Graham Toole believed he had hit the jackpot when he was called up in
January 2019 to sing as Kenny Rogers with the Las Vegas Legends in
concert at Melbourne's Crown Casino. While it was a little surreal
being on stage with these stars of the 1960-1990s, living and dead,
Graham has made a career out of singing the songs of the greats.
The US-based Legends are just that in musical tribute circles - legends -
with the longest-running show in the world and a full cast of
singers, dancers, and a live band.
With 'American Kenny' unexpectedly out injured, Graham had nine days to
learn four songs and a duet before taking to the stage for twenty-two
shows beside Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Elvis Presley,
Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, and Cyndi Lauper - or at least the
closest thing to them. "It was world-class," he enthused.
In the past 25 years he has performed tributes to Glen Campbell, John
Denver, and Kenny Rogers. Growing up in a musical house, his mum
played piano, and his dad sang alongside himself and his five sisters, all
going through classical training and eisteddfod competitions.
"Music's always been my passion," Graham said. At 12, the same year
he discovered guitar, he joined an old-time dance band. At 16, Graham
won a talent competition to be the curtain-raiser for a young John
Williamson back in his Old Man Emu days of the early 1970s, and he was
on his way.
In 2004, he was recognised with the Frank Ifield International Spur
Award for his potential global country music appeal, individual style, and
professionalism. With his Album A Life Worth Living.
Graham and his family in the mid-2000s playing the streets of
Tamworth with his wife and children Rebecca, Julius, and Ashleigh
Toole. Wife Leonie also sings and writes and, for 10 years, he and his
young family sang in the streets of Tamworth.
While the couple penned and recorded an album, Graham said these days
he was happy singing the songs of the music's greats.
"It's been a brilliant opportunity to play wonderful songs that
everyone knows... that's the fun part: we encourage people to join in,"
Graham said.
"The music transcends through the ages; they are just such well-crafted
songs."