A young Maritime musician is warming up his vocal chords for the opportunity of his young life.
Music has been a passion for Ben Daigle for as long as he can remember.
“It’s been in my life since I was born, so I really have fun doing it,” says Daigle. “It’s one of my favourite past times.”
Daigle’s favourite hobby has landed him an opening gig.
“I’m going to perform at the Imperial Theatre, at the Tammy Wynette and George Jones thing, with their daughter,” says Daigle. “I’m really excited, it’s a huge opportunity for me.”
The special celebration show is in honour of Nashville legends Jones and Wynette. Their daughter, Georgette Jones, will perform alongside New Brunswick country singer Brian Mallory.
Sue Hachey is Daigle’s music instructor. She is responsible for getting him the opening slot.
“This is a good opportunity to meet people within the business,” says Hachey. “He’s singing ‘I Don’t Need Your Rocking Chair,’ which at first we thought, was it appropriate for a young kid to be singing? But the way we’re sort of looking at it is, it’s sort of a young George Jones that we’re putting on stage through Ben Daigle singing that.”
Daigle’s mom Kerry says she has always encouraged her son’s music career and couldn’t believe it when he was presented with the opportunity to share the stage with a country star.
“He’s very excited and we’re very excited, as parents, for him,” says Kerri. “Sky’s the limit, I guess. We never imagined this would happen so soon in his life and we’re just so proud of him and we’ll see where it goes from here.”
Daigle says he’s not sure what his future holds, but he’s hoping, whatever it is, it will involve music.
“I want to be a singer, but not sure if that will ever happen,” says Daigle.
Hachey says his upcoming performance is a step in the right direction and could be the opening act of his career as a musician.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ashley Blackford
