Episode 185

The Very Best of Pete Price

In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Asa Murphy. Asa's journey from his humble beginnings in Kirkdale to becoming a celebrated entertainer and writer is nothing short of inspiring.

Asa's love for music began at a young age, growing up in a lively household next to a pub where he was constantly surrounded by music and merriment. With a name like Murphy, it's no surprise that Asa's Irish heritage played a significant role in shaping his musical tastes. He taught himself to play the guitar at the age of twelve and was heavily influenced by swing legends such as Bobby Darren, Matt Monroe, and Frank Sinatra.

Despite his passion for music, Asa's path to becoming a professional entertainer was not straightforward. He worked various jobs, including as a care worker and filling vending machines, before taking a leap of faith and sending a CD to Billy Butler at "Stars in Your Ears." This bold move marked the beginning of his professional music career, leading to gigs in rough pubs and eventually performing on prestigious cruise ships like the QE2.

However, the glitz and glamour of cruise ship performances came at a cost. Asa candidly shares the challenges of being away from his family and the toll it took on his marriage. Ultimately, he made the difficult decision to focus on UK-based work to maintain a balance between his career and family life.

During the lockdown, Asa's creative spirit led him to explore new avenues. He wrote a children's book, "The Monkey with No Bum," which became a surprising success and provided financial support during challenging times. Additionally, he was approached to become a celebrant, a role that allowed him to help families celebrate the lives of their loved ones through personalised ceremonies.

One of Asa's most significant achievements is his show "Irish Annie's," a heartfelt tribute to the characters and stories from his Irish heritage. The show features original songs and has received rave reviews, selling out theatres across the UK and Ireland. Asa's ability to weave humour, emotion, and music into his performances has resonated deeply with audiences, making "Irish Annie's" a standout success.

Asa's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and creativity. He encourages aspiring entertainers to make things happen for themselves, emphasising the importance of hard work and adaptability in the ever-changing entertainment industry.

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