Brendan Shine

Part of an immensely musical upbringing, Irish born vocalist and accordionist Brendan Shine would go on to become one of the British Isles' most respected and enjoyed performers, releasing a number of hit singles, presenting a handful of television specials, and delighting audiences for more than 30 years. His first forays into the world of music came as part of Kieran Kelly's Ceili Band, and for six years, Shine honed his skills. Eventually, Shine found his way to a double life, spending days as a market farmer and evenings touring the land performing his and other traditional songs. His band, made up of Shine, fellow Kelly's Band member Johnny Dawson on drums, and Shine's brother Owen on keyboards, began to play pubs and smaller clubs, eventually scoring a record deal, and going on to release hit single after hit single. The first — with Noel Carty Productions — "Treat My Daughter Kindly," was successful enough to land Shine the opportunity to record more, and after a string of hit songs, released a compilation of sorts as a first album, entitled The Best of Brendan Shine. Not a difficult feat, mind you. By this point Shine had about 35 hit singles in England and Ireland. Eventually, he rose from pubs and clubs to the big time of theaters, and eventually — in 1982, was hosting his own television special. 1983 saw the one off television show develop into a series, and his Nice and Easy television program lasted twelve well-received episodes. He continued to tour the globe, and release albums, and in 2008 one could find Shine promoting his latest release, Seasons of the Heart, on the road in the Isles.