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Things I Carry Around
A born storyteller, Troy Cassar-Daley has at last turned his talent to sharing his own inspiring life.
‘Troy’s achievements are many, and perhaps the finest may be his ability to make us listen to his heart.’ Joy McKean
For the first time, Troy talks about his early life - how his parent’s divorce changed things for him, about missing his Dad and growing up in Grafton surrounded by the warmth and love of his mother, Irene, his Nan and Pop and his extended Indigenous family.
A larrikin at heart, Troy includes all the highs and lows on his path to stardom: the thrill of performing on stage at the Tamworth Music Festival with Jimmy Little when he was just 15; the excitement of heading off on tour with Brian Young and then discovering just how lonely life on the road could be; his first record deal; playing with the greats – Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Slim Dusty; his first album Beyond the Dancing, which blended his indigenous heritage with his rural background; meeting the woman who would steal his heart; recording in Nashville; and, finally, releasing True Believer, the album that really launched his career.
The multiple Golden Guitar, APRA, ARIA and Deadlys winner also lets us in on some of the life lessons he learned the hard way, lessons that kept this prodigiously talented Aussie on the straight and narrow (most of the time).
Things I Carry Around, is the warm, genuine, and inspiring story of a young indigenous Australian who had a dream and turned that dream into reality.
‘Troy’s a true gentleman, warm and genuine, always a pleasure to be around. He sings straight from his heart and straight from the heart of his country.’ Paul Kelly
‘Troy’s achievements are many, and perhaps the finest may be his ability to make us listen to his heart.’ Joy McKean
For the first time, Troy talks about his early life - how his parent’s divorce changed things for him, about missing his Dad and growing up in Grafton surrounded by the warmth and love of his mother, Irene, his Nan and Pop and his extended Indigenous family.
A larrikin at heart, Troy includes all the highs and lows on his path to stardom: the thrill of performing on stage at the Tamworth Music Festival with Jimmy Little when he was just 15; the excitement of heading off on tour with Brian Young and then discovering just how lonely life on the road could be; his first record deal; playing with the greats – Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Slim Dusty; his first album Beyond the Dancing, which blended his indigenous heritage with his rural background; meeting the woman who would steal his heart; recording in Nashville; and, finally, releasing True Believer, the album that really launched his career.
The multiple Golden Guitar, APRA, ARIA and Deadlys winner also lets us in on some of the life lessons he learned the hard way, lessons that kept this prodigiously talented Aussie on the straight and narrow (most of the time).
Things I Carry Around, is the warm, genuine, and inspiring story of a young indigenous Australian who had a dream and turned that dream into reality.
‘Troy’s a true gentleman, warm and genuine, always a pleasure to be around. He sings straight from his heart and straight from the heart of his country.’ Paul Kelly
Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 8, 2019
A thoroughly enjoyable read that I completed in just three days (fast for me!)
Before reading the book I wouldn't have been able to name a Cassar-Daley song, but midway through I became intrigued and had some of his songs referred to in the book playing in the background on Spotify as I churned through the chapters (I'm now a fan of his music). He writes his story with heart and wisdom accumulated over a career with an equal measure of challenges and breakthroughs.
There is an overriding message of never losing sight of your dream that resonates in his story. It's a message that is delivered organically without unnecessary cliches. I enjoyed reading about Cassar-Daley's affection for growing up in the bush and the life lessons he gained touring Australia as a young musician. He also offers an intimate window into the kinship and connection to country of Indigenous Australians.
You don't need to be a country music enthusiast to enjoy this book. By the end there is deep satisfaction in having been along for the ride of an extraordinary career of a man whose talents are matched by his deep humanity.
Before reading the book I wouldn't have been able to name a Cassar-Daley song, but midway through I became intrigued and had some of his songs referred to in the book playing in the background on Spotify as I churned through the chapters (I'm now a fan of his music). He writes his story with heart and wisdom accumulated over a career with an equal measure of challenges and breakthroughs.
There is an overriding message of never losing sight of your dream that resonates in his story. It's a message that is delivered organically without unnecessary cliches. I enjoyed reading about Cassar-Daley's affection for growing up in the bush and the life lessons he gained touring Australia as a young musician. He also offers an intimate window into the kinship and connection to country of Indigenous Australians.
You don't need to be a country music enthusiast to enjoy this book. By the end there is deep satisfaction in having been along for the ride of an extraordinary career of a man whose talents are matched by his deep humanity.
December 27, 2016
TCD is a great story teller with life experiences that while amazing, have kept him humble. An excellent read
February 5, 2017
I really enjoyed reading about Troy's early life and the beginnings of his career, and had a lot of laughs at the mischief he got up to! I liked the song lyrics and photos which were included in the book as well.
September 7, 2016
great read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews