About
Biography
Brian Edward Patrick Kennedy, born on October 12, 1966, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a celebrated Irish singer-songwriter and author. Growing up on the Falls Road during the height of The Troubles, Kennedy found solace in music, often harmonizing with the sounds of sirens. He began his musical career in the late 1980s, gaining prominence as a backing vocalist for Van Morrison. His solo career took off in the 1990s with hits like “A Better Man” and “Life, Love and Happiness,” establishing him as a significant figure in the Irish music scene.​
In 2006, Kennedy represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Athens with his self-composed song “Every Song Is a Cry for Love,” finishing in 10th place. This performance marked the 1000th song in Eurovision history. That same year, he released the album “Homebird,” further solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist.​
Beyond his music career, Kennedy has ventured into writing, publishing two novels: “The Arrival of Fergal Flynn” in 2004 and “Roman Song” in 2005. He also served as a coach on the first series of “The Voice of Ireland” in 2012, mentoring the runner-up, Richie Hayes.
In 2016, Kennedy faced a personal challenge when he was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Demonstrating resilience, he continued to perform and record music during his treatment. In 2019, he released “The Essential Collection,” a 32-track double CD featuring new recordings, including a duet with Boy George titled “Christopher Street.” Kennedy has also been recognized for his contributions to music and literature, receiving an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Ulster and the 2010 Ireland Meteor Lifetime Achievement Award for Music.​
In recent years, Kennedy has remained active in the music industry, performing at various events and engaging with his audience through social media and live performances.
