A BLACK country singer is set to play a gig in Lye to launch a track in tribute of a footballing icon.

Wolverhampton-based Ryan Evans's next release, entitled 21 Candles, on Strawberry Moon Records is written in honour of Dudley-born football icon Duncan Edwards.

Evans, named best singer/songwriter at the 2019 Black Country Music Awards, and co-writer Ian Dowdeswell have captured the essence of Edwards’ childhood through to his unforgettable footballing moments with Manchester United and England.

The song touches on Edwards’ rise to success from the war-scarred streets of the Black Country to being hailed as one of the world’s greatest players.

Evans has penned open and honest lyrics championing the life of the local hero who died at the age of 21 in the Munich air disaster.

Produced by Ryan Pinson at RML Studios in Wolverhampton, the track will be accompanied by a video recreating moments of Edwards’ early life and featuring memorabilia and photographs.

Ahead of its official release via all major music platforms, record stores and the Black Country Living Museum, 21 Candles will be premiered by Evans during his gig at Sadler’s Brewhouse in Lye on Monday August 26.

Profits from the event will go to the Duncan Edwards Tribute.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from Sadler’s, Brewhouse email chris.dew@sadlersales.co.uk or by calling 01384 895230.