Brian Kennedy (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brian Kennedy
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Kennedy in 2018
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Brian Edward Patrick Kennedy |
| Born | 12 October 1966 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
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| Years active | 1988–present |
Brian Edward Patrick Kennedy (born 12 October 1966) is a famous Irish singer. He became well-known for his hit songs and albums in the UK and Ireland during the 1990s and 2000s. Brian also proudly represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006, where he achieved a great result.
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Brian Kennedy's Music Journey
Brian Kennedy started his music career in 1988. He first sang as a backing vocalist for the famous Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. Brian appeared on many of Van Morrison's albums, including A Night in San Francisco and Days Like This. He also performed live with him.
Around this time, Brian released his own album called The Great War of Words in 1990. One of the songs from this album, "Captured," became a small hit in the UK and Ireland.
In 1991, Brian teamed up with Mark E. Nevin to form a duo called Sweetmouth. They released an album together named Goodbye to Songtown.
In the mid-1990s, Brian signed with RCA Records. This led to his second solo album, A Better Man, released in 1996. This album was a big success, reaching No.19 in the UK. It featured popular songs like "A Better Man," "Life Love and Happiness," and "Put the Message in a Box." These songs were also top 20 hits in Ireland.
In 2001, Brian released his fourth album, Get on with Your Short Life. Later that year, he sang on the original version of the song "You Raise Me Up" by Secret Garden. This song became incredibly popular and was later sung by many other artists. Brian sang his version of "You Raise Me Up" at the funeral of the famous footballer George Best in 2005. His recording of the song became his biggest hit, reaching No.4 in the UK and No.3 in Ireland.
Eurovision Song Contest
Brian Kennedy was chosen to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 in Athens. He sang his own song, "Every Song is a Cry for Love." His performance in the semi-finals was special because it was the 1000th song ever performed in Eurovision history! Brian made it to the finals and finished in tenth place. His song also became a No.4 hit in Ireland.
Other Projects and Appearances
After Eurovision, Brian continued to be active in music and media. In 2008, he became a judge for the Citybeat Young Star Search. This was a big talent competition for kids in Northern Ireland.
From 2011 to 2012, Brian was a coach on the first season of The Voice of Ireland. He helped mentor young singers, and his team's contestant, Richie Hayes, finished as the runner-up.
In October 2018, Brian started hosting his own weekly radio show on Tipp FM.
Brian Kennedy's Life Story
Brian Kennedy grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As a child, he faced a health challenge called Osgood–Schlatter disease in both of his legs. Growing up in Belfast during a time known as The Troubles, Brian experienced a difficult environment. He has shared how he would sometimes sing along with the sirens of police cars and ambulances.
In 2016, Brian bravely shared that he was battling a serious illness. He has been open about his health journey and continues to inspire many.
Brian Kennedy's Albums
Brian Kennedy has released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of his most notable ones:
- The Great War of Words (1990)
- A Better Man (1996)
- Now That I Know What I Want (1999)
- Get on With Your Short Life (2001)
- On Song (2003)
- Live in Belfast (2004)
- Homebird (2006)
- The Very Best of Brian Kennedy (2010)
- Voice (2012)
- A Love Letter to Joni (2013)
- Essential (2016)
- Live at Vicar Street (2017)
- Christmassy (2017)
Brian Kennedy's Books
Besides singing and songwriting, Brian Kennedy is also an author! He has written two novels:
- The Arrival of Fergal Flynn (2004)
- Roman Song (2005)
