Enya facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Enya
Enya in 1988
Background information
Birth name	Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin
Also known as	Enya Eithne Brennan Eithne Ní Bhraonáin Enya Patricia Brennan
Born	(1961-05-17) 17 May 1961 (age 64) Dore, Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland
Genres	Celtic new-age pop world
Occupation(s)	Composer singer songwriter
Instruments	Vocals piano keyboards synthesisers
Years active	1980–present
Labels	Warner

Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin (born May 17, 1961), known as Enya, is an Irish singer and composer. She is famous for her unique sound, which often includes many layers of her own voice. Enya has sold over 80 million albums worldwide. This makes her the best-selling solo artist from Ireland. Only the rock band U2 has sold more music from Ireland.

Enya grew up in Gweedore, a part of Ireland where people speak Irish. In 1980, she started her music journey with her family's folk band, Clannad. She left Clannad in 1982 to start a solo career. She worked with Nicky Ryan, who was Clannad's manager and producer, and his partner, Roma, who wrote lyrics. For the next four years, Enya created her special sound. She mixed many layers of her voice with keyboards. Her music blends different styles like Celtic, classical, church, jazz, and Irish folk.

Enya's first solo songs were two piano pieces released in 1984. She also wrote most of the music for the film The Frog Prince (1985). In 1987, she composed music for a BBC TV show called The Celts. Some of this music became her first album, Enya (1987). The head of Warner Music, Rob Dickins, loved her music. He signed Enya to a record deal, giving her lots of freedom. Her album Watermark (1988) made her famous around the world. This was thanks to her hit song "Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)".

In the years that followed, Enya released more successful albums. These included Shepherd Moons (1991), The Memory of Trees (1995), and A Day Without Rain (2000). After the 9/11 attacks in the United States, sales of A Day Without Rain and its song "Only Time" grew a lot. This was because the song was used in news coverage of the events. After Amarantine (2005) and And Winter Came... (2008), Enya took a break. She returned to the studio in 2012 to work on her eighth album, Dark Sky Island (2015).

Recently, there have been hints about Enya recording new music. Her sister, Moya Brennan, mentioned in 2019 that Enya was working on new songs. Enya's latest public message was in June 2023. She said in Irish, "Beidh muid ag teacht le chéile gan mhoile," which means "we will meet again soon."

Enya's Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Enya's home area of Gweedore, seen from above in 2008.

Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin was born on May 17, 1961. She was born in Dore, Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland. She is the sixth of nine children in the Brennan family, who are all musicians. Her parents were Máire "Baba" and Leopold "Leo" Brennan. In 1968, her parents bought a pub in Meenaleck, Donegal, and called it Leo's Tavern. Leo Brennan led an Irish band before performing alone. Baba Brennan was also a musician and taught music at Gweedore Community School.

Leo's Tavern, the pub owned by Enya's family. Her younger brother Bartley now runs it.

Enya grew up in Gweedore, where Irish is the main language. Her name "Enya" is how "Eithne" sounds in her local Irish accent. "Ní Bhraonáin" means "daughter of Brennan." Enya's grandfather was a headmaster and founded the Gweedore Theatre. Enya has said her childhood was "very quiet and happy."

When she was three and a half, Enya entered her first singing contest. She also performed in plays at Gweedore Theatre. She sang with her siblings in her mother's choir at St Mary's church. At age four, she started piano lessons. She learned English in primary school. Enya remembers practicing piano a lot while her siblings played outside.

Besides traditional Irish music, Enya and her siblings listened to many types of music. They loved watching musical films in the 1960s and 70s. Enya shared that Jesus Christ Superstar was played daily in her home. She and her sisters would sing every word.

From age 11, Enya went to a convent boarding school in Milford. Her grandfather paid for her education there. At this school, Enya developed a love for classical music, art, and Latin. She said it was hard to be away from her big family, but it helped her music. Enya finished boarding school at 17. She then studied classical music in college, planning to teach piano.

Enya's Music Career

Joining and Leaving Clannad (1980–1982)

In 1970, some of Enya's family members formed Clannad, a Celtic folk band. Nicky Ryan became their manager and producer. His future wife, Roma Shane, was their tour manager. In 1980, Enya joined Clannad after college. The band wanted to add keyboards and another singer. Enya played on their albums Crann Úll (1980) and Fuaim (1981). She sang the song "An Túll" on Fuaim.

Nicky Ryan had an idea to layer vocals to create a "choir of one." This idea was inspired by Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" technique. Enya and Nicky were both interested in this sound. In 1982, Nicky and Roma left Clannad. Enya decided to leave with them to start a solo career. She felt limited in the group and wanted to create her own music. This caused some tension at first, but they later resolved their differences.

Starting a Solo Path (1982–1985)

The former Ryan home in suburban Artane, where Enya lived and the first Aigle Studio was from 1982 to 1989.

Nicky suggested Enya move in with him and Roma in Artane, Dublin, to explore music. Enya agreed. She sold her saxophone and gave piano lessons to earn money. Nicky built a recording studio in their garden shed, calling it "Aigle Studio." Enya lived with the Ryans from 1982 until 1989.

Enya, Nicky, and Roma formed a music and business team. Nicky produced and arranged Enya's music, and Roma wrote the lyrics. They called their company Aigle Music. For two years, Enya worked on her music style. She would listen to classical pieces, then improvise and create her own versions.

Enya's first solo songs, "An Ghaoth Ón Ghrian" and "Miss Clare Remembers," were released in 1984. Her first live solo show was in Dublin in 1983. She was very nervous, hiding behind the piano. Roma sent Enya's music to film producers. David Puttnam liked it and asked Enya to compose music for his film, The Frog Prince (1984). Enya wrote nine pieces for the film. However, most were changed by another composer, which disappointed her. The film's album was the first to credit her as "Enya." Nicky Ryan suggested this spelling so non-Irish speakers could pronounce her name easily.

Becoming a Global Star with Watermark (1985–1989)

In 1985, Enya was asked to create music for a BBC TV show called The Celts. She had already written a Celtic-style song, "The March of the Celts." The director loved her music and asked her to score the whole series. Enya recorded 72 minutes of music. She had a lot of freedom to develop her unique sound. This sound featured layered vocals, keyboard music, and elements of Celtic, classical, and folk music.

In March 1987, her first solo album, Enya, was released. It did well in Ireland and the UK. "I Want Tomorrow" was her first single. Later, the group The Fugees used a part of Enya's song "Boadicea" without permission. Enya took legal action, and they later gave her credit.

After the album Enya came out, Rob Dickins from Warner Music UK signed her. He loved her music and gave her artistic freedom. Enya then recorded Watermark from 1987 to 1988. This album was a huge success. It reached number 5 in the UK and number 25 in the US. Its main song, "Orinoco Flow", became a worldwide hit. It was number one in the UK for three weeks. This success made Enya famous internationally. She spent a year traveling to promote the album.

Continued Success and New Sounds (1989–2007)

After Watermark, Enya started working on her next album, Shepherd Moons. She felt pressure after her big success. She had to remind herself to create new music freely. Shepherd Moons was released in November 1991. It was even more successful than Watermark, reaching number one in the UK. Its lead single, "Caribbean Blue", was also a hit. In 1993, Enya won her first Grammy Award for Shepherd Moons.

In 1992, her first album was re-released as The Celts. It became even more popular. Enya then recorded her fourth album, The Memory of Trees. By this time, a new Aigle Studio was built at the Ryans' home. This made recording easier. The album came out in November 1995 and sold millions of copies. Its main song, "Anywhere Is", reached number 7 in the UK. In 1995, Enya performed "Anywhere Is" at a Christmas concert in Vatican City for Pope John Paul II.

In 1997, Enya released her first collection of greatest hits, Paint the Sky with Stars: The Best of Enya. It included two new songs. This album was a big success worldwide. Enya described it as a "musical diary."

Enya began working on her fifth album, A Day Without Rain, in 1998. For this album, she added a string section to her music. The album was released in November 2000. After the 9/11 attacks, the song "Only Time" became very popular. It was used in news coverage, and its sales soared. Enya donated the money from the song to help firefighters. "Only Time" became her highest-charting US single.

In 2001, Enya wrote two songs for the film The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Director Peter Jackson asked her to contribute. She composed "Aníron" and "May It Be". "Aníron" had lyrics in J. R. R. Tolkien's Elvish language, Sindarin. "May It Be" was sung in English and another Tolkien language, Quenya. In 2002, "May It Be" was nominated for an Academy Award. Enya performed the song live at the 74th Academy Awards ceremony. She called this a highlight of her career.

In 2004, Diddy asked to use Enya's song "Boadicea" for the song "I Don't Wanna Know" by Mario Winans. Enya approved it, saying it was a "great song."

Enya's sixth album, Amarantine, was released in 2005. Roma Ryan created a new language called Loxian for some songs on this album. Amarantine was a global success. Enya dedicated the album to BBC producer Tony McAuley, who had first asked her to score The Celts.

Later Albums and Recent Activity (2008–Present)

Enya's seventh album, And Winter Came..., was released in 2008. It featured songs with a winter and Christmas theme. The album included a guitar solo, which was rare for her music. And Winter Came... was very popular, selling millions worldwide.

After this album, Enya took a long break from recording. She spent time with family and renovated her home. In 2012, she returned to the studio for her eighth album, Dark Sky Island. The album's name was inspired by the island of Sark, which is a dark-sky preserve. It also relates to Roma Ryan's poems about islands.

In 2013, "Only Time" was used in a famous Volvo Trucks advertisement. The ad showed Jean-Claude Van Damme doing the splits between two trucks. Dark Sky Island was released in November 2015. It reached number 4 in the UK and number 8 in the US. Enya promoted the album with tours in various countries. In December 2016, she appeared on Irish television, singing Christmas carols.

Since late 2019, Enya's official social media has been more active. Her music videos have been updated to high quality. There have been "watch party" videos and vinyl re-releases for album anniversaries. In November 2021, Nicky Ryan mentioned that Aigle Studio had been renovated. He said Enya and the Ryans were excited to work on new music.

Enya's music is still used by modern producers. Her song "Boadicea" is often sampled in R&B and hip-hop songs. In 2022, Enya approved the use of her music for the song "Creepin'" by Metro Boomin and The Weeknd. In June 2023, Enya's 1997 album A Box of Dreams was re-released on vinyl. Nicky Ryan confirmed that they are working on a new album.

Enya's Musical Style

The Roland Juno-60, a keyboard Enya loved and used on Watermark.

Enya's voice is a mezzo-soprano. She says her music is based on classical music, church music, and Irish folk tunes. She especially likes the composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. Since 1982, she has worked with Nicky Ryan as her producer and Roma Ryan as her lyricist. Enya and Nicky shared an interest in vocal harmonies. Nicky wanted to create a "multi-vocals" sound, where many layers of Enya's voice are used. For example, the song "Angeles" has about 500 vocal layers.

Enya sings all the vocals and plays most of the instruments on her songs. She uses piano and many different keyboards. Some of her favorite keyboards include the Roland Juno-60.

Many people describe Enya's music as new-age music. She has won four Grammy Awards in this category. However, Enya herself does not call her music "new age." When asked, she simply says her music is "Enya." Nicky Ryan agrees, saying her music is different because she plays many instruments, has strong melodies, and sings a lot. Enya feels the "new age" label was given to artists whose music critics didn't know how to describe.

Enya's music videos and album covers often get ideas from old artwork. The video for "Caribbean Blue" and the cover for The Memory of Trees were inspired by artist Maxfield Parrish. The video for "On My Way Home" was inspired by John Singer Sargent's painting Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose.

Enya has recorded songs in many languages. Besides her native Irish, she has sung in English, French, Latin, Spanish, and Welsh. She has also created music inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy books. For The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, she sang in English and Tolkien's made-up languages, Quenya and Sindarin. Her albums Amarantine and Dark Sky Island include songs in Loxian, a fictional language created by Roma Ryan.

Enya's way of writing and recording music has stayed mostly the same. She starts by developing ideas on the piano. She works five days a week and takes weekends off. She doesn't work on music at home. Since Irish is her first language, she often records songs in Irish first. She feels she can express herself more directly in Irish. Then, she shares her ideas with Nicky to decide what works best. Roma writes lyrics that fit the songs. Enya feels that the lyrics for "Fallen Embers" perfectly matched her feelings when she wrote the song.

Live Performances

Enya has said that her record label, Warner Music, first wanted her to perform live with just a piano and a few keyboard players. However, Enya spends so much time creating her detailed studio albums that there isn't much time left for touring. She also finds it hard to recreate her complex studio sound on stage. In 1996, Nicky Ryan mentioned that Enya turned down a large offer to perform one concert in Japan.

In 2016, Enya talked about the idea of a live concert. She discussed with the Ryans performing a show at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. This show would be broadcast to cinemas worldwide. Before that, Nicky suggested she record her hits live with an orchestra and choir to see how they would sound.

Enya has performed on TV shows and at events throughout her career. In December 1995, she sang "Anywhere Is" at a Christmas concert in Vatican City. Pope John Paul II was there and thanked her. In April 1996, she performed the same song for the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, who is a fan. In 1997, Enya took part in a live Christmas Eve broadcast in London. She then flew to County Donegal to join her family for their annual midnight Mass choir performance. In March 2002, she performed "May It Be" with an orchestra at the Academy Awards ceremony. In July 2005, Enya and her sisters sang with the local choir Cór Mhuire at St. Mary's church in Gweedore.

Enya's Personal Life

Manderley Castle, Enya's home since 1997.

Enya is known for keeping her life private. She said in the mid-1990s, "The music is what sells. Not me." She also mentioned in 2008 that her privacy is more important than how she is seen publicly.

Enya is not married and does not have children. However, she has many nieces and nephews. She is also like an aunt to the Ryans' two daughters. In 1991, she shared that she was "afraid of marriage" because she worried someone might want her for her fame, not for love. A relationship she had ended in 1997. Around that time, she thought about taking a break from music to have a family. But she realized she was putting too much pressure on herself.

In 1997, Enya bought a large, old castle in Killiney for a lot of money. It was called Victoria Castle, but Enya renamed it Manderley Castle. This name comes from a house in the book Rebecca. She spent several years fixing up the castle. She also added strong security measures. Enya designed most of the castle's inside herself. She also has a signed picture of composer Sergei Rachmaninoff in her home.

Enya describes herself as "more spiritual than religious." She sometimes prays and likes to visit empty churches.

Besides music, Enya loves art. As of 2000, she collected art by Irish artists like Jack Butler Yeats. She also enjoys collecting First editions of books. Enya remembers reading The Lord of the Rings and the Malory Towers series as a child. Her favorite books are Rebecca and The Picture of Dorian Gray. She admires the writings of Oscar Wilde and J. R. R. Tolkien.

Enya also enjoys watching operas, especially at the Sydney Opera House. She likes classic black-and-white films, especially those by Alfred Hitchcock. She also enjoys crime dramas and period drama series like Breaking Bad and Mad Men.

Enya's Music Albums

• Enya (1986) (reissued in 1992 as The Celts)
• Watermark (1988)
• Shepherd Moons (1991)
• The Memory of Trees (1995)
• A Day Without Rain (2000)
• Amarantine (2005)
• And Winter Came... (2008)
• Dark Sky Island (2015)

Compilation Albums and Box Sets

• Paint The Sky with Stars (1997)
• A Box Of Dreams (1997)
• Moonshadows (2001)
• Only Time: The Collection (2002)
• The Very Best Of Enya (2009)

Awards and Honors

Billboard Music Awards

Grammy Awards

IFPI Hong Kong Top Sales Music Awards

Japan Gold Disc Awards

World Music Awards

Žebřík Music Awards

Other Awards

Honorary Degrees and Namings

In 1991, a small planet discovered in 1978 was named 6433 Enya after her. In June 2007, she received an honorary doctorate from the National University of Ireland, Galway. This was for her important contributions to music. A month later, she also received an honorary degree from the University of Ulster. In 2017, a new type of fish, Leporinus enyae, was named after Enya. This fish was found in the Orinoco River area, linking to her famous song "Orinoco Flow."

See also

In Spanish: Enya para niños

• List of artists who reached number one on the UK Singles Chart
• List of UK Albums Chart number ones of the 1990s
• List of highest-certified music artists in the United States