June 18 was a sparkling gem of a day for Sandy Cove’s Walt Daly.

Winner of Barrie’s Senior Star competition, Daly had no intentions of entering a contest.  But a phone call inviting him to try out, and a little encouragement from his wife Alana, sent him full speed ahead into his first solo singing contest at the age of 71.

Daly, a somewhat shy fellow, was gifted with a warm, low voice reminiscent of Johnny Cash’s. He chose to compete with the John Denver song, Some Days are Diamonds.
“My wife has been after me for years to do this,” Daly said, noting she is his biggest supporter. “I just went in with no preparation or anything, and sang my heart out, and that was it.”

Having ‘discovered’ his first guitar at the age of nine, Daly, a retired stationary engineer, said he has lived and dreamed music ever since.

“When I got my first guitar, I still thought there might be a Santa Claus but I found this big box in the closet. I opened it and I couldn’t believe my eyes. So I used to get in there in the dark before Christmas and strum the guitar. My mom never knew…when I finally got it, I used to rush home from school at noon to play.”
 
Daly, who comes from a musical family, found his connection to the instrument was instant. Never having taken lessons, he bought a few guitar books and taught himself to play. Songs by Hank Snow, Hank Williams and Kitty Wells were favourites of his at the time. Today he is a big fan of Allan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Brooks and Dunn, and of course, Johnny Cash.
“People say I sound like him, and they often ask me to sing Folsom Prison Blues.”
 
And sing he does – at about 45 shows per year. Along with his recently launched solo career, Daly has been playing with partner Larry Robichaud, on keyboard.

Having met at Sandy Cove Acres nine years ago, they became known as The County Rogues, and started entertaining at retirement communities, nursing homes, dances and parties. The Country Rogues had their first taste of competition last month when they took second place at Innisfil’s Summerfest, with the Sandy Cove Cloggers taking the crown.
 
When he sings, Daly simply stays in the moment. “I get lost in the song. It’s like I’m right there when it’s happening…People say you shouldn’t close your eyes when you sing. I just can’t help it sometimes, I get lost in the song.”
 
Senior Star is a national event held in recognition of Seniors Month in June and is organized by Chartwell Seniors Housing. Billy Roy Murnaghan, and Pol Padua Sr. won second and third place respectively, at this year’s second annual competition.
 
The next step is for Daly to be selected as one of the top ten finalists in Canada. He is eagerly waiting to hear back if he has qualified. “I think it would be beyond my wildest dreams,” Daly said.

“People say I’ve got a chance, but I don’t know – Canada’s an awful big place. But if I did, I would be so very proud to represent Barrie.” 

Here’s hoping Daly will have another diamond day.

Daly, in The Country Rogues, will be playing at a number of functions throughout the summer including: Simcoe Terrace on July 21, Leisureworld on July 23, Barrie Manor on July 25  and at Centennial Beach on August 13.