Kilkenny fans are in for a treat as best-selling singer Frances Black is coming to perform at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel on Saturday June 27.
Frances was born in Dublin, and her parents Patty and Kevin were both very musical. Although she was a shy child, she began singing with her older siblings, Shay, Michael, Mary, and Martin, known as The Black Family, when she was 17.
Having gained confidence in her singing abilities, she enhanced her performing skills through joining the band Arcady in 1988. She featured on their album, After the Ball, in 1991. Frances subsequently embarked on a successful collaboration with acclaimed singer-songwriter, Kieran Goss, with whom she released the album, Frances Black and Kieran Goss.
In 1992, Frances really took the music scene by storm, when the lovely “Wall of Tears,” which she had recorded with Kieran, and the rousing “After the Ball,” which she had recorded with Arcady, were placed on the album, A Woman’s Heart.
Frances was signed to DARA Records, and the release of her first solo album, Talk to Me, was the number 1 best-selling album in Ireland for 10 weeks. She sings with a conviction and depth of emotion that reflects the inner strength and spirit that has helped her come through the challenges of her own life.
The extent of Frances’ popularity and talent has been reflected in the awards and accolades that she has received for her albums and live performances. She has twice been the recipient of one of the highest honours in Irish music, the prestigious Irish Recorded Music Association’s Best Irish Female Award, and was also delighted to receive a National Entertainment ”Personality of the Year” award, as it has always been vitally important to her to connect with her audiences during a performance.
In addition, the excellence of her live performances saw her receiving the “Best Solo Artist” and “Overall Winner” accolades at the Celtic Fusion Festival Awards, in conjunction with Irish Music Magazine, from over 40 nominated acts.
Frances Black will be performing at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel on Saturday June 27 and tickets are available from 057 772 3900.
