“…Few contemporary singers can move by just the sound of their voice alone. A New Master who sounds like an Old Master.” – Jack Watkins, Country Music People
A traditional country artist from Oxfordshire, England, Ags Connolly is widely considered to be one of the best singer-songwriters in the genre ever to emerge from the UK – but that doesn’t tell the whole story…
Ags’ songs have been lauded by country and non-country artists and fans alike in Europe, the US, Canada and beyond since his debut album How About Now emerged in 2014. The influential US review site Saving Country Music heralded his arrival on the scene, saying “Ags Connolly deserves to be considered right beside his Stateside counterparts as one of the carriers of the country music holy ghost”.
Three more highly acclaimed original albums have followed, each of which emulated his first in being named Album Of The Month by Country Music People magazine – the longest-running country music publication in the world – who have described Ags as “an English Willie Nelson” and “the best singer-songwriter in the country field that this country has ever turned out”. His third album, Wrong Again, was named Album Of The Year at the 2020 UK Country Music Awards.
Ags’ fourth studio album Siempre took the glimmers of Texas border sounds heard on his previous records and merged them with Tejano music and barroom waltzes while also accommodating his honky tonk and singer-songwriter roots. “It’s best described as a Texas music album”, Ags explained. “Texas-style country is my favourite, and it takes many forms. I wanted to celebrate them all.” Siempre was released in June 2023.
Complementing his original records, Ags released a tribute to Texas troubadour James Hand in 2024, entitled Your Pal Slim: Songs of James Hand. The album – which was four years in the making – featured musicians who played with James and was heralded by Americana Highways as “an instant classic”.
A constant presence on the UK, Ireland and European touring and festival circuit – appearing regularly in the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia – Ags has also shared stages with country music icons such as Rosanne Cash, Asleep At The Wheel, Dale Watson and Jim Lauderdale. More recently he has opened shows for a newer batch of stars, including every date of Charley Crockett‘s major European tour in 2023.
In addition to the music, Ags published his first novel in 2024 – a crime thriller entitled ‘Outside The Light’. He has also presented a number of radio programmes on country music for various outlets.
In an era when the pop and rock incarnations of country music are enjoying a surge in popularity, Ags is known as a staunch defender of the genre’s traditional roots. Building on that foundation, a rapidly growing fanbase has seen his songwriting become recognised as outstanding in any category.
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“A national treasure” – Country Music People
“Britain’s premier traditional country artist” – Saving Country Music
“One of the most important voices in UK roots music” – Ralph McLean, BBC
“The perfect voice for classic country music” – American Songwriter
“Modern day traditionalism of the very, very best kind” – Bob Harris, BBC
“Greatness is closer to home than you realise” – Lonesome Highway
Ags is a proud supporter of the Ameripolitan movement, which champions new music with a traditional roots influence.