A Night to Remember: Kent Sings 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?' with Herby Armstrong

‘Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?' This iconic song, written by Van Morrison in the 70s, has a way of touching the soul and evoking powerful emotions

Kent Bleazard & Jake Watt

5/15/20242 min read

Kent from Rip-it Encore and Herby Armstrong singing 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You' by Van
Kent from Rip-it Encore and Herby Armstrong singing 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You' by Van

The Magic of Music in the Mountains

Have I told you lately that I love you? This iconic song, written by Van Morrison in the 70s, has a way of touching the soul and evoking powerful emotions. A few years back we had the incredible opportunity to perform at a private party nestled in the beautiful mountains just outside of Malaga. It was a gathering filled with musicians, laughter, and of course, a whole lot of passion for music.

The Surprise of a Lifetime - Kent’s words to follow…

As we set up for the event, I felt a mixture of excitement and nerves. Little did I know, this night would turn out to be something beyond my wildest dreams. When I saw the crowd, I noticed a familiar face, and to my astonishment, it was none other than Herby Armstrong—the guitarist for Van Morrison and co-writer of the very song that had guided my earlier career as a piano entertainer in my mid 20’s!

Herby’s presence was like a spark that ignited my enthusiasm even more. I remember the first time I heard 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?' It was in my early 20s, and it inspired me to pursue a life centered around music. To think that I’d have a chance to perform it live with one of its creators was surreal.

From Performance to Collaboration

During a break, I found the courage to approach Herby. With a nervous but excited heart, I shared my appreciation for his work and how pivotal that song was in my life. I explained how it kickstarted my journey as a performer and shaped my love for music. To my absolute joy, Herby not only listened intently but also invited me to join him in a back room for a rendition of 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?' at the end of the gig!

As the night rolled on, I could hardly contain my excitement. When the time finally came, I took a deep breath and stepped off the stage and into a cosy living room within the villa. With Herby strumming Jake’s guitar beside me, I relished every moment. The notes danced in the air and the energy was contagious. It was a magical moment where past and present collided into a beautiful harmony.

That night in the mountains was not just about reliving an old classic but also celebrating the connections made through music. The memories of singing with an idol will stay with me for a lifetime, and it’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, dreams do come true. So, have I told you lately that I love you? Because I truly do, from the depths of my heart!