Philomena Begley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philomena Begley
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Begley in 2005
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| Background information | |
| Born | 20 October 1942 Pomeroy, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland |
| Genres | Country, gospel country pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1963–present |
| Labels | Top Spin, Release, Ritz, Prism Leisure, H&H |
| Associated acts | Old Cross Céilí Band Country Flavour Ramblin Men Shotgun Ray Lynam |
Philomena Begley, born on October 20, 1942, is a famous country music singer from Northern Ireland. In 1975, she had a huge hit song called "Blanket on the Ground". Her version was even more popular in Ireland than the original by Billie Jo Spears! In 2020, Philomena made history. She became the first woman to join the ICMA Hall of Fame. Many people lovingly call her 'The Queen of Country'.
Contents
Early Life and Music Start
Philomena Begley grew up in Pomeroy, County Tyrone, in Northern Ireland. Before she became a singer, she worked in a hat factory in Cookstown. Her journey into music began with a dare! She sang with a group called the Old Cross Céilí Band. She enjoyed it so much that she stayed with them.
From Local Band to Chart Success
The Old Cross Céilí Band soon changed its name. They became known as the Old Cross Bandshow. They released three songs in Ireland between 1968 and 1969. However, these songs did not become popular hits.
In September 1970, the band changed its name again. They became "The Country Flavour." This change brought Philomena her first big success! Her song "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" reached number seven on the Irish music charts.
In 1974, Philomena started her own band. She called them the Ramblin' Men. The Country Flavour band kept touring with other singers.
Touring and Famous Songs
Philomena Begley often toured with singer Ray Lynam starting in 1975. They recorded many songs together. One of their most famous duets was "My Elusive Dreams." This song was even mentioned in a song by The Pogues called "A Pair of Brown Eyes"!
"Blanket on the Ground" Success
In 1975, Philomena had a massive hit song. It was her version of "Blanket on the Ground" by Billie Jo Spears. Philomena's song reached number five on the Irish charts. Billie Jo Spears also released her version in Ireland at the same time. But Philomena's song sold more copies! Billie Jo Spears' version only reached number 11. Philomena sometimes performed with Billie Jo Spears. After Billie Jo Spears passed away in 2011, Philomena recorded a song to honor her.
International Performances
By 1977, Philomena was touring all over the United States. In 1978, she received a special invitation. Porter Wagoner asked her to sing at the famous Grand Ole Opry! Since then, she has returned to Nashville every year. She has also been a special guest at the St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City. Philomena has sung at both the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall.
Recognition and Family Life
One of Philomena Begley's biggest fans is the Irish singer Daniel O'Donnell. He once said that when Philomena sings, you truly believe her. He felt that she had experienced every feeling she expressed in her songs.
Family and Home
Philomena Begley is married to Tom Quinn. They have three children named Mary, Aiden, and Carol. She is also a grandmother. They live on a farm in Galbally, County Tyrone. Her son, Aiden Quinn, has also become a singer. Her niece, Andrea Begley, won the TV show The Voice in June 2013.
Philomena also writes for the Lifestyle section of the Belfast Telegraph newspaper.
Albums
Philomena Begley has released many albums throughout her career. Here are some of them:
- 1972 - Truck Driving Woman
- 1973 - The Two of Us (with Ray Lynam)
- 1974 - Meet the Queen of Country Music
- 1975 - Blanket on the Ground
- 1976 - Irish Country Queen
- 1977 - Truckin' Queen
- 1978 - Nashville Country
- 1979 - Fireside Country
- 1984 - You're in My Heart
- 1985 - Simply Divine (with Ray Lynam)
- 1988 - Silver Anniversary Album
- 2002 - My Elusive Dreams (with Ray Lynam)
- 2004 - Once Around the Dancefloor
- 2009 - The Way Old Friends Do
- 2013 - How I Love Them Old Songs
- 2018 - From Then Till Now
- 2022 - The Diamond Collection
