Kamahl is an Australian Legend and also a north shore resident. Lane Cove Local Max Hitchens is a long time friend of Kamahl and has the honour of introducing Kamahl at his show at the North Sydney Leagues Club at 3pm on Sunday, June 30 2019. Max Hitchens is an ITC favourite. Each year we feature Max at Melbourne Cup time as he is known as Mr Melbourne Cup (he has an amazing record of picking winners) read more here. Max is also the proud father of talented Lane Cove candle artist Salle Hitchens. Her U Light Me Up candles are magnificent (read more here)
A Voice Regal
Max told us that a royal thumbs up from Prince Harry has given Kamahl a new lease on life.
Kamahl got the princely seal of approval for his interpretation of a poem, which he delivered in stirring fashion at Sydney’s Invictus Games, Prince Harry’s tribute to wounded veterans.
The experience sparked Kamahl’s desire to present a comeback show of songs and poems, including the work in question, which local audiences can see this month.
The longtime Warrawee resident, still going strong in his 80s, is as passionate about words as he is about music. That’s why he will recite Invictus, a “never give up” anthem written by Englishman William Ernest Henley in 1875.
Prince Harry was just metres from Kamahl when the entertainer recited the poem for VIPs at ANZ Stadium last October, and was clearly moved by the experience.
“Immediately afterwards Prince Harry walked towards me with his hands out, as if he was going to hug me,saying it was “unbelievably powerful , amazing etc.” he said.
“He seemed he was in a state of shock. I suspect he may not have been altogether familiar with the the poem. His emotional reaction made me feel invincible. In the twinkle of an eye I became a Prince Harry tragic, placing his friend, President Obama, second “
“I got a standing ovation, helped by the fact that there were no seats at the function.”
Kamahl met Harry’s father, Prince Charles, in Sydney in 1981 and subsequently sent him an album and corresponded with him.
His show at the North Sydney Leagues Club at 3pm on Sunday, June 30, will be full of “precious words and timeless songs”.
Kamahl will Sing Timeless Favourites
He will sing old favourites including his biggest hit the Elephant Song, Sounds Of Goodbye, Old Man River, Amazing Grace, And I Love You So and The Wind Beneath My Wings and 100 Children, with nearly as many on stage on Sunday !
The poetry items, which he calls “the brightest jewels in the English language”, will include Invictus, To A Sleeping Beauty, White Magnolia, Soul Of Australia and Rudyard Kipling’s most famous poem, ‘IF’.
“I haven’t done a concert for some time,” said the indefatigable 84-year-old, “but I’m not done yet.
“One only retires from something if you don’t like doing it. If you love something, you don’t retire from it, or tire from it.”
Kamahl remains an ardent campaigner against racism, which sadly he still experiences at times.
“To hear the acceptance of listeners all over the world , helps me immeasurably to get over the second rate syndrome and the insecurity,” he said.
He remains an optimist at heart, saying: “I’m trying to make every remaining post a winner. I’m not looking forward to my ‘use by’ date.”
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