Daniel O'Donnell (Irish singer)
| Daniel O'Donnell | |
|---|---|
O'Donnell in concert
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Daniel Francis Noel O'Donnell |
| Also known as | "Wee Daniel" |
| Born |
12 December 1961 Kincasslagh, County Donegal, Ireland |
| Genres | Country, easy listening |
| Occupation(s) | Singer–songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Associated acts | Majella O'Donnell, Margo, Mary Duff |
| Website | www |
Daniel Francis Noel O'Donnell (born 12 December 1961) is an Irish singer, television presenter and philanthropist. After rising to public attention in 1983 he has since become a household name in Ireland and Britain; he has also had considerable success in the US and Australia. In 2012, he became the first artist to have a different album in the British charts every year for 25 consecutive years.
Known for his close relationship with his fanbase, and his charismatic and engaging stage presence, O'Donnell's music has been described as a mix of country and Irish folk, and he has sold over ten million records to date. He is widely considered a "cultural icon" in Ireland, and is often parodied in the media. Affectionately known as "Wee Daniel", O'Donnell is a prominent ambassador for his home county of Donegal.
O'Donnell was born in and brought up in the village of Kincasslagh, in The Rosses district in the west of County Donegal in Ulster. He grew up as the youngest of a Roman Catholic family, with his parents, Julia (née McGonagle born 1919; died 18 May 2014) and Francis O'Donnell, and siblings John (the eldest), Margaret (Margo), Kathleen and James. He has described his upbringing as mostly happy, with the exception of the death of his father after a heart attack when O'Donnell was six years old.
During his school years, O'Donnell considered pursuing a career in banking. Despite this, a career in music was also always a possibility. As a youngster O'Donnell performed in the local religious choir. In 1980, he went to Galway to pursue business studies, however, he never settled down and by Christmas he was in his sister Margo's band. Margo had already forged a successful career in Ireland.
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