Culture That Made Me: Gina (of the Champions) on Karen Carpenter, Elvis, and Cork's Stardust

The Cork singer also includes Michael Jackson among her touchstones

Gina will perform with the Champions at Cork Opera House on St Patrick's night. 

Mary Hurley, aka Gina of Gina and the Champions, grew up on Friars Walk, Cork city. In 1973, she co-founded Gina and The Champions. The band, whose name was inspired by Cork’s victory in that year’s All-Ireland football final, went on to become one of the showband era’s greatest acts. She married fellow band member Pat Walsh. Gina and the Champions will perform at Cork Opera House, 8pm, Monday, 17 March. See: www.corkoperahouse.ie.

Nat King Cole