Johnny Logan (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Johnny Logan
Logan performing in 2017
Background information
Birth name	Seán Patrick Michael Sherrard
Born	(1954-05-13) 13 May 1954 (age 71) Frankston, Victoria, Australia
Origin	Ireland
Genres	Pop Celtic
Occupation(s)	Singer musician
Instruments	Vocals guitar
Years active	1978–present

Johnny Logan is a famous Irish singer, songwriter, and musician. His real name is Seán Patrick Michael Sherrard. He was born in Australia but grew up in Ireland.

Johnny Logan is best known for being the first person to win the Eurovision Song Contest twice as a lead singer. This is a huge achievement in music! He won in 1980 with the song "What's Another Year". This song became a number one hit in many countries.

He won again in 1987 with his song "Hold Me Now". This song also became very popular across Europe. For a long time, he was the only solo artist to win Eurovision twice. Another singer, Loreen, also won twice in 2023.

Johnny Logan also wrote two Eurovision songs for another Irish singer, Linda Martin. One of these songs, "Why Me?", won the contest in 1992. This makes him one of only a few people to have written two winning Eurovision songs.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Johnny Logan was born in Frankston, Australia, on May 13, 1954. His father, Charles Alphonsus Sherrard, was a famous Irish singer known as Patrick O'Hagan. His dad was touring Australia when Johnny was born.

When Johnny was three years old, his family moved back to Ireland. They settled in Howth, a town in County Dublin. He started learning to play the guitar and writing his own songs when he was 13.

After finishing school, he worked as an electrician. But he also performed music in pubs and clubs. Before becoming famous, he acted in two Irish musicals. He played Adam in Adam and Eve and Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Career Highlights: Eurovision Wins

First Eurovision Victory in 1980

Johnny Logan at the Eurovision Song Contest 1980

Johnny Logan chose his stage name from the main character of a film called Johnny Guitar. He released his first song in 1978. He first tried to enter Eurovision in 1979 but came third in the Irish competition.

In 1980, he tried again with the song "What's Another Year". He won the Irish final and then represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in the Netherlands. On April 19, he won the contest!

"What's Another Year" became a huge hit across Europe. It even reached number one in the UK music charts. After this big win, he released a few more songs. However, they didn't become as popular.

Second Eurovision Victory in 1987

In 1987, Johnny Logan decided to try for Eurovision again. He wrote his own song called "Hold Me Now". He represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgium.

He won the contest for the second time! This made him the first person ever to win Eurovision twice. "Hold Me Now" was a massive hit across Europe. It reached number two in the UK charts.

After this win, he released an album also called Hold Me Now. He then focused on his music career in Ireland and other European countries.

Third Eurovision Connection in 1992

Johnny Logan had already written a song for Irish singer Linda Martin in 1984. That song, "Terminal 3", came in second place at Eurovision.

In 1992, he gave Linda Martin another one of his songs, "Why Me?". This song became the Irish entry for the finals in Sweden.

"Why Me?" won the contest! This meant Johnny Logan had been involved in three Eurovision wins. He sang two winning songs and wrote one winning song. This cemented his place as one of the most successful artists in Eurovision history.

In 1997, Johnny Logan left his handprints in concrete on the Walk of Fame in Rotterdam. This is a special honor for famous people.

Recent Career and "Mister Eurovision"

Johnny Logan still performs and writes songs today. Fans and the media often call him "Mister Eurovision" because of his amazing success. He also enjoys performing in musical theater.

In 2005, his song "Hold Me Now" was voted the third most popular song in Eurovision history. This happened at the 50th-anniversary concert in Denmark. His other winning song, "What's Another Year", was also nominated.

Johnny Logan has sold more than 3 million copies of his music worldwide. "Hold Me Now" alone has sold over a million copies globally. He has been very successful, especially in countries like Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. His 2007 album, The Irish Connection, sold very well in these countries.

In 2009, 2010, and 2011, he performed in a Celtic rock opera called Excalibur. In 2024, he made a special appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden. He performed a cover of Loreen's winning song, "Euphoria".

Personal Life

Johnny Logan lives in Ireland with his wife, Ailis. They have three children named Adam, Fionn, and Jack. He also has another daughter, Robyn.

He doesn't often give interviews to the media. He prefers to keep his personal life private.

Discography