Frances Black facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Senator Frances Black
Black in 2020
Senator
Incumbent
Assumed office 8 June 2016
Constituency	Industrial and Commercial Panel
Personal details
Born	(1960-06-25) 25 June 1960 (age 65) Charlemont Street, Dublin, Ireland
Political party	Independent
Other political affiliations	Civil Engagement group
Spouse	Brian Allen
Children	2, including Aoife
Alma mater	All Hallows College

Frances Black (born 25 June 1960) is a famous Irish singer and a politician. She became well-known in the late 1980s. This was when she started performing with her family's band, the Black Family. They played a mix of traditional and modern Irish music.

In 2016, Frances Black was chosen to be a Senator. She ran as an independent politician for the Industrial and Commercial Panel.

About Frances Black

Frances Black was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1960. She grew up in a very musical family. Her father, Kevin, loved playing the fiddle and mandolin. Her mother, Patty, used to sing in local dance halls.

Frances is the youngest of five children. Her older sister, Mary Black, is also a very famous singer. Frances went to school at St Louis High School, Rathmines.

Her Music Journey

Frances Black started her music career at age 17. She began singing with her brothers and sister in their family group, the Black Family. This helped her become more confident in her singing.

Joining Arcady

In 1988, Frances joined a band called Arcady. With them, she toured in Europe, Iraq, and the United States. They recorded an album called After the Ball. The main song, "After the Ball," featured Frances singing. It did very well in Ireland and in America. However, the tours were too much for Frances because she had a young family. So, she decided to leave the group in 1992.

Working with Kieran Goss

Next, Frances teamed up with singer Kieran Goss. They recorded an album together in 1992. One of their songs, "Wall of Tears," was put on a special album called A Woman's Heart. This album became the best-selling Irish album ever! This helped Frances's music career grow even more. Other famous singers on that album included Sharon Shannon and her sister Mary Black.

Starting a Solo Career

Black in November 2003

In 1993, Frances toured Australia and New Zealand. She was with 20 other Irish artists celebrating Irish music. This led to her getting a record deal. In 1994, she released her first solo album, Talk to Me. It was a huge success! It sold over 100,000 copies and was number one in Ireland for eight weeks.

The album included songs by other artists, but her cover of "All the Lies That You Told Me" became very popular. This song showed everyone that Frances Black was a major new talent. She also toured the UK and United States in 1994.

In 1995, her second solo album, The Sky Road, came out. She won the 'Best Album by a Female' award from the IRMA. Because she was so popular in America, she went on another solo tour there.

Later, she released more successful albums like The Smile on Your Face (1997) and Don't Get Me Wrong (1998). These albums made her known as an international performer, just like her older sister Mary.

Frances has also released several "best of" albums. These include The Best of Frances Black (2001) and The Essential Frances Black (2008). Her album The Essential Frances Black sold so well it went platinum.

Political Work

Frances Black became a Senator in 2016. She ran as an independent candidate. She is part of the Civil Engagement group in the 25th Seanad.

As a Senator, she has worked on important issues. For example, she spoke about rules for selling alcohol in shops. She also worked on a bill to stop certain goods from being imported from occupied areas.

In 2018, Frances Black received an award in Washington. This award was for her work as the founder of the RISE Foundation. It recognized her efforts to help families dealing with addiction challenges. She was re-elected as a Senator in 2020.

Her Family Life

Frances Black has two children, Eoghan and Aoife. Her daughter, Aoife Scott, is also a well-known singer and songwriter. Aoife even recorded a song on Frances's album This Love Will Carry. Her son, Eoghan, is also a musician and producer.

Frances went back to college in 2004. She became a counsellor who helps people with addiction issues. She also worked at a treatment center in Dublin. She founded the RISE Foundation. This group helps families who are dealing with the stress of a loved one's addiction. RISE offers family programs and one-to-one counselling.

Discography

• Frances Black and Kieran Goss (1992)
• Talk to Me (1994)
• The Sky Road (1995)
• The Smile on Your Face (1996)
• Don't Get Me Wrong (1998)
• The Best of Frances Black (2000)
• How High the Moon (2003)
• This Love Will Carry (2006)
• The Essential Frances Black (2008)
• Stronger (2013)