Brian Kennedy

The Irish born singer/song writer has come a long way from harmonising with police sirens back home in Belfast during the Troubles. “When I was a boy I lived on Falls Road – everyday was a struggle but finding music helped me through,” Kennedy says in his rich Northern accent.
By the age of 18, Kennedy found himself on the streets of London. By day, he would busk to buy food and by night he would crash at illegal squats. Many people would have given up and gone home, got a real job and a mortgage – but not Kennedy. His dreams of making a living as a musician were too strong to ignore. That inner strength would see him succeed in other endeavours later in life.
Kennedy’s undeniable talent and hard work paid off in the late ’80s when he caught the eye of a young, up-and-coming talent manager Simon Fuller (who would go on to manage The Spice Girls, Amy Winehouse, The Beckhams, Jennifer Lopez and a slew of others). Soon Kennedy would be playing to sold-out venues across the UK. “Just incredible stuff for a little fella from Belfast, I’m telling ya!” Kennedy laughs. “It’s wonderful!”
With his career on an upward trajectory, Kennedy was invited to a rehearsal by Belfast legend Van “The Man” Morrison, which resulted in him earning a guest spot on the album that Morrison was working on at the time – the now revered classic Blues and Soul Revue. “Van and I are still firm friends – we toured together for years and I owe him a lot.”
In a career that spans almost three decades, Kennedy has rubbed shoulders and shared the stage with superstars of different generations and genres – Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker, Boy George and Jeff Buckley, just to name a few. “I met Jeff just before he made his first record in the early ’90s when he lived in the East Village. I wanted to see him play because I was aware of his dad Tim Buckley’s work. He was really friendly, very chatty – he had a lovely girlfriend at the time,” Kennedy adds.
“We had a little sing around the piano that night. I knew there was something special there – and then it was so sad of course when he left us way too early. I feel really honoured to say that I actually sat and sang with that fella around the piano – it doesn’t get much better than that.
“I do a little name-dropping during my shows because I love telling stories about the people I’ve met and sang with. Like the time I was invited to a launch party for Stevie Wonder at Ronny Scott’s in London. Of course he ended the night by playing music and called a bunch of us up to join him. I sang ‘You Are The Sunshine of My Life’ with him – just incredible.
“But Joni Mitchell is my absolute favourite!” Kennedy admits. Last year he released A Love Letter To Joni, a cover album full of his favourite Mitchell classics. “I’m very proud of this record. It’s a tribute to her – she wrote such beautiful love songs. I can’t wait to come back to Australia and sing them live for you all.”
Kennedy will be appearing at the National Celtic Festival in the exquisite seaside town of Portarlington next month. His show is not to be missed – you’ll be thoroughly entertained. These days the charismatic crooner is also a best-selling novelist – proof he can spin a yarn or two.
When & Where: Portarlington – June 5-8
Written by Natalie Rogers