Paul Brady to be officially recognised as music ‘legend’

THE brilliance of Paul Brady is no secret around these parts.

However, what has long been obvious to his legions of loyal – and sometimes fanatic – fans, will soon be officially recognised at the NI Music Awards, which are to be held in the Ulster Hall on Wednesday, November 15.

On that night in Belfast the Strabane man, whose songs have been covered by the likes of Bob Dylan, Cher and the late Tina Turner, will receive the Legend Award.

As well as being brought to the big city to be bestowed with this prestigious award, Paul Brady has been invited – and agreed – to provide the special guest performance following the formal presentation.

Brady, who first made a name for himself playing gigs across the north west, has had an intimate relationship with music since early in his life.

Indeed, long before the world heard of Paul Brady and his music, the Strabane man and his guitar had been intensely involved for many years.

Starting out as a teenager, singing to swaying punters in pubs across Tyrone and Donegal, Brady went onto play with some of the most iconic groups in the history of Irish music, including The Johnstons and Planxty.

Following the breakup of Planxty, Brady and fellow band member Andy Irvine continued to play together, and in 1971 released their eponymous masterpiece, ‘Andy Irvine and Paul Brady’.

This ten-track-record, which alone was enough to immortalise Brady in the realm of Irish folk, catapulted the Strabane man far beyond his perceived horizons, opening up musical possibilities far beyond his craziest dreams.

The former St. Columb’s College pupil is now 76, and his music has been recorded by Tina Turner, Cliff Richard, Cher, Carole King, Art Garfunkel, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, Trisha Yearwood and Phil Collins, and, closer to home, Ronan Keating, Joe Dolan, Dickie Rock, Maura O’Connell, Liam Clancy and Mary Black.

A small number of tickets are still available for those who would like to go along and see one of Ireland’s best be inducted into the hallowed halls of Irish musical royalty.