Daniel O'Donnell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel O'Donnell
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O'Donnell in concert in 2009
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Daniel Francis Noel O'Donnell |
| Also known as | "Wee Daniel" |
| Born | 12 December 1961 Kincasslagh, County Donegal, Ireland |
| Genres | Country, easy listening, folk |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Associated acts | Majella O'Donnell, Margo, Mary Duff |
Daniel Francis Noel O'Donnell, who has an MBE, was born on December 12, 1961. He is an Irish singer, television presenter, and philanthropist (someone who helps others). He became famous in 1983 and is now a household name in Ireland and Britain. He has also been very successful in Australia.
In 2012, Daniel O'Donnell made history. He became the first artist to have a different album in the British music charts every year for 25 years in a row. By 2021, this amazing record grew to 33 years! This makes him one of the most successful music artists of all time.
Daniel is known for being very friendly with his fans. He is also famous for his charming and engaging performances on stage. His music is a mix of country and Irish folk styles. He has sold over 10 million records. Many people in Ireland see him as a "cultural icon" (a very important and well-known person). He is often called "Wee Daniel" and is a proud ambassador for his home county of Donegal.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Daniel O'Donnell grew up in the village of Kincasslagh, in County Donegal, Ireland. He was the youngest of five children in a Roman Catholic family. His parents were Julia and Francis O'Donnell. Sadly, his father passed away from a heart attack when Daniel was only six years old.
When he was in school, Daniel thought about working in a bank. But music was always a big part of his life. As a young boy, he sang in the local church choir. In 1980, he went to Galway to study business. However, he didn't stay long. By Christmas, he was playing in his sister Margo's band. Margo was already a successful singer in Ireland.
Music Career
Becoming Famous
Daniel wanted more chances to sing by himself. So, in 1983, he decided to record his own song. On February 9, 1983, he recorded "My Donegal Shore." He used £1,200 of his own money and sold all the copies himself. Later that year, he started his own music group called Country Fever. After that group, he formed The Grassroots. In 1985, a music manager named Mick Clerkin saw him perform. Clerkin introduced Daniel to Sean Reilly, who is still his manager today.
With Sean Reilly's help, Daniel O'Donnell started selling out concerts regularly in England. By January 1992, he felt very tired and needed a break. After three months, he returned to the stage. This time, he performed at the Point Theatre in Dublin.
Big Success
By the mid-1990s, Daniel O'Donnell was famous across Ireland and Great Britain. He appeared on popular TV shows and won many awards. In 1989, he was named Donegal Person of the Year, which he still considers his best award. He also won the Irish Entertainer of the Year award in 1989, 1992, and 1996. His first song to hit the charts in the UK was "I Just Want to Dance With You" in 1992. This also led to his first appearance on the famous TV show Top of the Pops.
Throughout his long career, Daniel has become friends with his childhood heroes. These include Cliff Richard and Loretta Lynn. He also works closely with the Irish singer Mary Duff, who often tours with him.
2000 to Today
In 2002, Daniel O'Donnell received an honorary MBE. This award was for his great contributions to music and charity. He has had twenty albums in the UK Top 40 charts. He has also had fifteen songs in the Top 40 singles charts. He has sold 10 million records.
Daniel also became very popular in North America. He starred in seven concert specials on public television stations (PBS) in the United States. He has had 18 albums in the Top 20 of the U.S. Billboard's World Music Album Chart.
In 2011, RTÉ (an Irish TV channel) aired a special show called Daniel at 50 to celebrate his 50th birthday. In 2015, Daniel O'Donnell set another record. He became the first artist to have at least one new album in the UK charts for 28 years in a row (from 1988 to 2015). His album The Hank Williams Songbook reached number 5 on the UK Artist Albums Chart.
A special Daniel O'Donnell Visitors' Centre opened in Dungloe in May 2012. It shows off his gold records, awards, and even his wedding suit! In Autumn 2015, he appeared on the TV show Strictly Come Dancing. He was eliminated in week 4. In October 2015, Daniel and his wife Majella starred in their TV show Daniel and Majella's B&B Road Trip.
Personal Life
Daniel O'Donnell got married at age 40 on November 4, 2002. He married Majella McLennan, who was 41. They met three years earlier on holiday in Tenerife. The couple lives in Meenbanad, County Donegal, and also spends time at their second home in Tenerife.
Daniel can speak Irish very well. He even hosted a show in Irish for the TV channel TG4. Daniel usually doesn't talk much about politics. However, in 2015, he supported a change to the Irish Constitution. He has also spoken up to help homeowners in Ireland whose houses were built with faulty materials.
Helping Others (Philanthropy)
Daniel O'Donnell has been involved in many charitable causes for a long time. He is especially known for his work in Romania. He has strongly supported the Romanian Challenge Appeal. This charity helps orphaned Romanian children find new lives in society. He encouraged Irish families to welcome these young people into their homes for a period of time.
Public Image
Daniel O'Donnell is perhaps even more famous for his kind and gentle personality than for his music. He has a very clean-cut image. Over the years, he has received a lot of media attention. He is often joked about in Irish and British comedy shows. This is because people sometimes assume his audience is mostly older women. For example, he was parodied as "Eoin McLove" in the Father Ted TV show. He was also featured in the BBC sketch show Chewin' the Fat as "Donald O'Daniel."
Daniel is known for his close connection with his fans. He tries to meet and greet fans after almost every concert. He used to host a big tea party for his fans outside his home in Donegal every year. He has also said he would love to appear in the TV show Coronation Street.
Awards and Honours
- 1988 – RTÉ Guide Favourite Country Artist of the Year
- 1989 – RTÉ Guide Favourite Country Artist of the Year
- 1989 – Donegal Person of the Year
- 1989 – IRMA Entertainer of the Year
- 1990 – RTÉ Guide Favourite Country Artist of the Year
- 1991 – RTÉ Guide Favourite Country Artist of the Year
- 1991 – British Country Music Awards International Artist of the Year
- 1991 – CMRU Most Popular British Vocalist
- 1991 – IRMA Entertainer of the Year
- 1992 – IRMA Entertainer of the Year
- 1992 – RTÉ Guide Favourite Country Artist of the Year
- 1992 – British Country Music Awards International Artist of the Year
- 1992 – CMRU Most Popular British Vocalist
- 1995 – British Country Music Awards International Artist of the Year
- 1997 – British Country Music Awards Ambassador Award for Outstanding Services to Country Music
- 2000 – This Is Your Life Tribute
- 2002 – Awarded an Honorary MBE for services to the music industry and charity
- 2004 – Lifetime Achievement Award from The Irish Post
- 2011 – Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sunday World
See also
In Spanish: Daniel O'Donnell para niños
- List of baritones in non-classical music
- Music of Ireland
- Country and Irish
