"Brian Kennedy's star is shining brightly indeed and it appears that the label of 'a voice to charm the angels' bestowed on him by many, is well justified."
Music & Lyrics by: Brian Kennedy
A Biography Part One...
If there were such a thing as an award for being multi-gifted, then Brian Kennedy would surely walk away with it. Already a critically acclaimed songwriter and master interpreter of lyrics with an exceptional vocal talent, he has now emerged as an author of considerable worth, producing a series of short stories and two novels within the span of a couple of years - not surprisingly, for a lyricist of his calibre.
Brian Edward Patrick Kennedy was born on 12 October 1966 and raised on the Falls Road, Belfast, one of six children. From his own candid account of those difficult and 'troubled' times, there seemed little contact with music of any kind. Nonetheless, as if to compensate for what he calls the "ugliness" in his environment, he developed an uncanny ability to harmonise with the blaring sound of ambulance and fire engine sirens, discovering, to his own amazement, he had a pitch perfect voice.
The teens were spent in relative obscurity with occasional singing at the local Chapel but, drawn inexplicably towards music, Brian felt compelled to head for London at the age of 18. Life was tough, but the move was a breakthrough and at 23 he signed his first record deal with the 1990 release of his debut album 'The Great War of Words'. 'Captured' and 'Town', singles from that album, are to this day received rapturously at Brian Kennedy concerts around the world, earning a regular place in set lists.
The early 90's proved a major turning point in Brian's musical career.
Spotted during a live performance by Belfast-born, international legend,
Van Morrison, he was immediately invited to join Van's own critically
acclaimed World Tour. The Van Morrison era was to prove a stellar period
in Brian's musical journey. …………………
Around this time, Brian joined Van in the first of several future performances
for President Bill Clinton, a continuing admirer of Brian's work.
A Biography Part Two...
The Millennium brought a new energy and if the 90's had been momentous years for Brian, then the next few were to prove legendary.
Brian has frequently expressed his insatiable desire to explore "othernesses" - to take risks, cross unknown boundaries and face up to new challenges both in his art and life. This became a reality in 2000 with an unpredicted turn in his musical journey - Brian was offered, and accepted, the role of lead singer in the renowned 'Riverdance on Broadway' show.
September 2004 - Brian's long-awaited novel 'The Arrival of Fergal Flynn'
came hot off the press, to jump straight into the Irish Best Book List
at No.3.
Brian had been chosen to perform Ireland's entry for the Eurovision Song
Contest in Athens, Greece in May 2006! In the calm that inevitably follows
an impact of this magnitude, it is fair to say that given Brian's known
skills for beguiling audiences regardless of age, status or nationality,
it doesn't really take the know-how of a veteran gambler to bet the odds
will be in favour of this Belfast lad to win; the other certain bet being
that he won't be standing there alone when his loyal, determined fans
from all over the world join him in spirit, their positive intentions
directed towards him from here-on to the great day.
The old year is ended and it's on with a brand new year. At the start of 2006 Brian Kennedy's star is shining brightly indeed and it appears that the label of 'a voice to charm the angels' bestowed on him by many, is well justified.
How many times can I go over the same old ground. OK, then one more time. Oire"the home of Eurovision"land isn't a nation that fills me with anticipation. Barring last years dogs egg that popped out a pearl of a piss-head, year after year off-key blokes sing ballards which are too dull for words. So what have they come up with this year? I'm finding it difficult to summon up the enthusiasm for this joker. Incredibly, even for a sychophantic Irish entrant, the hubris of his biography is truly staggering.
Rumours abound that Kennedy should be assassinated
Parsley the Lion
Brian liked to escape from the constant fear of going out in 1960's Belfast by immersing himself in the faint-hearted world of Parsley and The Herbs. "Dill, Sage, and the Chives never had the same impact on me as Parsley...he was a timid political creature...and he was very wary of the English Constable Knapweed. I quite liked the green everywhere too" Brian failed to add, before beginning to lilt in that inimitable Oirish manner of his...
I'm a very friendly lion called
Parsley.
I am always very glad to see you wave.
But please don't shout or speak to me too harshly.
Because I'm not particularly brave.
Every Song Is a Cry for Love
Every song is a cry for love
Every voice can arise above
So don't be afraid
Just show what you're made of
Sing it out: every song is a cry for love
Every day is a brand new start
Every night you could fall apart
Anytime you doubt the truth that's in your heart
Sing it out: every song is a cry for love
Being strong, being tough
Never tender, always rough
It was never enough
For me
In the dead of the night
Only love can hold you tight
Sing it out: every song is a cry for love
Every kiss is a call for hope
Every touch means you're not alone
You don't always have to make it on your own
Sing it out: every song is a cry for love
Being strong, being tough
Never tender, always rough
It was never enough
For me
In the dead of the night
Only love can hold you tight
Sing it out: every song is a cry for love
Sing it out: every song is a cry for love
Sing it out: every song is a cry for love
