Sunday Drive: Luke Evans Sings

Luke Evans in 2018, from Wikipedia

We never heard of this studly Welshman until YouTube sent some of his videos my way the other day, and wow!  What a great voice, in a great package.  I guess it shows just how out of the loop we are here, as he has had an extensive career on stage and screen as a big, butch action-hero type.  I wonder how many of my truckbuddies have heard of him before now - and why you didn't tell me!

Here are three songs that showcase his powerful vocal range.  I hope you all will scroll down further to listen to his deeply moving coming-out story, which many of us can relate to.  BTW, your superannuated Head Trucker can remember when all of these songs were Top 40 hits, as noted.

If I Could Turn Back Time  (Cher, 1989):

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack, 1972):

It's Not Unusual  (Tom Jones, 1965):

And here is Luke in 2024, discussing his upbringing in a homophobic church in a Welsh village, and reading a poignant selection from his memoirs.  You know, I think all gay boys tell the same story of growing up a lonely, miserable outcast, not knowing what to do or whom to ask for help.  Somehow, those who survive manage to achieve a reasonably good adult life.  Some do better than good - Luke is one of those who has hit the jackpot in life.  God bless him.

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Gay Weddings Begin in England and Wales

Last July, Parliament passed a law authorizing same-sex couples to wed in England and Wales.  The first weddings occurred just after midnight last night.



In a special column written for Pink News, Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron said:

The introduction of same-sex civil marriage says something about the sort of country we are. It says we are a country that will continue to honour its proud traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth. It also sends a powerful message to young people growing up who are uncertain about their sexuality. It clearly says ‘you are equal’ whether straight or gay. That is so important in trying to create an environment where people are no longer bullied because of their sexuality – and where they can realise their potential, whether as a great mathematician like Alan Turing, a star of stage and screen like Sir Ian McKellen or a wonderful journalist and presenter like Clare Balding. . . .

Together we should be proud to live in a country judged to be the best place to live in Europe if you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans. But we should equally be far from complacent about the challenges that remain – and I am just as committed as ever to working with you to challenge attitudes and stamp-out homophobic bullying and hate crimes.

We are a nation that is growing stronger economically because of our long term economic plan. But I hope we can also be a country that is growing stronger socially because we value love and commitment equally. Let us raise a toast to that – and all those getting married this weekend.