Charity Single Launched In Memory of Amy Black

Amy Black was well-known as a local Opera singer and treated the Beverley Minster to her voice on more than one occasion.

The 36-year-old mezzo-soprano had an international reputation and had performed around the world including a requested performance for Placido Domingo on his Birthday. Sadly Amy passed away in November 2009 whilst recovering from a major heart operation.

This Friday (5th August) is the release date for a music single to raise funds for the charity CRY – ‘Cardiac Risk in the Young’ and was founded in 1995 with the intention of raising awareness of conditions that can lead to Young Sudden Cardiac Death (YSCD) and Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS).

The song ‘Glamorous Cake Stall Holder’ performed by ‘Man Made Noise’ tells the story of how a local singer-songwriter Terry Dunn met Amy.

Terry recalls;

“I first met Amy by accident on my way down to London on a train. I knew our Mums both attended the local church in Hedon, so I went over and introduced myself.”

“The train was delayed, however, as we both shared a common interest in music and singing, for once, time didn’t really matter.”

“After arriving in London some four hours later we went our separate ways and I didn’t then see her then until two years later. I went down to do my bit for my local village of Hedon and I saw her selling cakes on a stall which is where I got the title for the song. ”

“When I asked how she was, she told me that she was recovering from major heart surgery. As she spoke I remember feeling stunned by her bravery as she explained how she was looking forward to getting back to singing again.”

“We only met once more after that, at another church fundraiser when she coerced me into buying a lumberjack shirt.”

The song is not your typical ‘tribute song’, the band do a good job of keeping it very upbeat and bubbly no doubt with the intention of trying to capture Amy’s zest for life, with the final choral ending being recorded in St Augustines Church in Hedon with some of it’s members.

There is also a video on YouTube to accompany the song which can be found at http://youtu.be/P-apuDegoYA

Sadly the band’s hopes for a big charity single launch have not been matched by major retailers whom Terry had hoped would help to sell the single to raise funds.

Local retailers have stepped in to restore some faith however. Terry praised the likes of Chinese Laundry Vintage Clothing, Strung Out Audio (Guitar shop in Hull Indoor Market) and Tessies on Newland Ave. Equally if any local Beverley retailers could help by having a few CD’s on their counter this would be gratefully appreciated.

Terry confirmed that the song will be available on CD for £2 or for download on iTunes and Amazon. It can be found online in the Man Made Noise Shop Buy Now.

The single launch will be celebrated with a promotional gig on tonight on Friday 5th August at the Adelphi Club in Hull where the song will be played along with others from Terry’s band – Man Made Noise.

Entry is £3 which will also be donated to CRY.

Terry said “We hope that people will come and support what will be a great night for a great cause.”