Mary Dillon (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Dillon
|
|
|---|---|
Mary Dillon in 2012
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Mary Dillon |
| Born | 16 December 1964 Dungiven, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland |
| Genres | Irish traditional, Celtic, Folk |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, teacher |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Labels | Green Linnet Records, Back Lane Records |
| Associated acts | Déanta, Cara Dillon |
Mary Dillon (born in 1964) is a famous Irish folk singer from Northern Ireland. She is well-known as the lead singer for the traditional band Déanta. She is also the older sister of another popular folk singer, Cara Dillon.
Besides her music career, Mary Dillon works as an English teacher.
Contents
A Musical Childhood
Mary Dillon was born in the town of Dungiven, Northern Ireland, where she still lives today. She grew up in a family that loved music. Mary has five brothers and sisters, including her famous sister, Cara.
From a young age, Mary was a talented singer. As a teenager, she won the All Ireland Singing Competition twice. This is a very important event in Irish traditional music, known as the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Even with her musical success, Mary also became an English teacher at St Cecilia's College in the city of Derry.
Music Career Highlights
Singing with Déanta
In the 1990s, Mary Dillon was the main singer for the Irish band Déanta. The band was known for its fresh take on traditional Irish music. With Mary as their vocalist, Déanta recorded three albums that were popular with folk music fans.
Going Solo
After her time with Déanta, Mary focused on her teaching career and family. However, she returned to music in 2010. She released her first solo project, an EP (a short album) called Army Dreamers. This EP included her versions of songs by famous artists like Kate Bush and Bruce Springsteen.
In 2013, she released her first full solo album, titled North.
Working with Other Artists
Mary has often worked with other musicians. In 2012, she formed a singing group called Sí Van with Irish singers Niamh Parsons and Tíona McSherry. The group sings a cappella, which means they sing without any instruments.
She has also sung on many of her sister Cara Dillon's albums, adding her beautiful voice to Cara's songs.
Discography
Solo Albums
- Army Dreamers (EP) (2010)
- North (Album) (2013)
Albums with Déanta
- Déanta (1993)
- Ready for the Storm (1994)
- Whisper of a Secret (1997)
Guest Appearances
Mary has appeared as a guest singer on many albums, including:
- Cara Dillon (2001) – by Cara Dillon
- Sweet Liberty (2003) – by Cara Dillon
- After the Morning (2006) – by Cara Dillon
- The Redcastle Sessions (2008) – by Cara Dillon
