“When the people ofLive from the universe told me it was going to change my life, I couldn’t believe it. Everyone always says that, but a month after the show, I had a second home and a new audience in Quebec. It’s crazy.”
Dave Fenley’s story could fuel a movie script. A Star is Born?
Six months ago, this 43-year-old singer-songwriter was a complete stranger. Established in Nashville, the one who has two albums and two EPs to his credit was trying to make his place, without too much success, in the ruthless middle of country music in the United States.
Today, to his great surprise and great happiness, this sympathetic bearded man born in Texas has become the darling of Quebecers. He is currently completing a Quebec tour of ten concerts, all sold out, and he will return in November and December for 18 other dates.
“My wife is learning French and so am I,” says this father of a little girl in English, who is even considering finding a place to live somewhere in Quebec.
Photo Cedric Belanger
Dave Fenley with his two loves: his wife Amy Joyce and their daughter Annie.
Tears in the eyes
To say that he had never even set foot with us when he showed up on the set ofstraight from the universe, on November 19, because comedian Lise Dion had told researchers that he was one of her favorite artists.
“It was my daughter who introduced me to her and I fell in love with her voice,” says Lise Dion.
When Dave Fenley sang a moving version ofamazing Grace, live on TV, it was love at first sight with Quebecers. In front of him, Lise Dion had tears in her eyes. The impact was so strong that he was asked to return for the New Year’s Day special ofLive from the universe.
“He gained 175,000 subscribers on social networks,” reports Lise Dion.
“The people on the show have been amazing and France [Beaudoin] is one of the nicest people I’ve met in my entire life. They have been so wonderful and kind to me and my family,” says Dave Fenley, in a grateful tone.
“I believe in what I do”
Quickly, the one who had previously tried his luck at America’s Got Talent And The Voice joined the ranks of the production house 6e Sens, by Lise Dion, who thus became its producer in Quebec.
“I owe him a lot,” admits the singer, who jumped into his boss’s arms when he saw her during a show in Gatineau last week.
Photo provided by Productions 6e sens
Country singer Dave Fenley and comedian and producer Lise Dion had a touching reunion on stage during a show in Gatineau.
To give an idea of his popularity, in Quebec, Dave Fenley first played at the Center d’art La Chapelle, in front of 200 people. People from the Magdalen Islands and even Newfoundland had made the trip.
An additional one was added two days later to the Octave-Crémazie hall of the Grand Théâtre de Québec, which holds 500 spectators. Everything was sold in 48 hours. When he returns in November, he will sing at the Salle Albert-Rousseau, in front of 1,400 people.
Why did Quebecers adopt it? “The only reason I believe it works for me is because I believe in what I’m doing. When I sing, I feel like I’m telling the truth and people believe me.”
As to whether his breakthrough in Quebec will give him wings in the United States or Canada, he does not know. “I think my team in the United States has seen what you can do when you do it right. They’re so on the mark here, we’re going to try to copy that as best we can.”
Photo taken from Dave Fenley’s Facebook account
Country singer Dave Fenley meets fans after a concert at Center d’art La Chapelle in Quebec City.
- Dave Fenley completes his Quebec tour Thursday evening at Club Soda, in Montreal, and Saturday at the Anaïs-Allard-Rousseau hall, in Trois-Rivières. He will be back in the fall. To check the dates, go to davefenley.com.