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 talented Irish singer. He became well-known in the UK and Ireland during the 1990s and 2000s. Brian had many hit songs and albums. He also represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006, finishing in 10th place. Brian is the younger brother of musician Bap Kennedy.
Contents
Brian Kennedy's Music Journey
Starting Out with Van Morrison
Brian Kennedy began his music career in 1988. He started as a chorus singer for the famous Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. Brian became known as one of Van Morrison's backing singers. He appeared on several of Morrison's albums. These included A Night in San Francisco and Days Like This. He also sang live in concert with him.
Around this time, Brian released his own album called The Great War of Words in 1990. This album had a song called "Captured." It was a small hit in both the UK and Irish music charts.
Sweetmouth and Solo Success
In 1991, Brian Kennedy teamed up with Mark E. Nevin. Mark was from the band Fairground Attraction. They formed a duo called Sweetmouth. Their album, Goodbye to Songtown, came out in August 1991.
In the mid-1990s, Brian signed with RCA Records. His second solo album, A Better Man, was released in 1996. This album was very successful. It reached No.19 in the UK charts. It also had hit singles like "A Better Man" and "Life Love and Happiness." These songs were also top 20 hits in Ireland. His next album, Now That I Know What I Want, came out in 1999.
"You Raise Me Up" and Eurovision
In 2001, Brian released his fourth album, Get on with Your Short Life. Later that year, he sang on the original version of "You Raise Me Up" by Secret Garden. Many other artists, like Josh Groban and Westlife, later recorded this song. Brian sang this song at the funeral of famous footballer George Best in 2005. His version was re-released and became his biggest hit. It reached No.4 in the UK charts and No.3 in Ireland.
Brian 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 was the 1000th song in Eurovision history. Brian finished tenth in the finals on 20 May 2006. The song was also a No.4 hit in Ireland.
Recent Activities
In 2006, Brian performed at the opening of new studios for his local radio station, Belfast CityBeat. In July 2008, he became a judge for the Citybeat Young Star Search. This was a big talent show for kids in Northern Ireland.
From 2011 to 2012, Brian was a coach on the first season of The Voice of Ireland. He helped Richie Hayes, who finished as the runner-up in the final. In October 2018, he started hosting a weekly radio show on Tipp FM.
Brian Kennedy's Life Story
Growing Up in Belfast
Brian Kennedy was born and grew up in Beechmount, on the Falls Road in Belfast. As a child, he had a condition called Osgood–Schlatter disease in both legs. This condition causes pain and swelling below the knee.
He has spoken about growing up during The Troubles. This was a time of conflict in Northern Ireland. He shared how he saw difficult events during his childhood. He also mentioned how he would sing along with police and ambulance sirens. In 2016, Brian shared that he was facing a serious health challenge.
Brian Kennedy's Books
Besides singing, Brian Kennedy is also an author. He has written two novels:
- The Arrival of Fergal Flynn (2004)
- Roman Song (2005)
Images for kids
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Brian Kennedy in 2018
