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Country singer Gord Bamford is the epitome of a true Alberta boy, even if he was born in Australia.
He plays hockey in the winter, baseball in the summer, and usually shoots in the low 40s on the golf course.
Bamford, who has lived in Lacombe, 128 km south of Edmonton, since he was five, will be playing in front of a sold-out Commonwealth Stadium next Wednesday as one of the opening acts for country superstar Tim McGraw.
"It's just a huge break and it's really raised my profile," said Bamford. "It was a lot of hard work that got us there."
Bamford credits a "stroke of luck" and a healthy relationship with Panhandle Productions - the same company that puts on the legendary Big Valley Jamboree - for helping him land the gig. "I think they (Panhandle) have seen me grow over the years," said Bamford, who has had two Top 10 singles and music videos in rotation on CMT. "It was the right timing for us and them."
Bamford has what many country singers strive to possess: a unique sound. Whether he is serenading a love song or piping out country boogie, listeners know that it's Bamford.
Life Is Good is the name of Bamford's latest release, and the title couldn't be more fitting. His first album, God's Green Earth, garnered heavy radio play and left fans wanting more.
Teaming up again with Nashville songwriter-producer Byron Hill, Life Is Good is a very personal and intimate look into Bamford's life.
He sings about his parents, his past and his passions. With the recent birth of his first child, Bamford's life isn't just good - it's great.
Now that Bamford is on the brink of country stardom, all he can do now is play as many shows for as many people as possible. Bamford already has nine shows booked in July, with more added each week.
Along with shows in Ponoka, Calgary, Edmonton and Grande Prairie, Bamford also landed a coveted slot at the Big Valley Jamboree. His first-ever performance at Big Valley will be July 30, on the main stage.
"I used to tell my mom that if one day if I can make it to this stage, I've made it," said Bamford. "You have to keep going, be persistent and never quit.
"Eventually, people will see you are working hard and paying your dues."
Bamford will be playing a number of rodeo and country festivals across Alberta and Saskatchewan before he opens for McGraw.
Look out for Bamford's latest video off Life Is Good called All About Her (filmed on location in Lacombe), to be in rotation on CMT as well as being played on the radio.