Lance James - Don't Let Me Cross Over (Live from '50 Goue Jare')

🔗 https://orcd.co/lancejames Lance James, fondly known as "Big Daddy," was a pioneering figure in South African country music, celebrated for his deep baritone voice and lasting impact on the genre during a remarkable career spanning over 60 years. Born Lance James Liebenberg on July 18, 1938, in Germiston, South Africa, he launched his broadcasting career in 1954 with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). He remained a beloved voice on Springbok Radio until 1985, hosting influential shows such as Keep It Country and Munt uit Musiek, which played a key role in popularizing country music across South Africa. James's music career took off in the early 1960s, and by 1969, he had released his debut LP. Over the decades, he recorded more than 130 albums, spanning genres from country and gospel to pop. His discography includes memorable hits like "Dankie," "Vicki," and "Ahoy, Madagascar Ahoy!" He was also well-known for his collaborations, particularly with artists such as Min Shaw and Barbara Ray. Their duets—like "After The Fire Has Gone" and "Somewhere Between"—became fan favorites. Among his many recordings, Swan Song stands out as his final studio album, reflecting his musical versatility and career-long evolution. Compilations such as Grootste Treffers, Country Greats, and Are You Lonesome Tonight highlight both his original works and his interpretations of country classics. Released in 2019, Swan Song featured 14 tracks that spanned nearly a century of music. It included powerful renditions of "Trouble Will Soon Be Over" by Blind Willie Johnson, Leonard Cohen’s "Tower of Song," and Metallica’s "Nothing Else Matters." The album also showcased collaborations with iconic South African artists, including The Mahotella Queens. Throughout his distinguished career, James received numerous awards, including six Sarie Awards, a Beeld Award, and a Solidarity Award. In 2019, the Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge honored him for his lifelong contribution to South African music. He was also inducted as a living legend into the South African Legends Museum, where a bust was sculpted in his honour. In 2015, he released his autobiography, Dankie, compiled by Francois van Oudtshoorn. The book offers a detailed look at both his personal journey and his influence within the local music industry. Lance James passed away on March 2, 2020, at the age of 81, due to complications following hip surgery. He is survived by his two daughters, Chanel and Dionne, and three grandchildren. His legacy continues to resonate throughout South African music, inspiring new generations and cementing his place as one of the country’s most influential country music icons. #lancejames #bigdaddy #countrymusic #country #keepitcountry #countrylegends