Cornish taxi driver releases song in tribute to Brixham fishermen lost at sea
Money raised will go to the families of the crew from the stricken trawler the 'Joanna C'
Last updated 7th Dec 2020
A taxi driver from Liskeard, whose tribute video went viral, has released a song to fundraise for the families of the crew of the stricken Brixham trawler, the 'Joanna C'.
Danny Smith shared a selfie video, singing the Garth Brooks song 'The River', after he heard about the fishing disaster last month. He posted it as a tribute, having no idea that the video would go viral.
After seeing this, Stuart Mann who runs a Falmouth based business, Evotek Marine, contacted Folk Singer Will Keating, who had taken part in a livestream tribute to the lives lost at sea on the Facebook page, Voices of the Borough, a page set-up to promote song, mainly from Cornwall, to lift spirits during the pandemic.
He wondered about the possibility of recording the track and releasing it to raise money for the Fishermen’s Mission in Brixham.
Within a week, more businesses from the Marine Sector across Britain got onboard, including John Clark Fishing, A Passion for Seafood, and the Cornish Crab Co.
Will then commissioned Cube Recording Studios in Cornwall, who produced the backing track a couple of days later. Will and Danny met for the first time in the studio and recorded Danny’s vocal and some backing vocals.
The track was then mixed and mastered ready for release.
Will explained: “We have all been touched by the loss of life and the bravery shown by Dave the Skipper who managed to survive. Danny’s voice perfectly embodies those feelings, and this track will be a symbol of our continued support to the families that are going through hell at the moment".
'The River' was released on Saturday 5 December at 6.14pm, to coincide with the two-minute candle lighting vigil. The timing was relevant as this when the 'Joanna C' sank.
All proceeds from the single will go to the Fishermen’s Mission, who provide a lifeline of welfare and support to fishermen and their families.
You can visit their online shop to download a copy of the song.