Some might say that blindness holds you back, but for recent Australian Country Music Tamworth Hands of Fame inductee Ross McGregor, it was the key to a phenomenal career spanning over four decades
“If I hadn’t been blind, I’m not sure I would’ve gotten into music at all. My father wanted me to be a mechanic,” says Ross.
Becoming blind by age eight, Ross attended the Wahroonga School for the Blind in the 1960s , in North Sydney, where learnt to play piano and participating and winning a number of Eisteddfods.
After finishing school Ross decided on a career as a professional musician, playing the organ and piano accordion at various functions both solo and in a trio. But performing wasn’t where his heart was.
“I found that I wasn’t as enthusiastic on stage. I’d rather stay more in the background, working on recording and producing the albums instead,” says Ross
In 1976, Ross opened his own recording studio, Axent Studios. He went on to record and produce over 300 albums, 60 of which were in the country music genre and a further 25 for the Selection Records. Artists included artists Don Morrison, the Sparrows from Brisbane and the legendary Gordon Parsons, just to name a few.
In 1988, Ross was among the finalists for the Gold Guitar Producer of the year award.
Ross has recorded for many different styles, including his notable efforts with the popular Children’s music artist Peter Combe who he produced eight albums with on the Polygram label. For these he received two gold and one platinum Aria (Australian Recording industry Association) awards.
In 2000, Ross sold Axent Studios and moved to Tamworth, where he continued under the name The Music Fella producing several albums for Australian country artist Evelyn Bury, as well as the album “Going on Going strong” for Aboriginal artist Roger Knox.
Ross has also released some of his own albums in this time.
If you’d like to find out more about Ross Mcgregor, you can visit his website at Ross McGregor Music.
You can also listen to an interview with Ross on Talking Vision here, or on the player below: