A TRURO singer is one of five acts shortlisted for Boom Radio’s ‘One More Dream’ initiative.

Gabriel Butler, from Truro, is one of five acts shortlisted for Boom Radio’s ‘One More Dream’ initiative. Judges include Boom DJ Judi Spiers, producer Mike Batt, singer/songwriter Suzi Quatro, and singers Tony Christie and Tony Hadley.

The winning act will be announced on March 3. Top prize is the chance to record professionally, produced by Mike Batt, and to perform live aboard Ambassador vessel Ambience during a four-night festive cruise in December.

The nationwide campaign, launched by the radio station for the Baby Boomer generation in collaboration with Ambassador Cruise Line, offers older performers the chance to fulfil a long-held musical ambition. The project was open to bands, duos and solo artists whose path to fame may have stumbled over life’s hurdles, but whose talent and passion deserves to shine at last.

Gabriel, 77, has been in the music business for most of his working life, starting out as an apprentice organ builder, before developing digital music for computers in the 1980s, writing 'How To' books and instruction manuals for musical instruments, and running a chain of music shops.

His performance career began when he joined amateur choirs and musical societies, becoming in demand for tenor solos, before forming the group Harmonix with his daughter and performing songs from the 1960s onwards.

Now a busker singing covers of his favourite crooners from Frank Sinatra to Andy Williams via Matt Monro, Gabriel cites “That’s Life” as his favourite song, not least because it was his audition reel for the contest.

He said: “I entered the competition because I needed a bit of a boost to get myself known. I love singing. All I want to do is sing – not for money or fame, but because over 40 years, people have told me I have a gift for it. I just want to be heard.

“I had no expectations from this. When I heard I’d made the top 20, I was gobsmacked. To know I’m in the top five with a chance of winning is just amazing. I’m on tenterhooks, and waiting for the paparazzi to turn up.”

Gabriel is competing against The Monarchs Blues Band from Cheshire, Scotty & The Flowing Locks from Nottinghamshire, Ken “Whizzy” Wiseman from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire and Steve Strawhead from Peterborough. He’s scoured video footage of the judges conferring for clues, but is none the wiser as to his chances.

Ambassador Cruise Line revealed 76 per cent of Brits are yet to fulfil one or more of their lifelong ambitions. While 84 per cent of Gen Zers (those born between 1997 and 2012) are optimistic at least one of their dreams will come true, only half of Baby Boomers (born 1946 to 1964) feel the same way.

Gordon Nardini, chief marketing officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, said: “This amazing initiative is a heartfelt, uplifting project that taps into the stories and passions of the Boomer generation and offers a wonderful platform for a talented singer such as Gabriel Butler to make it happen second time around.”