Gilbert O'Sullivan is a pop singer/songwriter known for his distinctive style, which combines lush melodies with clever lyrics. Raymond Edward O'Sullivan was born in Waterford and his family moved to England when he was seven. He moved to London in 1967 to pursue a career in music. It was then he adopted his stage name Gilbert. His first hit was with "Nothing Rhymed" in 1970. He continued to gain international fame with hits like "Alone Again (Naturally)" and "Clair," showcasing a blend of soft sounds and darker themes. His success peaked with his debut album Himself in 1971, leading to multiple chart-topping singles.
However, O'Sullivan's career faced challenges in the late '70s due to legal battles with his record label, which affected his output and popularity. Notably, he successfully sued rapper Biz Markie for sampling his work, a case that significantly impacted music sampling laws.
Despite a decline in mainstream success, O'Sullivan maintained a dedicated cult following, particularly in Japan, and continued to release albums throughout the '80s and '90s. His 2018 self-titled album marked a return to the UK charts after a long hiatus, followed by Driven in 2022, further solidifying his enduring appeal.