Sunderland's Dave Murray, Mackem Folk Singer: 'Why dyslexia was the best thing that happened to me'

They’re the words of a Sunderland singer who has shared memories of his past - and how he now wants to share his passion with the rest of Wearside.

‘I knew I had been gifted’

Dave Murray, known as the Mackem Folk Singer, spoke to the Sunderland Echo for the first episode of our brand new nostalgia podcast called Wearside Echoes.

Seven more episodes are on the way in this first ever series of its type.

But first, we spoke to Dave who told how having dyslexia turned out to be a blessing for him.

He explained: “I knew I had been gifted and the dyslexia was the best thing that had happened in my life.

‘I just wanted to share what I had’

“It made me so grounded that I wasn’t looking for anything for myself. I wanted to share what I had.

“I’m just a guy who thinks everybody should have a chance in music.”

Wearside Echoes is sponsored by Tony Clarke Funeral Directors which has locations in Millfield, South Hylton, Southwick and Downhill.

Here’s the link to the podcast

Dave Murray is loved by tens of thousands of fans for his nostalgic songs about old Sunderland nightclubs such as The Mecca, his fond memories of the days of coal and growing up in Pallion and Deptford. His full interview is now available on major podcast platforms and you can find it here.