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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZO'DONNELL, Daniel(b 12 Dec. '61, Kincasslagh, Co. Donegal, Ireland) Easy-listening country balladeer, a sort of modern Val Doonican, youngest brother of country-pop singer Margo. After studying commerce at Galway College he joined Margo's band as rhythm guitarist although he couldn't play a note, set out on solo career '83; "My Donegal Shore' '84 gained airplay, got him signed to Ritz Records '85. Two Sides Of Daniel O'Donnell '85 had one side Irish and one of country songs in his characterless crooning style; second album I Need You '87 made British country charts and outsold major American country acts; Don't Forget To Remember '87 entered UK country chart at no.1. He appeared at major festivals and sold out smaller venues; Daniel O'Donnell - Live In Concert '88 video made top 20 video chart; From The Heart '88 was licensed to Telstar, advertised on TV and named Country Album Of The Year by Music Week; Irish TV special Country Comes Home was a huge success with guests The Judds and Charley Pride dwarfing O'Donnell's weak and ineffective vocals, landing him his own TV series. The Last Waltz '89 in Nashville with producer Allen Reynolds was the best O'Donnell album, but still innocuous, Reynolds declined to prod. more. He made UK pop charts with singles '92; autobiography Follow Your Dream shows what a very ordinary life he has led. He's done TV and live shows in USA, Australia and New Zealand, finding fans in local Irish communites. Many do not consider his music as country, yet he picks up UK country awards and is described as the UK's leading country act. Albums incl. Thoughts Of Home '89 on Telstar; Favourites '90, Follow Your Dream '92, A Date With Daniel O'Donnell '93, Especially For You '94 all on Ritz. |