Gerry Black

Born and raised in Co Armagh, known in Ireland as the orchard county, Gerry has lived in the vicinity of Portadown all his life. He is the middle child of a surviving family of seven. From an early age he was sent to Sunday school and church and sang his first solo in a local church at the age of six. Gerry was fortunate to have a good pianist as a neighbour, who encouraged him to sing and before long they were asked to take part at services in a lot of local churches. This soon spread to further afield and continued until Gerry was about 14.

His musical interests were not restricted to gospel music. In the late sixties he attended several pop festivals, and also had a keen interest in classical, country, folk, blue grass and rock music. He still retains an interest in a wide range of music.

From a very young age he had a love of horses. This started when he used to bring bread to the neighbour’s cart horse, and climb on its back from the gate. This interest continued, and he enjoyed the sport so much he went on to “point to point” and then rode on the course as an amateur jockey for a number of years. He also took part in show-jumping and eventing competitions. The stable is still occupied by a horse which is just used for leisure riding these days but a day out at the races or around the event course is still very enjoyable to Gerry and his wife Lynda.

In 1982 he married Lynda, from Sandholes, Cookstown.  Richard, their son was born in January, 1989.

After leaving school his first full-time job was in a bakery. He then started his own coal business and was a coal merchant for twenty years. For the past nine years he has worked as a locksmith for a local Portadown firm.

Gerry has been a member of the church choir for a number of years and in recent years has organized, with the help of friends, a few country/gospel concerts. 

An inspiration in country music comes from artists like Don Williams and Kris Kristofferson whose songs are feathered in this first album “The Lamp”. With his background it was only natural for him to include a couple of gospel tracks as well. Yard sale, Man of my word and The Lamp are lovely songs which are not well known in Ireland. Put them along with a few old favourites and hopefully get a nice blend of country music.

The words of “It takes people like you” express how Gerry feels about those who have supported him with this venture and he hopes you enjoy his singing.