I am honored to be here tonight to celebrate the accomplishments of Eddie Kilgallon in the areas of professional and special interest achievement, and in his contribution to humanity.
A 1983 graduate of Columbia High School, Mr. Kilgallon demonstrated musical talent early in his life. In his own words,” my very first solo vocal performance ws at the Genet Middle School Spring Concert in 1977-Mr. Owen was our music teacher-I sang a verse and chorus of “Try to Remember”-after the concert, Mr. Owen gifted me with my very first Barry Manilow record-after hearing that, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
I came to know Eddie during his time at Columbia as his teacher, vocal coach and friend. In my 30 year career, I encountered many exceptionally talented students. Eddie was among the top of the top of this group. He absorbed ideas like a sponge, not only from his teachers, but from his classmates and a multitude of other sources. And throughout his school years and beyond, he has always maintained personal humility cand appreciation for all who helped and supported him along the way.
Eddie took advantage of all of the opportunities Columbia could offer him. He played a lead role in 4 musicals and 4 drama productions, and participated in all musical performance opportunities such as band, orchestra and choir. HE auditioned for, and participated in NYSMA Conference All State and ACDA All Eastern Chorus. While busy doing all these activities at school, he started his first band, “The Cavaliers”, at the cast party for “South Pacific”. He joined the band, “Al Bruno & the Blue Light Special” in August, 1982.
Upon graduation from Columbia, Eddie played in various bands, duos and solo gigs. In 1988, he met Nashville songwriter Tom Paden, who encouraged him to move to Nashville. He married his bride, Terry Swahlan (CHS Class of 1984) in 1992. In 1993, they moved to Nashville where they raised their two children, Landon and Addison.
Eddie soon joined “Ricochet” and toured nationwide while pursuing a record deal. That came quickly, in 1994, when he signed with Columbia/Sony records when he started recording his debut album. He continued to tour and record with Ricochet from 1995-2001. During that time, he received numerous awards and recognitions, including:
Top New Vocal Group--Academy of Country Music 1997
Group of the Year--Radio & Records Reader's Poll 1996
Top New Country Artist--Billboard Magazine 1996
Most Valuable Performer--Radio & Records 1996
Favorite New Group or Duo--Country Weekly Golden Pick Award 1996
Top Vocal Group Nominee--Academy of Country Music 1997
Vocal Group Of The Year Finalist--Country Music Association 1997
Favorite Duo or Group Nominee--3rd Annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards 1996
Top Selling Artist--CMA Music Fest 1996
During this time, he completed two USO tours to Japan, South Korea, Spain, Sicily, Germany, Macedonia and Turkey. Ricochet made repeated national network television appearances including The Tonight Show, The Grand Ole Opry, The CMA Awards, The ACM Awards and the CCA Awards.
Eddie’s acapella arrangement of the National Anthem allowed Ricochet to perform at various events. The only country artist to chart the National Anthem, they sang for our US men and women in uniform, in addition to NASCAR Sprint Cup, MLB, NFL, NHL and other events.
In 1997, Eddie co-wrote the ASCAP Song of the Year “One Night At A Time” for George Strait. This song remained in the #1 spot for five weeks.
Eddie joined Montgomery Gentry in 2003 as a keyboardist. In the next 14 years, Montgomery Gentry racked up 5 #1 hits and 20 top ten singles. In addition to non stop touring, they completed 2 USO tours to South Korea/Okinawa and Iraq/Kuwait.
From 2017 to the present, Eddie has worked as band leader, tour guide and keyboard player for Eddie Montgomery. He continues to write and produce, his most recent recording was “Window in the Wall” by Olivia Newton-John and Chloe Lattanzi.
In summary, I believe that I speak for all of Eddie's former teachers, when I say that he has made us very proud. He has continued to stay connected with his hometown, and often gives a shout-out to us when touring. He has become widely recognized by other musicians as a "go to" person, when they're putting together something special. With all his success, he's always put family first and maintained long-term friendships. He is the model of what we all want to represent Columbia High School to the world.
It is with great pleasure that I ask Eddie Kilgallon to step forward to receive this very well deserved induction into the Columbia High School Hall of Fame.