Nashville-based Donegal singer/songwriter Ben Carr has launched a new single in the form of an emotional musical tribute to his late grandfather.
Ben premiered ‘Make You Proud’ this week in memory of John Carr from Fanad who passed away at Christmas 2023.
John, a well-known figure in the community, was a former tunneller and longtime foreman with Donegal County Council. Beyond his work, he was a skilled craftsman, renowned for his beautiful, handcrafted horse-drawn carts.
2021: John Carr pictured with his horse named Beauty in the background and one of the beautiful traps that he built and restored at his home in Fanad. Photo Brian McDaid.
John will be forever in the hearts of his family and his wife, Bridget, aged 99.
In the months after John’s passing, his grandson Ben channelled his grief into crafting a beautiful ballad in his honour. Now, he has shared his heartfelt creation with the world.
Listen here:
Ben, 24, from Ramelton, is the son of Enda Carr and Letterkenny musician Brighdin Carr (McDaid).
“It’s not my usual style, it’s a little slow but I feel I had to do it,” said Ben ahead of the single release.
“My grandfather was a man that meant so much to me. He is so much of what I looked up to and wanted to become myself. I’m sure it’s the same for the rest of my family.”
The song is a poignant reflection of the respect and love that a family holds for a beloved patriarch.
The words will resonate with many others who have experienced a similar loss.
Carr is growing his music career in ‘Music City’ – Nashville – while on a cross country and distance running scholarship at Trevecca Nazarene University, where he is studying Physical Education. The skilled Finn Valley AC athlete is a former student of Loreto Community School.
Last year he launched his debut single ‘Seventeen’ and enjoyed several home shows while back in Donegal at Christmas.
“Make You Proud” is available for streaming at https://linktr.ee/bencarrmusic.
