim to be
0:03:53 > 0:03:56the epicentre of country music in Ireland.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00It's home to Raymond's Sharpe record label, through which many of
0:04:00 > 0:04:03the top artists record and release their music.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05A lot of the new Irish country stars,
0:04:05 > 0:04:07we bring them out on the Sharpe Music label.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09Well, inside the next couple of weeks, we'll be able to set
0:04:09 > 0:04:12a release date for the album, and then will be able to get it up
0:04:12 > 0:04:15on social media and notify all the dealers and distributors.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18'Behind the scenes, we work very closely with all the artists,
0:04:18 > 0:04:22'working on the tracks, working on the recording, the artwork,'
0:04:22 > 0:04:25and then I suppose, eventually, getting it out to the shops,
0:04:25 > 0:04:27which is a very important part.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31We supply all the shops in Ireland, all the big stores.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33But Stewart's don't just ship records the length
0:04:33 > 0:04:36and breadth of Ireland.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38We send parcels all over the world.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Brazil, Spain, Portugal.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45And it seems they're fond of artists like Big Tom
0:04:45 > 0:04:47in some unexpected places.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50We even send them to Libya, believe it or not,
0:04:50 > 0:04:52so it is popular all over the world.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58# Why'd you come in here looking like that?
0:04:58 > 0:05:01# In your high-heeled boots and your painted-on jeans... #
0:05:01 > 0:05:04She may not be a household name in Libya,
0:05:04 > 0:05:08but Lisa McHugh is one of Ireland's most popular country singers,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11and Raymond is busy finalising the details of her new album.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14# You're almost giving me a heart attack... #
0:05:14 > 0:05:15Lisa!
0:05:15 > 0:05:18How are you? Thank you.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21# I just can't stand it... #
0:05:21 > 0:05:25Since breaking onto the scene in 2011, Lisa has introduced
0:05:25 > 0:05:28a whole new generation - particularly young men -
0:05:28 > 0:05:30to country music standards.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- You were lucky to come in today and meet Lisa McHugh!- I know, wasn't I?
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- What will the girlfriend say about this?- I don't know.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44With the album launch only weeks away,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Raymond has final sign-off on the artwork.
0:05:47 > 0:05:48The cover's great.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52I love the title, #Country, nobody's ever came up with it before.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55'This will be my third album released with Raymond,'
0:05:55 > 0:05:59and there's no-one here in Ireland that pushes an album
0:05:59 > 0:06:01quite like Sharpe do.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04And Raymond in particular, he's very hands-on.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07And there's a nice space there for you to sign your CD
0:06:07 > 0:06:10when you're finished. When it's put out on all the stores,
0:06:10 > 0:06:11I think that cover's going to stand out.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- What do you think of the cover of your new album?- Is it ready?
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- Of course it is. - It is not, it's paper.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22No, we haven't got the digipaks in yet. They'll be in soon.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24# Oh, baby, tell me the truth
0:06:24 > 0:06:28# What in the world's coming over you? #
0:06:28 > 0:06:32The shop has seen some changes since it first opened in the 1970s,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34and nowadays, you can't sell records
0:06:34 > 0:06:37unless you have a slick social media campaign.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Hi, guys, Lisa here in Stewart's Music Shop in Dungannon.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Cannot wait to launch my brand-new album, #Country,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46right here in store. See you then.
0:06:46 > 0:06:47Perfect.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51Lisa's album launch isn't the only event Raymond has on the horizon.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54He's determined to mark the shop's 40th anniversary
0:06:54 > 0:06:57with a massive country music bash.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00I might be a bit ambitious what I'm planning to do, but I want to invite
0:07:00 > 0:07:02all the artists who were at the shop when it opened,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04and I want to invite all the new artists
0:07:04 > 0:07:06that's came along in 40 years. I want to have
0:07:06 > 0:07:08the biggest collection of Irish country artists
0:07:08 > 0:07:10ever in the one place, at the one day,
0:07:10 > 0:07:13I want to have them performing in the shop as well.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Probably never been done before, and a bit ambitious,
0:07:15 > 0:07:17and I don't know where they're going to go or whatever,
0:07:17 > 0:07:19but it will all sort itself out.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28One of the store's most loyal customers is 71-year-old Isaac.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35There's something relaxing about country music,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38and the lyrics speak to me in a very strong way,
0:07:38 > 0:07:42of certain songs on the record, you know?
0:07:42 > 0:07:44There's something there and it gives you a buzz.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50If I come in here, a member of staff would say to me,
0:07:50 > 0:07:54"Isaac, there's 200 new LPs came in today."
0:07:54 > 0:07:58Bang - right away, I'm over here. And I'm looking through them.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01But, for a pensioner, record collecting is an expensive business.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Morning, Brian, my friend, I've just picked some more stuff out there.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- A few more for the collection. - A few more for the collection.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12'I can select a pile of LPs from here and I can go over and say,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15' "Brian, if I give you a fiver deposit, I'll have the rest
0:08:15 > 0:08:18' "of the money for you at the end of the month, will that do?"
0:08:18 > 0:08:21'And Brian will say, "Of course you can. That's OK, Isaac." '
0:08:21 > 0:08:24It's the only story I know around Ireland where you can do that.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- Thank you very much, Brian. - Any time, Isaac.- I'm away now.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- To go home, put my feet up and relax.- Good man.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33And, as the shop's most loyal customer,
0:08:33 > 0:08:38Isaac has his ear to the ground, and he's heard rumour of the party.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42I'm not really supposed to know, but I got a wee whimper, you know?
0:08:42 > 0:08:47From Brian, that certain artists had been asked, like Nathan Carter,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Jimmy Buckley, Lisa McHugh, all the big artists like that.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53I'm looking forward to it, you know?
0:08:58 > 0:09:03# Oh, that little-bitty, teeny-weeny thing they call the love bug... #
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Isaac's small flat could be mistaken for a record store,
0:09:06 > 0:09:08given his impressive collection.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13# It all started with a little-bitty kiss and a hug... #
0:09:13 > 0:09:17Day-in, day-out, listening to my country music, this is the life.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23I hope in the near future to have 1,000 records, maybe more.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26If it's 2,000, 3,000, so be it, I'll have them here.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30But it's not only records.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34Isaac has collected a whole country-music-inspired wardrobe.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40As you can see, it's a beautiful jacket. It means so much to me.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Everything country I like.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46Country shirts, country guitars, country boots. Anything country.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52This LP, as you can see, is Philomena's greatest hits.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Blanket On The Ground, and also this one,
0:09:54 > 0:09:58Susan McCann's Down River Road. Brilliant.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03Charley Pride, Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger?
0:10:03 > 0:10:06Isaac can't wait for the celebrations,
0:10:06 > 0:10:08where he'll get to meet his idols.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11Well, I'm looking forward to this 40th anniversary party
0:10:11 > 0:10:12up in Gene Stuart's.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of them stars
0:10:15 > 0:10:18and maybe having a chat with them.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20And getting to know them better, you know?
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Anybody that says country music is rubbish, I tell them,
0:10:27 > 0:10:29"Take a hike. Listen to it."
0:10:29 > 0:10:31And once you've heard this, I would say you'll become
0:10:31 > 0:10:33a Nathan Carter fan overnight,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36and I'm convinced the next time I'm talking to you, you'll be
0:10:36 > 0:10:40saying to me, "Oh, Isaac, I'm a big Nathan Carter fan now after that."
0:10:40 > 0:10:43So here goes, just sit back, relax and enjoy it.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46MUSIC: Wagon Wheel by Nathan Carter
0:10:49 > 0:10:52And with so many country artists in his front room,
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Isaac will never be stuck for company.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Country music, it stops me from being lonely.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00When I'm down, I put on a bit of country music,
0:11:00 > 0:11:02sit back and listen,
0:11:02 > 0:11:05and something in that song helps me to relax.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08And it helps when I'm getting depressed. Why be depressed?
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Listen to a relaxing piece of country music,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14it lifts your heart up. It lifts me.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19Before any celebrations,
0:11:19 > 0:11:22the shop has to keep this on selling records, and Raymond takes
0:11:22 > 0:11:26a traditional approach to supplying stores with his artists.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Our van sales delivery system is a very unique thing
0:11:31 > 0:11:35to Sharpe Music, we been doing it now these past 30 years.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37We're the last of it, and it's something
0:11:37 > 0:11:39as a tradition I would like to keep going.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42# And play the Truck-Drivin' Man... #
0:11:44 > 0:11:47There's not as many record shops in the country as there used to be.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51Downloads are a new thing now, a lot of people's buying downloads.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54But there's one genre of music that people still continue
0:11:54 > 0:11:56to want to buy a physical CD.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Every week, Stewart's deliver only the finest country produce,
0:12:01 > 0:12:05fresh from the van, to dozens of independent stores all over Ireland.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- What have you got on that list there for me?- Right, Raymond, let me see.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Could you give me half a dozen of Big Tom, please?
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- No problem. - That new Tony Kerr CD.- Oh, aye.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19- And Lee Matthews.- Oh, yeah, yeah.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Do you know what it reminds me of?
0:12:21 > 0:12:23It reminds me of the grocery van used to go around
0:12:23 > 0:12:24the country years ago.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27My mother used to write the note for the van, so I'm back to
0:12:27 > 0:12:30writing the note again, so maybe I've gone full circle.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33# I climbed back aboard my old semi... #
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Being on the open road has Raymond reminiscing
0:12:36 > 0:12:39about his famous brother.
0:12:39 > 0:12:44Our brother, Eugene, sadly died this year on the 11th of February.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46He had a great career in country music,
0:12:46 > 0:12:50part of that Big Tom, Larry Cunningham, Brian Coll era.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53They carried the mantle for Irish country music for years.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57Drove all over Ireland on bad roads, in bad vehicles, to huge crowds.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Had some great records, some hit records,
0:13:00 > 0:13:04recorded in Nashville, packed dance halls all over Ireland.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06He had a great career in country music,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09and he's left a great legacy behind.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16We've landed in Donegal Town.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20Like every other town, it's full of traffic and no parking spaces.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- Good to see you, sir.- How are you?
0:13:25 > 0:13:27What way are you fixed for a bit of gear?
0:13:27 > 0:13:28I could do with a bit of stuff.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31I've a wee list here, mate, if you want a look at it.
0:13:31 > 0:13:32- Let's go.- Good man.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Do you know that our shop was opened 40 years this year?
0:13:36 > 0:13:38You'll come down maybe, if you're knocking about.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- I will definitely come down. - It'll be a good old day.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42I've never known to miss a party yet.
0:13:42 > 0:13:43THEY LAUGH
0:13:43 > 0:13:48He may already be inviting guests, but delivering CDs to Donegal
0:13:48 > 0:13:51means Raymond hasn't had time to actually plan the party.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56I have most of the artists still to call,
0:13:56 > 0:13:59I have to announce it on social media, to advertise it,
0:13:59 > 0:14:02get all the posters done, get the cake.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04In fact, I've an awful lot of work to do.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08# Play a song for me, Apple Jack, Apple Jack
0:14:08 > 0:14:13# Play a song for me and I'll sing
0:14:13 > 0:14:19# Play a song for me, Apple Jack, Apple Jack... #
0:14:19 > 0:14:22In two weeks' time, the store will potentially host
0:14:22 > 0:14:27the most impressive musical line-up Ireland has ever seen.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30But today, singer Lisa McHugh is the star attraction,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33as she launches her new album.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36# Time still not forgotten... #
0:14:36 > 0:14:39But whilst the army of fans who have turned up to get selfies
0:14:39 > 0:14:42and signed CDs is great for business,
0:14:42 > 0:14:44it's left Raymond with a problem.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Just wondering what we're going to do on the 40th birthday party,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50cos we has Lisa here on her own and the shop was packed,
0:14:50 > 0:14:52people couldn't get in.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54There's going to be a wee bit of scratching our heads.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57I don't know how we're going to get everyone in, but we'll give it a go.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00But I want the shop to be functional on our 40th birthday party,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03I want people to come and see the record shop as it is,
0:15:03 > 0:15:07so truthfully, I don't have a clue what I'm going to do.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10As the tidy up begins, Raymond's daughters, Olivia and Mairead,
0:15:10 > 0:15:12who help run the shop, want him to be realistic.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15There's going to be people coming to the shop for the very first time.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18No, they're going to end up halfway down Irish Street.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20We want to get them in, we want to get the till ringing.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22THEY LAUGH
0:15:22 > 0:15:25# You've gone your way... #
0:15:25 > 0:15:27Brian, we're not in bad shape now, are we?
0:15:27 > 0:15:28# I've gone mine... #
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Daddy, we are going to have to think about this,
0:15:30 > 0:15:32we're going to have to make some plans,
0:15:32 > 0:15:33it's not just going to happen.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36It will be grand, we'll get it sorted out. We always do.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39I know, but people have to be comfortable and they have to
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- have a good time. We'll have to look after them.- Don't worry about it.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Everything will be fine. You'll be saying,
0:15:44 > 0:15:45"Raymond, that was some day."
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Daddy's an optimist, an eternal optimist, and he does tend to
0:15:50 > 0:15:53think that things will always work out OK, but we're going to
0:15:53 > 0:15:56have to rein him in a little bit this time and get some plans made.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02With his daughter's words of caution ringing in his ears,
0:16:02 > 0:16:03Raymond fires ahead nonetheless -
0:16:03 > 0:16:07his phone book reading like a Who's Who of the country scene.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10# Operator, won't you put me on through
0:16:10 > 0:16:12# I gotta send my love down to Baton Rouge... #
0:16:12 > 0:16:13PHONE RINGS
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- Hello?- Hello, is that Brian? - Speaking.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Brian, it's Raymond Stewart here down at Dungannon.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20How are you keeping?
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- Hello?- Hello, is that Margo? - That's me!
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- Hello?- Hello. Is that Johnny?
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- Hello?- Marty Mone?
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- BRIAN:- Oh, well, Raymond, how's things?- The very best.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Do you remember I was chatting with you, Brian,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35a couple of weeks ago about the shop being 40 years old?
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- You were there when it opened. - I was indeed, aye.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41I would love it if were are able to come down for an hour on that day.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- MARGO:- Oh, absolutely, I wouldn't miss it,
0:16:44 > 0:16:46I'll be really, really thrilled to come down.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Is there somewhere to leave Zimmer frames and crutches and stuff?
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Is there somewhere to leave that stuff?
0:16:51 > 0:16:52HE LAUGHS
0:16:52 > 0:16:54I don't want you to steal them when I'm talking to somebody!
0:16:54 > 0:16:56You're supple enough yet, boy.
0:16:56 > 0:16:57- Aye, no! See you then. - Thanks, Brian.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00I'm really glad that you asked me. Thanks a million.
0:17:00 > 0:17:01- Thanks a million, Margo.- All right.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04I'll be there, look forward to seeing you on the 10th...
0:17:04 > 0:17:06# Happy birthday to you... #
0:17:06 > 0:17:07HE LAUGHS
0:17:07 > 0:17:10I'm there. I'm already there, man, thank you very much for inviting me.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12Thanks, Johnny. Thanks, see you then, bye.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14# Tonight I'm moving on Just letting you know
0:17:14 > 0:17:18# It's on to the whiskey I go... #
0:17:18 > 0:17:19On the growing list of artists
0:17:19 > 0:17:24booked for the birthday celebrations, one name stands out.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Derek Ryan is one of the biggest stars in the circuit.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32# Tonight I'm moving on Just letting you know
0:17:32 > 0:17:35# It's on to the whiskey I go. #
0:17:35 > 0:17:37All right.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39I don't even drink whiskey.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41# Hold on to your hat
0:17:41 > 0:17:44# And we'll drive this road together... #
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Derek is a household name with three number ones
0:17:47 > 0:17:50under his belt and a legion of dedicated fans.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54His appearance at Stewart's is sure to draw a crowd.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57# Hold on to your hat... #
0:17:57 > 0:17:59The way it's taken off in the last five, six years
0:17:59 > 0:18:01is just a dream come true.
0:18:01 > 0:18:02I do have to pinch myself.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Not so long ago, you know, I was living in London,
0:18:05 > 0:18:08and I remember playing one night in the pub to the barman, you know.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10That was the only person there!
0:18:10 > 0:18:14# It's all part of God's plan... #
0:18:14 > 0:18:16Like many a singer before him,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19it was Raymond who helped launch his career.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21God's Plan was my debut single.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24I got CDs printed up and sent them out to every DJ
0:18:24 > 0:18:25and sent it to Raymond.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29I sent up, I think it might have been 25 copies of the single to him
0:18:29 > 0:18:32and literally three days later, he rang again and said, "Look,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35"it sold out and you need to come up and have a chat." So, I went up and
0:18:35 > 0:18:38met him and just from that moment, just clicked with him, really.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Here we go!
0:18:43 > 0:18:45HE SINGS
0:18:45 > 0:18:49Raymond's always been, "You know, let's go for it, let's do this!"
0:18:49 > 0:18:50And it's infectious, you know?
0:18:50 > 0:18:53That's why I think myself and Raymond buzz off each other and
0:18:53 > 0:18:57seven albums on and many years later we're still working great together.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05# It only seems like yesterday... #
0:19:05 > 0:19:07As the big day arrives,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10it seems the country gods are smiling on the celebrations.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14The sun's shining. Actually, the sun's in my eyes.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17I couldn't have asked for anything better. It's perfect conditions.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20So just have to worry to make sure that all the people that are here
0:19:20 > 0:19:23enjoy themselves and all the artists enjoy themselves
0:19:23 > 0:19:27and it's a successful day, and we sell loads of CDs.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29# A yellow coloured ribbon... #
0:19:29 > 0:19:31It's the most important day in Stewart's history
0:19:31 > 0:19:34since the shop first opened 40 years ago -
0:19:34 > 0:19:37four decades of great memories for Raymond.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- Stewart's record shop opening today. - What age were you then?
0:19:42 > 0:19:45I was only a cub, sure, still only a cub.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50There's a handsome-looking young man there.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- The haircut on you. - That's some haircut!
0:19:55 > 0:19:57That's a very old photograph of the shop there.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59You wouldn't even have been born then.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02Look, see how dressed everybody was.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07There's an early Gene Stuart album.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09Gene Stuart And The Homesteaders.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12I remember the day that album came into the shop.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13Eugene was there and he opened the box
0:20:13 > 0:20:16and he was shocked to see that his new album had arrived.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Declan Nerney, look at how young Declan is. Good album, that.
0:20:19 > 0:20:20But I remember him on the day,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23he was so pleased to see his new album, he wasn't expecting it.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24Put it up there.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29All these artists are the people
0:20:29 > 0:20:31that cut the track for the artists today -
0:20:31 > 0:20:33these people are the pioneers of Irish country music.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35It came from the show bands,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38and a lot of the songs that they recorded many years ago,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41they've been re-released again by the new country artists.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43It stands testament to them.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46So we owe them all a great sense of gratitude.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48It's amazing to have them all here today.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52I don't believe there's ever been so many of the older...
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Shall we call them "the previous generation"?
0:20:54 > 0:20:58..and the current generation ever in the one place before.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05On the other side of town,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08store regular Isaac is gearing up for the day ahead.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11# Sitting on the back boards having a beer
0:21:11 > 0:21:14# Talking about his farm and his old John Deere. #
0:21:14 > 0:21:1740 years of country music. You know, I'm delighted
0:21:17 > 0:21:19that I've won a golden ticket to go up to this event.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22You know, I feel like I'm a millionaire.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25And I'm hoping to meet many stars that's going to be there.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27# ..there be a John Deere beer
0:21:37 > 0:21:39# You know, it's not that easy to farm out west
0:21:39 > 0:21:42# But when you're driving a Deere, you're driving the best... #
0:21:42 > 0:21:44You know, it'll be weird to meet these people,
0:21:44 > 0:21:46they were very young then but
0:21:46 > 0:21:48they've gone on about the same as myself.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52It's good to see them not forgetting what happened 40 years ago.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59I want to see all the hands in the air now.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02# On a Sunday morning and I feel so bad
0:22:02 > 0:22:04# My legs are tired and weak...
0:22:04 > 0:22:09As country fans of all ages crowd Irish Street,
0:22:09 > 0:22:11the musicians start to arrive,
0:22:11 > 0:22:15including some who performed on the day the shop first opened.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20Brendan Quinn isn't as young as he once was but he's still at it.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24I can't believe it's 40 years since we opened the shop.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27And there, look. That's me in all my glory there.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Brian Coll, Philomena Begley, Gene himself.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33I was just a young lad at that stage, making my way in the game.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37Very, very raw. But 40 years later, I've learned a lot.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41So it's good to be here and good to be above the ground.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49# I thought that you would be a perfect... #
0:22:49 > 0:22:53Another those who performed that day in 1975 was Eileen King,
0:22:53 > 0:22:58and Isaac gets a front row view as she belts out one of her classics
0:22:58 > 0:23:00and Isaac's favourite song.
0:23:02 > 0:23:10# But like a big red rose that's made of paper... #
0:23:10 > 0:23:14'I remember coming down here to the shop, and Gene taking the records'
0:23:14 > 0:23:18and telling me what to record, so it really means an awful lot to me,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21and country music is my whole life.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26# Wherever you go, I want you to know
0:23:26 > 0:23:31# It takes people like you to make people like me... #
0:23:34 > 0:23:35Hey!
0:23:39 > 0:23:44And it takes dedicated people to make a 250-mile round trip,
0:23:44 > 0:23:46just to see their favourite artists.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- Say cheese!- Cheese!
0:23:49 > 0:23:52But Paddy and Eileen have made that journey from Athlone
0:23:52 > 0:23:55and are busy stocking up on autographs.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58It's country music heaven. What more can you wish for?
0:23:58 > 0:24:02All the stars are here - Tommy Cameron, when we came in the door.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- Yeah, Michael English.- Marty Mone.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10Marty Mone, and Margo, can't forget her! Margo...
0:24:10 > 0:24:14The wee man from Strabane, Uncle Hugo. Johnny Brady.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17And Johnny Brady. So we're not doing too bad!
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- Michael, it's a pleasure. - Thanks, Paddy. Great to see you.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22- God bless you.- God bless.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25There's a buzz of enthusiasm here. Everybody is here in country music.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Only one day in my life bigger than today -
0:24:28 > 0:24:30the day I married my wife!
0:24:30 > 0:24:34He never told me that before, so he didn't!
0:24:34 > 0:24:37# And we're all gonna die someday, Lord
0:24:37 > 0:24:39# We're all gonna die someday... #
0:24:39 > 0:24:42As the music continues outside, Isaac is busy inside,
0:24:42 > 0:24:45catching up with his favourite stars.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47- You want me to sign it? - Yes, please.- OK.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50And who needs an autograph book when you have a guitar?
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- Thank you very much. - Not at all, great to see you.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55When this guitar is signed and I hang it on the wall,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57it'll have pride of place in my home.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00When anybody comes in and sees this hanging on the wall,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03I'll just have to be open and honest and tell them -
0:25:03 > 0:25:04"Not for sale!"
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Seeing legendary artists onstage together is priceless,
0:25:07 > 0:25:12but is Dungannon big enough for two Queens of Country?
0:25:12 > 0:25:14Philomena Begley and Margo!
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- Excuse me, you're the older one. - No, no, no...
0:25:17 > 0:25:20- She's trying to tell everybody that she's younger than me!- Hey!
0:25:20 > 0:25:22You were on the road younger than me.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24You're getting a pension, I'm not!
0:25:24 > 0:25:26LAUGHTER
0:25:26 > 0:25:28They may be older than they once were,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31but the songs are timeless.
0:25:31 > 0:25:36# We make up with each other
0:25:36 > 0:25:41# The way old friends do... #
0:25:43 > 0:25:46With so many artists together in one place,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49it's creating something of a logistical headache.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51There's an awful lot of people here from all over,
0:25:51 > 0:25:53the shop's deadly busy.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55We haven't enough people on the till.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Philomena's on there at the minute.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59Big Tom, he's arrived - we can't get him out of the car,
0:25:59 > 0:26:01because everybody's around him, wanting photographs.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Derek Ryan's in here, eating all the buns,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05and I can't even get a cup of tea!
0:26:07 > 0:26:11Big Tom is known as the grandfather of Irish country music,
0:26:11 > 0:26:13and public appearances these days are rare.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Given the demand for selfies and autographs,
0:26:16 > 0:26:17he's late to the stage.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- CHEERING - Thank you!
0:26:22 > 0:26:25A lot of people have been asking me, what am I going to do?
0:26:25 > 0:26:27I'm not going to do very much!
0:26:27 > 0:26:28LAUGHTER
0:26:30 > 0:26:34GUITAR PLAYS INTRO
0:26:36 > 0:26:40# Oh, we're going out the same way we came in
0:26:42 > 0:26:47# Don't matter who you know or where you've been
0:26:47 > 0:26:52# Makes no difference who you are, Skid Row Joe or superstar
0:26:52 > 0:26:55# You're going out the same way you came in... #
0:26:57 > 0:27:00So far, it's going great, we're almost there, it's been fantastic.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02I don't think I've ever seen a line-up like that before
0:27:02 > 0:27:05in all my life, so I would like to be paying them.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Hold On To Your Hat, here we go.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Derek Ryan, back where it all started for him,
0:27:10 > 0:27:12is closing the day's celebrations.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14Let's see those hands in the air!
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Are we ready?
0:27:21 > 0:27:25# Hold on to your hat and we'll drive this road together
0:27:25 > 0:27:30# Hold on to your hat, say you'll be mine for ever
0:27:32 > 0:27:35# Ah, you know you are my sweetheart
0:27:35 > 0:27:37# You're the apple of my eye... #
0:27:37 > 0:27:40'What can I say? It's been one hell of a day.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43'And I got to meet ones that I'd never met before,'
0:27:43 > 0:27:47like Michael English, and who else? Um...
0:27:47 > 0:27:51- Jimmy Devine.- Jimmy Devine and Lee Matthews, who I'd never met either.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- Michael English.- Yeah, I said Michael English. Are you listening?
0:27:54 > 0:27:58It'll be a long drive back to Athlone for Paddy and Eileen, so!
0:27:58 > 0:28:00CHEERING
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Isaac is so overwhelmed by the experience.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05He's already planning his next big day.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10I hope, when they're wheeling me out in a brown box, that they're
0:28:10 > 0:28:14playing a country song as I'm lowered down and put in the ground.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20# Oh, you're going out the same way you came in
0:28:20 > 0:28:24# Makes no difference who you know or where you've been
0:28:25 > 0:28:30# Makes no difference who you are, Skid Row Joe or superstar
0:28:30 > 0:28:34# You're going out the same way you came in
0:28:36 > 0:28:39# Yeah, you're going out the same way you came in. #