Colin Elliott
Singer-songwriter
Colin Elliott and his band, ‘Live Issue’ literally made history in Nashville by becoming the first country band from Ireland and only the second group from the British Isles to perform on the stage of the famous Grand Olé Opry in Nashville. Colin was later invited to appear at the Opry in a solo capacity on several subsequent occasions, including shows from the famous Ryman Auditorium. With further appearances in Opryland venues on an almost annual basis, Colin is now considered somewhat of a ‘regular’ in Nashville music circles.
In 2017, 2018 and 2019 Colin toured the United States again and fulfilled a busy schedule of concert invitations including venues in Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia as well as hosting the famous Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree in Nashville, which was broadcast across the world on WSM Radio and Music City Television.
Colin Elliott’s Christian faith influences his life and music. He gave his life to the Lord when he was only 8 years old through the ministry of evangelist, Dick Saunders and is currently one of the hardest working Gospel singers in the United Kingdom. Colin has been involved in Gospel music both in groups and as a solo artist for over 30 years. He started singing at the age of fourteen and has been on the road ever since. Colin was also recently appointed as secretary of the Gospel Music Association of Northern Ireland.
The last few years have seen Colin and Live Issue release their fourth album entitled “Every Road,” record a one hour television special broadcast on Revelation TV and release two DVDs. As well as completing several very successful tours of the United States, they opened the ‘International Country Music Festival’ at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast in March 2012.
In May 2018 Live Issue recorded their own television series for Revelation TV featuring many of their friends from the world of Christian music both from Northern Ireland and the United States. Colin produced and co-hosted the series which was broadcast in the autumn of 2018.
Although Colin is heavily involved in Gospel music, he is also a school teacher and has been the Principal of Brownlee Primary School in Lisburn since 1999. As you would expect, the school offers its pupils many opportunities to develop their musical skills from an early age. in 2017 Colin was able to combine both his experience as a Principal and a worship leader when he visited the country of Myanmar (Burma) to work with a school called Destiny Academy and also lead worship at a week-long pastor’s conference. As a result Colin released a solo worship album entitled “More Than A Song” and raised over £1000 to purchase guitars and worship books for these fledgling church fellowships throughout Myanmar.
Colin and Live Issue have been credited, not only as fine representatives of Country Gospel Music, but also as, “ambassadors for their Christian faith and everything that is good about Northern Ireland.” In 2014, Live Issue was awarded “County Gospel Band of the Year” in the Northern Ireland Gospel Music Awards. Colin was also nominated as “Worship Leader of the Year” at the same event. The Irish Connection Radio Show also recognised Live Issue’s contribution to Gospel Music with a special award presented in 2016.
Although Colin is mainly known for his singing and playing ability, both in groups and as a solo artist, he is also a respected record producer and session musician. He recorded and produced three albums for the late George Hamilton IV, the “International Ambassador of Country Music,” one of which went to number one in the New Christian Music European Gospel and Country Charts.
In 2010 Colin produced a “landmark” album for George Hamilton IV entitled “Old Fashioned Hymns and Gospel Songs for Those Who Miss Them!” This recording featured many established stars from the Grand Olé Opry and Gospel Music. During this project Colin worked with Dave Moody from Lamon Records in Nashville to record and produce songs for; Pat Boone, George Beverly Shea, Marty Stuart, Charley Pride, Charlie Louvin, Connie Smyth, Joanne and Tommy Cash, Ricky Skaggs, and many more. One of the songs entitled, “I’m Using My Bible for a Roadmap” was nominated for a prestigious Dove Award and Colin travelled to Atlanta for the ceremony as part of his US Easter tour in 2011.
Over the years Colin has recorded many albums and appeared on countless BBC, commercial and independent radio shows. He has also been featured on and hosted television programmes in Ireland, the UK and America. These appearances have provided important opportunities for Colin to share his faith and music with an ever increasing audience.
Colin’s musical experiences have been very wide and varied over the past quarter of a century, and this is well illustrated in his song writing ability. Although his repertoire contains dozens of familiar songs, Colin also performs many which he has penned himself. His songs are regularly requested on radio shows and many have inspired people throughout Ireland and across the world.
Colin’s solo singing has been in great demand in recent years as he has travelled to many churches throughout the UK, Europe and America bringing the good news of the Gospel in song. His musical style can merge repertoires of country, worship and contemporary music to suit any audience or age group.