Click photo to enlarge
Dunedin musician Merv Pulham is excited to be inducted into
America's Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame in Iowa next
month. Photo by Jane Dawber.
Dunedin man Merv Pulham has made his mark on the country
music scene, so much so he will be inducted into America's
Old-time Country Music Hall of Fame in Iowa next month.
The 50-year-old started singing at high school but it was not
until he joined country music clubs that he discovered his
passion.
"Every song has a meaning. It's about someone or something,"
he said.
With his wife Norma as his manager, Mr Pulham had toured with
a range of different artists, including Melissa and Graeme
Partridge and the Australian yodelling queen Angela Hayden.
A CD was released last year which had been selling well, Mrs
Pulham said.
One of his proudest moments was in 2007 when he added a Gold
Guitar for best solo male vocalist to his collection of
awards.
As a fabricator-welder by trade, he would love to be able to
make a living from his music, but at this stage it was not
enough to pay the bills.
However, his talent and contribution to country music will
soon be known internationally when his favourite shirt is
hung alongside his photo in the Pioneer Music Museum in
Anita, Iowa.
"It's a big thing for a guy from Dunedin," he said.
National Traditional Country Music Association president Bog
Everhart nominated Mr Pulham for the honour after hearing him
sing in Christchurch this year.
The organisation had been inducting groups and individuals
since 1976.
Mr Pulham's shirt will join Johnny Cash's harmonicas and June
Carter's auto-harp finger-picks. Old-time country music is
"nothing plugged in", he said.
It usually involved a singer, acoustic guitar, violin and
double bass.
The couple, and their 21-year-old son, will travel to the US
on August 23 for the 33rd annual Old-time Country and
Bluegrass Festival and contest.
Mr Pulham was invited to perform - an opportunity he could
not miss.
After the festival, they will travel through the US, visiting
places such as Nashville, Graceland in Memphis, Colorado and
Las Vegas.
"For me, it's going to be an absolute buzz," he said.
ellie.constantine@odt.co.nz
