Daniel O'Donnell

Daniel O'Donnell
O'Donnell in concert in 2009
O'Donnell in concert in 2009
Background information
Birth nameDaniel Francis Noel O'Donnell
Also known as"Wee Daniel"[1]
Born (1961-12-12) 12 December 1961 (age 62)
Kincasslagh, County Donegal, Ireland
GenresCountry, easy listening, folk
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
InstrumentVocals
Years active1980–present
Websitewww.danielodonnell.org

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 making him one of the most successful recording artists of all time.[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]

  1. ^ a b "Donegal County.com & Dún na nGall.com – Daniel O'Donnell". Dun-na-ngall.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2011. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  2. ^ "About Daniel". Daniel O'donnell Official Website. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
  3. ^ "O'Donnell made honorary MBE". BBC News. 31 December 2001.
  4. ^ "Daniel O'Donnell lights the way for Aussie fans". Belfast Telegraph. 6 September 2010. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  5. ^ "Daniel O'Donnell secures unique UK charts record". Highland Radio. 7 November 2012. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  6. ^ "Daniel O'Donnell extends UK chart record as new album 60 becomes his 41st Top 40". Official Charts. 23 October 2021. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  7. ^ a b "Archives". Archives. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  8. ^ "Daniel O'Donnell Tickets Available". Worldticketshop.com. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  9. ^ "Daniel O'Donnell | Gratis". Myspace.com. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  10. ^ "The Secret World of the Irish Male – New Island". Newisland.ie. Archived from the original on 30 May 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  11. ^ "Bland wee Daniel is No 1 at winding up top celebrities – National News". Independent.ie. 31 December 2006. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  12. ^ "Jim McGuinness and Daniel O'Donnell singalong". Irish Independent. Independent News & Media. 25 September 2012. Archived from the original on 8 January 2013. Retrieved 25 September 2012. Donegal's greatest ambassador Daniel O'Donnell made a special trip home for the event and played a number of songs for the fans.
  13. ^ "Corporate Website | – About Tourism Ireland Marketing Programmes". Tourism Ireland. 4 April 2011. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  14. ^ "Daniel Helping To Boost Donegal Tourism". Donegal Daily. 29 March 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  15. ^ Keys, Colm (28 August 2012). "Donegal stand united in rise from the ashes: McGuinness evolution based around brains as well as brawn". Irish Independent. Independent News & Media. Retrieved 28 August 2012. 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.