This New Heartache - Carol Chaney
Artist: Carol Chaney
Song: This New Heart Heartache
Writer/s: Vincent Gill
Label: LBS Music
Listen Now: https://youtu.be/awgoRPik_CM
Carol Chaney: A Lifelong Journey Back To Music & Entertainment
Carol’s story is one of resilience, passion, and an enduring love for music that has shaped her life. Growing up in a musical and entertainment family, Carol’s early years were filled with performances at family concerts that her father organized for small towns in South East Queensland, near their dairy and wheat farm. These concerts gave her an early taste of the entertainment world, and she quickly showed promise as a performer. However, her musical aspirations were put on hold when her parents separated when she was just 12 years old. As her mother focused on raising Carol and her three siblings, music took a back seat.
Years later, after completing her education, Carol’s life took an unexpected turn that brought her back into the world of performance. She began working in a Side Show Dance Troupe at agricultural shows across Queensland, combining her love of music with dance. Despite having a day job, Carol pursued her passion by performing in hotels and clubs in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It was here that she caught the attention of Australian country music icon and entertainment agent Elly Lavelle during a talent quest in Brisbane. Elly saw potential in Carol and became her mentor, guiding her into a more serious singing career.
Carol’s breakthrough came when she was invited to join Australia’s first all-girl group, Daughters of Zeus. The group toured up and down the east coast of Queensland, performing in various towns for extended stays. This experience not only honed Carol’s skills but also gave her the confidence to embark on a solo career. She then traveled to Sydney to audition for a prestigious opportunity to entertain U.S. troops during the Vietnam War. Through the agency Showgroup Management, Carol signed a contract for a three-month tour, with the possibility of extensions, to perform for troops overseas. Carol’s talent and dedication were evident as she completed two tours between 1969 and 1971, spending a total of nine months entertaining soldiers and bringing comfort through music during a tumultuous time.
Upon returning to Australia, Carol continued to perform with various groups, most notably The Shilos, which featured legendary musicians Tommy and Phil Emmanuel. Her time with The Shilos helped further establish her career, but eventually, Carol took an extended break from the music industry. She transitioned to a 9-to-5 career, got married, and settled into a different pace of life. However, music was never far from her heart.
After retiring, Carol returned to her first love—entertainment. A chance meeting with Shaza Leigh from LBS Music reignited her passion for recording and performing. With the help of Shaza, Lindsay Butler, Peggy Gilchrist, and the LBS Music team, Carol recorded her first CD. This return to music marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one where she could fully immerse herself in the world of music once again. Building on this success, Carol has since released four more songs, which she plans to include in her upcoming second CD.
Currently, Carol is on the road with the LBS Music 30th Anniversary Celebration Tour, a 40-day tour that spans towns across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland. Her latest single, This New Heartache, was recorded just before the tour commenced, and Carol is thrilled to be performing it live for audiences across the country. The tour has given her the opportunity to reconnect with her fans and share her music with new audiences, reaffirming her place in the Australian music scene.
Carol’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the deep connection that music can create in a person’s life. From her early beginnings in family concerts to performing for troops overseas, and now returning to her passion in her later years, Carol’s story is one of dedication and a lifelong commitment to the art of entertainment. As she continues to perform and record new music, Carol is embracing this new chapter with the same enthusiasm that first ignited her love for music so many years ago.
LYRICS: This New Heartache (Vince Gill)
Oh, here I sit with my first glass of whiskey
Wondering where I went wrong
How I wish she was still right here with me
I long to hear all those old country songs
Like old Hank when he'd sing about lonesome
And Hag about misery and gin
If the jukebox would play Patsy's "Crazy"
Then I could let this new heartache begin
The band just quit, and the lovers are leaving
And the bartender said, "It's closing time"
Oh, I wonder if she's having trouble sleeping
And if these songs keep on runnin' through her mind
Like "Crazy Arms" and "A-11"
The "Lovesick Blues", we're together again
Why, baby, why must you and I fall to pieces?
It's time to let this new heartache begin
Why, baby, why must you and I fall to pieces?
It's time to let this new heartache begin