George McAnthony Tribute Page
George McAnthony – Italian Country singer-songwriter dies (6 April 1966 – 8 July 2011)
It was a sad loss to the world of Country Music to hear of the death of Italian country singer and songwriter George McAnthony. Only the best die young. George McAnthony was only 45, the South Tyrolean country musician, died of a heart attack on Friday afternoon on 8 July 2011 on a beach at Terracina in the Lazio region.
His girlfriend Luciano was with him on the beach on the day he was due to play at a concert in Vico, Lazio. He was seen to stagger and collapsed to the ground and first aid was given (lifeguard). He was discovered suddenly lifeless and sadly any resuscitation measures came too late. The ambulance crew established it was a heart attack. The singer was immediately transported to a local hospital in Terracina, but it was in vain and nothing could be done to save his life. Once the formalities were completed his body was brought home to his own house in Appiano, Ganda. Several hundred people were expected in Appian to bid final farewell to George McAnthony (real name Georg Spitaler), the region's best known country singer. A Mass was scheduled for July 16th in the church of San Michele Appiano and next day at 19.30 a rosary was held in the Church of St. Joseph (see picture).
Many were forced to follow the service outside of the parish church of San Michele. Pieces of music were played by acoustic group Nice Price & Co, which both won applause and brought tears on the faces of hundreds present. George was a good, generous, caring and above all a person who loved life and knew how to convey this positive energy in concerts around the world. His music, for many, was a medicine for the soul, as pointed out in a harrowing memory by a country friend in a wheelchair, Frederick, who arrived with his family from outside the province. Frederick described how George would say "I sing until the police come to get me" and that he would never forget to dedicate his song “Weekend Cowboy" at the end of his concerts (see Youtube) “When you asked for advice on the guitar during a break he was always helping me with a smile on his face” said Frederick. At the alter were friends of the "Whisper Country" Riva del Garda, the dance school which Luciana, the girlfriend of George's life, attended. Luciana was sitting in the front row, wearing country attire, in jeans and red and blue checked shirt, not far from the immediate family: his mother Dora and his brother Georg.
During the Mass the career and life McAnthony was recounted: both too short, but intense. At 9 years Georg has learned to play the trumpet, and at 13 joined the band of Appian and then he attended school to become a carpenter. After the death of his father Anton George began to engage in social activity and was a volunteer for Caritas in Ethiopia, where he started playing the guitar. Through his music George tried to convey a message that was deep, genuine and above all true, just as he was in life. Friends and relatives, who until then had been trying hard to restrain themselves joined in with the infectious clapping when they heard the notes of "Thank you Lord."
The dean, quoted the words of his friend Robert Benedetti, one of George’s closest friends, who sums it up in one sentence: "All die when they get older, but not George: he lived a great live" It was a day of shock, grief, and disbelief. Benedetti: "George did not drink, did not smoke, he was not ill. He was attentive to everything. Never even an accident. And then he dies so suddenly ... It is very hard to accept. The only consolation is now is the thought that the sky is playing for his dad, his brother and his dog Lucky
On the "souvenir" left at the entrance of the church was a refrain of a song Spitaler (George’s birth name), that looked like a last farewell to those who, for many years, had remained close: "I walk with angels at my side will be near to me when I call them, knowing that there is no time and no space that can disturb my peace, I will protect up to when I am gone, for so long. "
Born in Appian, a resident of Ganda, McAnthony lost his father (his name was Anton, hence the name) and later one of his two brothers. He was very attached to another brother, Gerard, and mother Dora. His girlfriend Luciana was the love of his life. She was with him at his concerts and taught those that wanted to line dance. “They were a wonderful couple, he was serene and happy “said Robert. George McAnthony who had been involved with country music for more than 20 years, had fans all over Italy, and in fact in recent weeks had scheduled concerts everywhere, from Cuneo in Jesolo, from Ferrara to Aosta, and also in France and Switzerland.
The organizer of the Vico Country Music Festival, Massimo Tullio, was moved: "To me he was like a brother. In recent days I have received hundreds of phone calls from both the north and the south of Italy from country music fans who wanted to come and hear him play” (Fans picture)
George McAnthony - In Ethiopia
Most people knew and appreciated him as a musician but not everyone knows that thousands and thousands of people, especially in Ethiopia, were able to have water, food, education, healthcare, and vocational training through the efforts of Georg.
Caritas (The Humanitarian Aid charity) has expressed, in a press release, "deep sadness at the death of a friend." He was reminded of the longstanding commitment of McAnthony in Ethiopia for the conduct of development projects of Caritas.
The Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone Caritas mourns George Spindler, her longtime friend and project partner. The famous country singer with the stage name George McAnthony has over 20 years engaged as a volunteer and implemented numerous projects in Ethiopia. "The news of his sudden death hurts us and the people in Ethiopia, very much. George was for us all not only a reliable partner, but also a valuable friend. He was tireless when it came to the aid of Ethiopia. He has his art, his music and it took up a lot of his time. His example is a job for us all to continue, and continue to assist the people in Africa, "said Caritas director Heiner Schweigkofler.
In Pictures:
George McAnthony - Biography (6 April 1966 - 8 July 2011)
George McAnthony (born Georg Spitaler) was born in South Tyrol in northern Italy. At an early age he showed a love for music and at aged 9 started to learn the trumpet. At 14 he joined a hometown band called Appian. After leaving secondary school he took a job as a woodworker whilst also showing interest in care for the poor and needy. Shortly after his father Anton died George’s ideas to become proactive in social care and humanitarian work came to fruition thus realizing the values that his parents held.
George a man of many roles - When he decided to go to Ethiopia as a LVIA volunteer he went to London for 6 months to practice English. There he bought his first guitar and learnt to sing. One day he sang on the streets of London and people liked it. London 1985 pic 1 - London 1985 pic 2
He came to Ethiopia as a LVIA volunteer and he began teaching woodwork in Meki Catholic School. Besides his teaching career, he has prepared thousands of tree seedlings that he has distributed in Meki town and has planted lots of trees in the school compound. He had a cow and lots of chickens which he used to provide the surrounding people with milk and eggs. George practiced his music during leisure time in Meki and he received encouragement from the students at his school concerts.
In the afternoons he would prepare music concert in Meki with his LVIA colleague Joseph Belantoni. He was known as a horse man and people of Meki and surrounding rural areas even today call him “George the white horse man”
From 1978 to 1985 George spent a period as a lay volunteer in Ethiopia. At the end of his time he played music at the Hilton Hotel in Addis Abeba. He got his first media exposure when Ethiopian Television interviewed him about his music and his time in Meki. For the first time in his life he realized his potential to make music and when he went back home to Italy he quit his job as woodworker and started a one man band.
George McAnthony - His Music
George played 12-string guitar, dobro, mandolin or electric guitar, harmonica and kazoo. He could play seven acoustic instruments at the same time, live, without playback or support from other musicians. Using his feet he played percussion instruments such as bass drum, snare, tambourine and hi-hat. In 1988 he won a contest for young musical talent organized by the Italian TV and radio broadcaster RAI. The award provided him the opportunity for some gigs both at home and abroad. His first album "GREEN IS PEACE" was recorded in 1989. After two years of successful touring, George’s One Man Band became “George McAnthony”. This was a pseudonym: McAnthony - son of Anton, in memory of father Anthony. In fact, “Mc” is an Irish prefix to a name meaning “son of”. In 1990 a second album "TOGETHER" followed.
In 1992 after performing at some benefit performances in Albania, George made a trip to South Dakota in America to experience life on an Indian reservation. His third album called "COUNTRY WAY OF LIFE", was inspired by this venture and was recorded at the Hilltop Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 2002 his ninth album “WILD HORSE RUNNING” came out which George recorded and mixed at his own Heartland Studios. In November 2003 he made an appearance on an unplugged special called “Language Center of Ireland”. Enthused by his trip to Ireland he wrote 10 new compositions and added 3 classic tracks and they featured on his tenth album “GREAT SPIRIT”. In 2005 a new “Best Of” compilation album came out, his eleventh album with tracks pulled from the period 1997-2005. A year later in 2006 George he released a CD “TRAIL OF LIFE” with 15 new songs and a remake of the title track for the American TV-Series “Walker Texas Ranger”.
2008 marked his 20th year as a country singer-songwriter, and he released his 13th album called "BRIDGE TO EL DORADO", recorded in the Telstar Studios in Holland.
During his career McAnthony released 15 albums. The latest “COUNTRY & WESTERN COLLECTION" was digitally released on 16th March 2011. This compilation album draws on songs from 1996 to 2010 that were not included on the two previous compilation projects "22 GREATEST HITS 1988-'97" and “The Best of 1997-2005".
Perhaps his greatest career highlight was collaborating with country star John Denver. They met in New York City and performed together in a big concert in the sold-out Palaresia-Coliseum in Bolzano, in Italy in May 1992. [[ See Youtube video ]] - Photos with John Denver 1992 – Pic1 – Pic 2
George McAnthony Discography
Green is Peace (1989) , Together (1990), Country Way of Life (1992), Live on the Road (1994),
Like a Country Boy (1996), Weekend Cowboy (1998), 22 Greatest Hits 1988-97 (2000),
The Vision (2000), Wild Horse Running (2002), Great Spirit (2004), Best of 1997-2005 (2005),
Trail of Life (2006), Bridge To El Dorado (2008), Dust Off My Boots (2010)
Country & Western Collection (2011)
George McAnthony – Album “DUST OF MY BOOTS” (Released in UK on 17 June 2011)
Track list :
01. Steve The Hawk 02. Dust Off My Boots 03. Horseman 04. Still That Boy 05. Who Feels This Way
06. Country Gypsy 07. Reach For The Moon 08. Turn Me Loose 09. Show Me The Way
10. Change Rhythm 11. Irish Sunrise 12. Hold Me 13. Fly Little Bird 14. Nashville Calling
06. Country Gypsy 07. Reach For The Moon 08. Turn Me Loose 09. Show Me The Way
10. Change Rhythm 11. Irish Sunrise 12. Hold Me 13. Fly Little Bird 14. Nashville Calling
This was the 14th Studio album released by the South Tyrolean songwriter. It was recorded in April 2010 at Hilltop Studios in Nashville by John Nicholson and Francesco Mattuzzi with renowned studio musicians including: Brent Mason (electric guitar), Paul Franklin and Mike Johnson (pedal steel, dobro), Owen Hale (drums), Rob Hajacos (fiddle), Kerry Marx and Chris Kaufmann (guitars), Jimmy Carter (bass), Dirk Johnson (piano and keyboards), Bryan Sutton and Joel Key (acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo)
McAnthony (real name is Georg Spindler) composed all the tracks which were everyday life-stories and important life values. It has a traditional country music sound with elements of Southern rock and a hint of Bluegrass Music ("Steve The Hawk"). “Horseman" clearly focused on the Dire Straits sound, which were one of his influences. "Change Rhythm" was inspired by Johnny Cash's "Get Rhythm"
As a bonus track McAnthony added the danceable "Mexico Medley" which is cover of the Les Humphries classic "Mexico" and Pete Seeger's "Pay Me My Money Down".
Note - In May 2010 - George did an Interview on SDF, TV station of South Tyrol, Italy, to promote the new CD "Dust Off My Boots" and the recording in Nashville. [[ Youtube-German Language ]]
Online Reviews:
George McAnthony – Awards
European Country Music Association (ECMA) Awards & Nominations:
ECMA 1998 - Male Vocalist of the Year
ECMA 2001 - Best European Country Artist & his song “Mississippi River Dance” won Song of the Year.
ECMA Awards 2009 - His album "BRIDGE TO EL DORADO" was nominated for Best European Album of the Year.
ECMA 2011 - Nominated for European Album of the Year for his album “BRIDGE TO EL DORADO” and he also nominated for Vocal Collaboration of the Year (George McAnthony & Jacqueline van der Griendt for the song “Bridge To El Dorado”) - Winners LINK
HOTDISC Award
In December 2000 George McAnthony’s “Mississippi River Dance” – Became the most successful Independent Single in Europe in 2000. Based on airplay throughout Europe it also broke the record with the most weeks at # 1, staying at the top for 6 weeks.
George McAnthony - Hotdisc Chart positions (October 2010 - July 2011)
George’s music was heard across the European Country music radio network releasing tracks on the Comstock Records USA label (picture) and also via the Hotdisc Rush Released promotional CD.
Rush Released has a widespread distribution list to DJs, journalists, magazines, booking agents and other key people in the business.
George McAnthony - Track: “Steve The Hawk“HOTDISC 142 (October 2010)
Peaked at #6 - http://www.hotdisc.net/charts2010nov14.htm
George McAnthony - Track: “Mexico Medley” HOTDISC 144 (December 2011)
Peaked at #13 - http://www.hotdisc.net/charts2011jan9.htm
George McAnthony - Track: “Dust Off My Boots” HOTDISC 146 (February 2011)
Peaked at #9 - http://www.hotdisc.net/charts2011mar6.htm
George McAnthony – Track: “Horseman” - HOTDISC 148 (April 2011)
Peaked at #16 - http://www.hotdisc.net/charts2011may8.htm
George McAnthony - Track: “Nashville Calling” - HOTDISC 150 (June 2011)
George McAnthony – Magazine Features
Linedancer November 2010 (issue 175) - http://www.linedancermagazine.com/
George had a 3 page feature
Headliner Magazine Feitag 15 Juli 2011 (Nr 138) Tagezeitung ( 6April 1966 – 8 Juliu 2011)
Rest in Peace, Cowboy!
Friends, musicians and people who knew George McAnthony very well remember the Friday, 8 July 2011 deceased musician. With contributions by Barbara Zanetti, Andrew F. Mirrione, Walter Eschgfäller, Sebastian Erwin Reiner, Igor Ferrazzi, Chris Kaufmann, Roland Leitner, Agostino Ago Accarino, Petra Gruber, Paolo Jack Alemanno, Klemens Riegler, Andreas Marmsoler, Alex Pallaoro, Luciana Gazzini, Robert Benedetti, Verena Huber, Peter Obexer, Helmuth Pircher, Sonia Paolini, Claudio Pisoni, Lucia Endrich, Michi Lintner, Francesco Mattuzzi. Photo Link
Friends, musicians and people who knew George McAnthony very well remember the Friday, 8 July 2011 deceased musician. With contributions by Barbara Zanetti, Andrew F. Mirrione, Walter Eschgfäller, Sebastian Erwin Reiner, Igor Ferrazzi, Chris Kaufmann, Roland Leitner, Agostino Ago Accarino, Petra Gruber, Paolo Jack Alemanno, Klemens Riegler, Andreas Marmsoler, Alex Pallaoro, Luciana Gazzini, Robert Benedetti, Verena Huber, Peter Obexer, Helmuth Pircher, Sonia Paolini, Claudio Pisoni, Lucia Endrich, Michi Lintner, Francesco Mattuzzi. Photo Link
George McAnthony – Videos
George McAnthony - recording in Nashville 2010 for his album “DUST OFF MY BOOTS”
George McAnthony's live sessions at "The Station Inn" * in Nashville and at the "International Rockabilly Hall Of Fame" in Jackson, Tennessee in April 2010, performing the songs "Take Me Home Country Roads", "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Blue Suede Shoes – [[ Youtube Video ]]
George McAnthony - “Thank You Folks”, filmed in Arizona, Nevada and California – [[ Youtube Video ]]
George McAnthony – 2011 Tour & Photos
George’s 2011 tour in support of his latest albums started in earnest at the beginning of April. He had dates booked right through to the end of August.
George McAnthony - Valdagno 12.06.2011 - Photo Link
George McAnthony - Cavallino (VE), 17.06.2011 - Photo Link
George McAnthony - Veglio (BI), 24.06.2011 - Photo Link
George McAnthony - Sarre (AO), 2 e 3 July 2011 - Photo Link
George McAnthony – Quotes & Tributes
We people in Meki love you and miss you all the time and you will stay fresh in our memories! Your students see you as a real model of an Ethiopian Youngman who has shown them the true way of life.
George! A teacher, A Musician, A white horsed rider, an environmentalist with a motto of “green peace!” May you rest in peace walking with angels as you have been singing! Alemu Bedane
George! A teacher, A Musician, A white horsed rider, an environmentalist with a motto of “green peace!” May you rest in peace walking with angels as you have been singing! Alemu Bedane
This was George in Ethiopia... assisting and forging development for over twenty years... our partners in Ethiopia feel as sorry for this sudden death as we do in the Caritas Bozen-Brixen Bolzano-Bressanone.
We talked to George about Ethiopia only a few days ago. Judith Hafner (Caritas Bozen-Brixen) Facebook
We are very sad to report the news that George McAnthony, the well known Italian singer, has died of a heart attack. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
His final single, "Show Me The Way" will be on the August Hotdisc as a tribute to him - Stuart Cameron (Hotdisc, UK)
His final single, "Show Me The Way" will be on the August Hotdisc as a tribute to him - Stuart Cameron (Hotdisc, UK)
George McAnthony had his own radio show called "Country Time" which he presented with his good friend Roland Leitner. The last interview that McAnthony gave on Rai Bz was replayed on Sunday, 17th July, 18.10 clock. The special broadcast of "Country Time" went out which included personal statements from musicians and friends remembering George. The programme was named George McAnthony: "Take Me Home, Country Roads" - Memories of the Eppaner country singer and long-time employee of the transmitter Bolzano.
Note: The Sender Bozen is the South Tyrolean Face, the South Tyrolean voice of the public broadcaster Rai
Sources:
Condolences to George’s friends and family and to his many country fans right across Europe.
Livewire
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