5 THINGS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
Singer and songwriter JAMES MORRISON, 34, lives in Gloucestershire with his partner Gill and their daughters, Elsie, 10, and one-year-old Ada-Rose
1 MY GIRLS
I’ve been with Gill since I was 17 and she really completes me. She brings balance to my life as she is very calm, logical and organised whereas I’m more a chaotic, emotional character.
My daughters are amazing too, they are both strong and strident like their mother.
We had to wait a long time for Ada-Rose and Gill and I had given up on having a second child when she came along.
She was a lovely surprise and is absolutely adorable – as is my older daughter Elsie, who I am proud to say is turning out to be a talented singer.
2 MY CAR
I can honestly say that I have never been much of a petrolhead and, actually, cars rather bore me.
In the past having a nice motor wasn’t a priority for me because there were so many other things that I valued more. However, a couple of years ago it suddenly struck me that I could afford a decent set of wheels and I treated myself to a BMW M4.
It’s a lovely car and appeals to my aesthetic side as it looks amazing and I feel very cool when I’m behind the wheel. It is also very, very fast.
I think my friends find it rather funny that I’m driving around in this posh motor as I’ve always been a scruff but I’m definitely not very car proud as the inside is littered with sweet wrappers and crumbs.
3 MUSIC
I come from a musical family. My dad had a beautiful voice, although he refused to sing in public and my mum played in various bands.
When I was about nine I remember playing my guitar in my bedroom and realising that I wanted to become a musician.
Yet being a boy and coming from a working-class background, I kept my dream to myself. I would only use my singing voice to impersonate the big stars of the day like Michael Jackson or George Michael.
These days, my favourite singers are Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding. I pretty much love all kinds of music although I draw the line at country or jazz.
4 CORNWALL
When I was 12 my family moved from Rugby to Newquay and I suddenly felt like I could breathe.
Cornwall was a place where I could really be myself. It’s not only relaxed and very beautiful but it also has a uniquely mystical and creative vibe. For me, Cornwall will always feel like home and I try and spend time down there as often as I can.
5
LUCKY NECKLACE
I am quite a spiritual person and a little bit superstitious, which is why I don’t go anywhere without my lucky necklace.
It’s a silver chain which has lots of charms that have been given to me over the years by friends or family. My favourites are an Indian chief, a cross and a silver record.
This might sound silly but if ever I need things to go well, I kiss my necklace and somehow everything seems to work out.
A few years ago I gave one of my charms, an arrowhead, to a little girl who I visited in hospital. At the time she only had weeks to live and I told her that I hoped it would bring her luck. To my utter amazement, 18 months later, her mother got in touch to say her daughter was doing well and I like to think that my charm might have helped her a bit.
● James Morrison’s album You’re Stronger Than You Know is out on March 8.
For tickets to his tour visit james morrisonmusic.com