Failte go dtí ...        Welcome to ...
Paul Brady

County: Tyrone

Decades Active: 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, 2020s

Prolific singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist from Strabane has released a string of albums from the 80s through to the present

About Paul Brady

Paul Brady from Strabane is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and musician known for his ability to blend traditional folk with pop and rock influences. With a career spanning over five decades, he has become one of Ireland's most influential musical figures, celebrated for his poetic songwriting and versatility.

Brady's musical journey began at an early age, learning piano by six and guitar by eleven. He started performing in the 1960s with rhythm and blues bands like Rootzgroup and Rockhouse before joining the folk groups The Johnstons and Planxty in the 1970s.

His solo career kicked off in 1978 with the folk album Welcome Here Kind Stranger, which garnered critical praise. In the 1980s, Brady shifted towards a more commercial rock and pop sound, releasing albums like Hard Station (1981) and True for You (1983), which helped establish his reputation as a skilled songwriter and performer.

His songs, including "Paradise Is Here," attracted international attention, with artists like Tina Turner and Bob Dylan praising his work. Brady's 1991 album Trick or Treat earned a spot on the Billboard 200, further cementing his place in global music.

Brady continued to evolve in the 1990s and 2000s, releasing albums such as Spirits Colliding (1995) and Oh What a World (2000), featuring collaborations with artists like Carole King and Bonnie Raitt. His 2010 album Hooba Dooba and 2017's Unfinished Business showcased his ongoing creative growth. Brady has worked with a wide array of musicians, including Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler, and Sinéad O'Connor.

His influence extends beyond his own work, with many of his songs being covered by artists across genres. In 2017, he reunited with Andy Irvine to tour their classic 1976 album Andy Irvine / Paul Brady, and in 2019, Jimmy Buffett covered his song "The World Is What You Make It."

Throughout his career, Paul Brady has demonstrated a remarkable ability to evolve with changing musical trends while remaining true to his roots, making him a central figure in Irish and international music.

Video


Paul Brady - Mary and the Soldier


Arthur McBride - 1977


The Island

Comments

If you have any comments you would like to add about Paul Brady, please enter them here:
Your Name:
Comment:
Verification Code: verification code
Enter the above verification code here:
 

Would you like to contribute additional information to the Paul Brady page?

We can set you up with access to edit this page if you are involved with this artist or are knowledgable about this artist.

Alternatively, if you just have a small tidbit of info to add or a correction to our content, you can just mention it in the comments above.

to editing the Paul Brady page
Back to list of Irish Rock Artists