Golden Guitar winner Tom Curtain has shot to the top of the country music charts with his tribute to bullying victim 'Dolly' Everett.
The anti-bullying message of Tom and Sara Storer’s single, Speak Up, has taken it all the way to No. 1 on the iTunes Country Songs Chart.
Released on June 18, the track pushed Keith Urban from the top spot and has remained there for days as support for the fundraising single grows.
It also reached No. 13 on the All Genres Songs Chart on iTunes.
Tom, based in Katherine in the Northern Territory, wrote Speak Up after Amy “Dolly” Everett took her life in January.
The singer-songwriter knew he had to do something about publicising the effects of bullying, as he knows the Everett family well and was devastated by Dolly’s death, but was overwhelmed by the support the single has received.
Words from Dolly “Speak Even if your Voice Shakes”, inspired the new single.
Golden Guitar winner Tom Curtain has released a duet with Sara Storer playing tribute to Amy “Dolly” Everett who ended her young life earlier this year.
Speak Up, from the chart topping musician is raising awareness of bullying.
“The incident inspired me to write the song and then try and raise more awareness about bullying in any form,” Mr Curtain said.
“The more we’ve become involved, the more we’re learning how prolific bullying is in society. There’s no quick fix to bullying, we all have to do our bit to raise awareness, set an example and hopefully save a young life.”
“Being a father of two kids living out in the bush, it really hit home for me,” Mr Curtain said.
“Living out here, you think you are quite removed from anything like this, so to have a beautiful young girl that you’ve seen grow up, take her life and then a family ripped apart, is just devastating.”
READ MORE: Listen to more of Tom Curtain’s music
Two Western Australia schools – Pinjarra Primary School and Pinjarra Senior High School – were involved in the film clip and audio recording of the track.
“Pinjarra Primary School students can be heard on the recording of Speak Up and I think you would agree, they did an amazing job,” Mr Curtain said.
A sneak peak of the Speak Up film clip was shown at Dreaming Under the Stars in Katherine on June 1.
More than $170,000 was raised for Dolly’s Dream on the fundraising night.
All proceeds from the award winning musician’s single will go directly to Dolly’s Dream, an organisation working to create positive change, and act as a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
- Lifeline – Call 13 11 14
- Beyondblue – Call 1300 224 636
- Samaritans Crisis Line – Call 13 52 47
- Suicide Call Back Service – Call 1300 659 467
- Northern Territory Mental Health Line – Call 1800 682 288
