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Daniel O'Donnell | |
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![]() O'Donnell in concert in 2009 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Daniel Francis Noel O'Donnell |
Also known as | "Wee Daniel"[1] |
Born | Kincasslagh, County Donegal, Ireland | 12 December 1961
Genres | Country, easy listening, folk |
Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
Instrument | Vocals |
Years active | 1980–present |
Website | www |
Daniel Francis Noel O'Donnell, MBE (born 12 December 1961)[2] is an Irish singer, television presenter and philanthropist.[3] After rising to public attention in 1983, he has since become a household name in Ireland and Britain; he has also had considerable success in Australia.[4] In 2012, he became the first artist to have a different album in the British charts every year for 25 consecutive years.[5] This record has been extended and as of 2021, O'Donnell has had an album in the Official Albums Chart each year for the last 33 years.[6]
Known for his close relationship with his fanbase, and his charismatic[7] and engaging stage presence,[7] O'Donnell's music has been described as a mix of country and Irish folk, and he has sold over ten million records to date.[8][9] He is widely considered a "cultural icon" in Ireland, and is often parodied in the media.[10] Affectionately known as "Wee Daniel",[1][11] O'Donnell is a prominent ambassador for his home county of Donegal.[12][13][14][15]
Donegal's greatest ambassador Daniel O'Donnell made a special trip home for the event and played a number of songs for the fans.
If the sea cliffs of Bunglass, just a few solid belts of an O'Neills size five away from where McHugh grew up in Kilcar, were transformed into the county's Mount Rushmore, Daniel's image would surely take pride of place.