Anthony Kearns won “Ireland’s Search for a Tenor,” which was a national singing competition similar to America Idol. Three years later he joined The Irish Tenors and is the youngest member of the popular music group. The Irish Tenors remain one of the PBS’s most successful acts and are the second most popular musical export out of Ireland following the rock group, U2. Mr. Kearns has performed for Presidents and Prime Ministers, but took some time to speak to Equine VIP while in Kentucky to perform at a benefit for the nonprofit Equine Health and Welfare Alliance (EHWA).
Ireland is known for their beautiful horses. Did you grow up around horses?
I grew up in Wexford which is a village where a lot of people bred, raise and own show jumping horses. I learned how to muck stalls and feed the horses and especially enjoyed watching horses in the fields.
You have been quoted as saying “music and horses” are your passions. How have you been able to combine the two?
I got involved in horses again about ten years ago. I had to take time off to pursue my singing career, so horses are still a new hobby for me.
What type of horse do you own?
A friend invited me to the races and later invited me to own a “leg” of a race horse! The horse’s name was “Irish Tenor” so naturally I was interested. The horse had the look of a race horse, but unfortunately didn’t make it on the track.
Did owning a race horse and that experience disappoint you?
No, I enjoyed the distraction from singing and touring. I find the social aspect of the horse industry, meeting people and being out in the fresh air to be addictive.
What happened next?
My next horse was a “point to point” racing horse – this form of racing is popular in Ireland. I like the idea of this racing because jumping equalizes the field. The horses are very talented but more affordable to own. This particular horse was fun to watch and he covered his costs which is always nice too.
It sounds like you thoroughly enjoy horses from a variety of aspects; owning, watching and getting to know people in the business.
Yes. In some ways I’ve learned that horses are similar to singers. A horse can look like a champion but unless they have the training and heart, they probably won’t go far. The same can be said about a singer… they can look the part but unless they have the training and heart they probably won’t make a career of it!
Where can our readers follow your career and learn more about your upcoming performances?
Country music songwriter/singer, Joanna Smith, grew up in a part of the country known for farming, Georgia red clay and family values. Joanna got the performance bug from listening to strong women of country including The Judds, Reba McEntire, and Dolly Parton. Smith decided to head to Nashville and pursue her music full-time. With no connections and in a new city, she set out writing and singing demos, and in a little over a year signed her first publishing deal. Since then, she has had two songs cut (“Flying By” on Billy Ray Cyrus’ latest record, HOME AT LAST), and has opened for Glen Campbell Don’t miss her latest CD “Georgia Mud” – this saucy girl with the Southern twang is destined to realize her dream of playing on radios for country crowds.
