Wes McGhee: The Unlikely Country Star from Leicestershire
In 1978, Wes McGhee embarked on what was supposed to be a brief two-week holiday to Austin, Texas. However, the allure of the city's vibrant music scene captivated him, leading to an extended stay of eight months. During this time, he immersed himself in the local culture, working diligently as a songwriter and quickly gaining recognition among Austin's roots musicians.
A Prolific Career Spanned Decades
Wes McGhee, who passed away at the age of 77, left behind a remarkable legacy in the music industry. Between 1978 and 2006, he released ten solo studio albums, many of which were recorded in Austin. Despite his origins in Leicestershire, England, he earned a reputation as a songwriter who deeply understood and respected the country music tradition.
His journey began in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, where he was born to Victor, a civil engineer and church organist, and Raymonde, a wartime draughtswoman. By his early teens at Lutterworth Grammar School, the guitar had become his constant companion. He supported himself by playing in bands such as the Desperados and Grizelda until the late 1970s.
Overcoming Challenges with Stubborn Independence
In his early twenties, Wes secured a solo record deal in the UK, but his unwavering refusal to compromise—particularly his determination to blend psychedelic rock with country music—left him in contract limbo for years. While many musicians might have given up, Wes quietly accumulated songs, waiting for the right moment to emerge on his own terms.
When he finally stepped into the public eye, he did so with authenticity and a restless musical curiosity. His first album, Long Nights and Banjo Music, was released in 1978, marking the beginning of a steady stream of new offerings over the next three decades.
Collaborations and Versatility Beyond Solo Work
Beyond his solo career, Wes McGhee's band, which included close friends and collaborators, became a sought-after backing group for US country acts touring Europe, such as Gail Davies, Heather Myles, Kimmie Rhodes, and Wanda Jackson. His producing credits extended to artists like Freddie Krc, Ponty Bone, Roxy Gordon, and singer-songwriter Terry Clarke, with whom he released a joint album, Night Ride To Birmingham, in 2006.
Wes's versatility shone through in various projects. He composed the score for the 1979 Children's Film Foundation movie Big Wheels and Sailor and created a haunting soundtrack for Channel 4's Voices in Exile documentary in 1998. In 2001, he even performed on stage at the National Theatre in Nicholas Hytner's production of The Winter's Tale.
A Life Enriched by Music and Cricket
Away from the studio and stage, Wes was an avid cricketer, playing as a bustling bowler for the London-based Chadwick club, which consisted largely of actors and musicians. It was here that he first met many of his lifelong friends. On the cricket field, he was known as an uncompromising and cheerfully combative figure, traits that also fueled his musical endeavors.
Despite his stubborn independence, Wes was remembered as a thoughtful, drily funny, and generous man in all aspects of his life. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, daughter, Renee, and sister, Yvonne.
Wes McGhee's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion, bridging the gap between Leicestershire and Austin to leave an indelible mark on the world of country music.
