Irish legend Mary Black speaks about missing out on an American number one hit

Mary Black

Irish star Mary Black has revealed that she missed out on having a number one hit in America as she didn’t want to spend too much time away from her family.

Back in the early nineties, she was offered a chance to record with American country music icon Hal Ketchum.

While it was a great opportunity, Black declined as she had a young family and couldn’t stand to be away from them.

Mary Black

The song – Past The Point of Rescue – went on to reach the top spot in the US charts and is one of the biggest hits of Ketchum’s career.

Black had previously recorded the song and it had been a hit for her in Ireland.

However, she has no regrets about missing out on the glory in the US as some things are just more important.

She told the Irish Mirror: “I was invited to record the song ‘Past The Point of Rescue’ with country music star Hal Ketchum.

“I declined the offer as I wanted to be at home with my family.

“It was a huge number one in the states with it but I don’t regret it because I didn’t want to leave the kids.”

Of course, the star went on to have a great career and performed at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall.

Black was extremely proud to perform there and was thrilled her mother was there to see the show.

She said: “I was delighted she was there, it was very emotional. We both looked at each other in awe.”

She has also worked with a host of top musicians including Van Morisson, Emmylou Harris and Janis Ian.

Click here for more about Mary Black


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Written by Michael Kehoe @michaelcallingJoin our community