Artists such as Glen Campbell, Dr Hook, Kenny Rogers and John Denver found new fans around the world.

And they provided an introduction to country music that many punters were happy to accept.

“In that era, country music crossed over into the mainstream,” Central Coast singer Daniel Thompson told the Lakes Mail.

“People remember those songs because they were big hits on the radio at that time and were at the top of the mainstream music charts.”

Thompson certainly remembers them.

It’s why he’s singing many of them in his new touring show, The Greats of 70s Country Music, which arrives at Laycock Street Theatre on Friday, August 19.

“This show came about from the songs that I grew up listening to. All of those great songs by people like Glen Cambell, Eddie Rabbit, Dr Hook and Charlie Rich.”

Thompson is best known as Australia’s premier Johnny Cash tribute artist.

But he has enjoyed taking his voice to new places in this show.

“I’ll always enjoy singing the Johnny Cash stuff, but this show has been fun. I get to use a different part of my voice. Some of the Glen Campbell and Dr Hook songs are right up at the top of my range so it’s been a good challenge to sing those.

“Musically, the songs are quite different as well, so it’s been nice to play those different songs, too.”

Of course, any concert featuring the best country music of the 1970s must include the Man in Black.

So Thompson’s two-hour shows include a special tribute to Johnny Cash.

The national tour has already played Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia.

“The tour has been fantastic,” Thompson said.

“The crowds have been excellent and they’re really enjoying the show.

“We’re getting standing ovations and a lot of people have enjoyed singing along to all of the songs.”

This year marks the 20^th anniversary for Thompson as a fulltime professional musician.

“I’m very lucky, and pretty proud of that,” he said.