FORMER dairy farmer Keith Dunn has recorded an album to coincide with the anniversary of ex-Cyclone Debbie.
Mr Dunne was inspired by the devastation last year’s floods brought to friends in the farming community to write a song called Cyclone Debbie.
He performed it for the first time at a dinner for dairy farmers and said it was very well received.
“That song is on my new album, Dreaming,” Mr Dunn said.
“This is my third album and the proceeds from the first two raised more than $20,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor and the Children’s Hospital.
“This time I will be donating money from CD sales to Angel Flight and the Drought Angels and I’m hoping this album will do just as well because I know a few poor buggers are doing it tough and need the help.”
Mr Dunne said he had lived in Gleneagle his entire life but had sold most of his property after the industry became too hard to sustain his family.
“I have been playing music for 40 years as well as milking cows,” he said.
“But now I spend my time making hay and making music.”
He said the title song Dreaming was inspired by his retirement and since he had lived and worked in Gleneagle all his life, the songs on the album were inspired by his experiences.
“Another song, Working Day Blues is about how it feels to be almost ready to retire.”
Mr Dunn said the album contains seven songs written and recorded by him as well as 11 covers of favourite songs.
“My sister Ann is on the album too, singing harmony and playing keyboard,” he said.
“We have performed together for years, we used to play at all the dances around here.
“Ann lives on the Sunshine Coast now and she is a booking agent for musicians but we still get together every now and again for a jam session.
“I also have to thank my son Matt for his whistling on an Elvis track and the band members from Krazy Horse who have helped out on all my albums.”
Mr Dunn said the album would be officially launched soon but was already available for $20 at shops around Beaudesert including the Road Runner service station on Brisbane Road, Mitre 10, Norco, Beaudesert Tyres and Buxtons Menswear.