Hill Of Tara - Peggy Gilchrist

Artist: Peggy Gilchrist

Song: Hill Of Tara

Writer/s: Shaza Leigh

Label: LBS Music

Listen Now: https://youtu.be/2c5f7gmP3zM

Peggy Gilchrist, widely known as Australia’s Queen of the Country Piano, continues to elevate her already illustrious career with her recent induction into The Australian Country Music Stars of Fame. This prestigious exhibition, established in 1991, was created to honor both past and present performers who have left a lasting impact on the Australian country music scene. For Peggy, joining the ranks of legends like Jimmy Little, Chad Morgan, Reg Lindsay, Smoky Dawson, Jean Stafford, and Slim Dusty is not only a recognition of her immense talent but also a career-defining honor. As someone who has long admired these icons, Peggy’s inclusion in this hall of fame reflects her own contribution to Australian music history.

Over the course of her career, Peggy has garnered widespread recognition, being crowned Queensland Musician of the Year on multiple occasions. Her crowning achievement came when she was named “Artist of the Year” at the Gold Medallion Media Awards, solidifying her as one of the most respected figures in Australian country music. Since beginning her professional recording career in 2010 with the iconic LBS label, Peggy has been a mainstay in the industry, contributing her extraordinary talents to nearly every major country album released by LBS in Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital.

Her association with the finest Australian recording artists—including Jimmy Little, Jean Stafford, Lindsay Butler, Shaza Leigh, and Ashley Cook—has bolstered her profile, allowing her to tour and perform alongside some of the most respected names in the genre. These collaborations have not only showcased her exceptional piano skills but also catapulted her onto the Australian Country Music Wall of Honour during the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2016, marking her as an integral part of Australia’s country music legacy.

Peggy’s reputation extends beyond national borders as she has accompanied major acts like Christina George on international tours, performing in concerts with Irish music icons Daniel O’Donnell and Foster & Allen. Additionally, her role in backing renowned performers such as Kamahl and Victoria McGee in the Patsy Cline Tribute Show has highlighted her versatility and ability to seamlessly adapt to different styles, cementing her as one of the most accomplished and sought-after backing musicians in the country.

Her solo career has also flourished, with the release of four instrumental albums that beautifully showcase her virtuosity on the piano. Among these are two solo albums, Queen of the Country Piano Volumes 1 and 2, and two collaborative works with guitar legend Lindsay Butler—Gospel Road and Picking on the Irish. These albums have been lauded for their rich, soulful interpretations of both classic and contemporary country music, further establishing Peggy as a leading figure in the instrumental genre.

Now, Peggy is poised to captivate audiences once again with her latest release, Hill of Tara. This upbeat and exciting instrumental, written and produced by Shaza Leigh and engineered by Lindsay Butler, perfectly complements Peggy’s signature uplifting piano style. Named after the iconic Irish historical site, Hill of Tara evokes a sense of history and emotion, merging Peggy’s Irish musical influences with her distinctive country sound. The track will also serve as the opening instrumental for the new Music With Messages concert, which is set to tour Australian highways soon, further affirming Peggy’s ability to connect with audiences both in the studio and on stage.

Peggy’s journey, from a celebrated backing musician to a solo artist with a dedicated following, is a testament to her unwavering passion for country music and her unparalleled skill as a pianist. Her induction into the Australian Country Music Stars of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of her decades-long contribution to the country music landscape, both in Australia and internationally. As she continues to perform, record, and inspire future generations of musicians, Peggy Gilchrist remains a shining beacon of Australian country music excellence.