Gozo Boy

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Alfred Portelli better known as the Gozo Boy was born on March 9,1945 in Nadur on the island of Gozo. He is a singer-songwriter with a passion for country music.

He is a Country singer and song writer. His love for country music, was instilled in him by his father at the tender age of seven. In fact, his earliest and fondest memory is that of his father singing old country songs like Jambalaya. His passion for the genre grew even more with the introduction of the Rediffusion in the Maltese homes, since it played hits by Cash and Elvis.

At the age of eighteen, he emigrated to Canada and worked as an operator in a cardboard factory, where he sang country tunes to the rhythm of the machines. Later on with a guitar in hand, he started writing his own songs and performing in local taverns in Toronto's downtown area. There he even met country superstars like Waylon Jennings and Bobby Bare. He also traveled to Nashville where he visited the home of country music, the Grand Ole Opry.

After twenty years in Canada, he moved back to Malta and kept performing in local venues. He kept writing his own songs, amongst which was the song 'Gozo Boy'. This song gained popularity in the Maltese islands and many started referring to Alfred as the Gozo Boy.

In 2007, he was invited to perform in Australia, were he was given a very warm welcome by the Maltese community living there.

He got a band and with Joseph Azzopardi and Mario Buttigieg locally, he released three albums: GOZO BOY, MEMORIES and EVENTS. Currently, he is working on his fourth album which will be released early on next year.