Billie Barry

Billie Barry (d. 30 September 2014) was an Irish singer, dancer and choreographer who founded the Billie Barry Stage School in 1964.

Billie Barry was born in Dublin, Ireland. Her father John Clarke-Barry was a respected musician who took part in many orchestras. Her mother was an amateur operatic singer. Barry started performing as a singer at the age of five. She later joined the Barry Sisters singing group, which toured Ireland and the UK.

She started the stage school after her husband Paddy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Paddy died the following year.

Billie Barry became a household name in Ireland due to the success the school enjoyed. Notable pupils included Angeline Ball, Susan McFadden, Brian McFadden, Mikey Graham (of Boyzone), Samantha Mumba, Hilda Fay, Louise Bowden, Brenda Donoghue, Lisa Lambe, Ruth-Anne Cunningham and Jacinta Whyte.

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