Paul Brady

Paul Brady's musical beginnings resemble the setting for the Roddy Doyle novel (and movie) The Commitments. He cut his teeth on Dublin R&B bands, playing rhythm guitar and keyboards, and singing Ray Charles, James Brown, Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf.

But he then became caught up in the first wave of Irish folk bands riding the interest in traditional Irish music. He played with The Johnstons, and recorded seven albums as a member before joining Planxty, and then teaming up with Andy Irvine.

His final efforts in a strictly traditional vein produced the solo album Welcome Here Kind Stranger to close out the '70s.

After that, Brady drew on some of his earlier influences to produce Hard Station in 1981, which is now accepted as a classic of Irish rock. His subsequent four albums all topped the Irish charts, and contributed to his recognition as a songwriter by major international artists. His songs have been performed by everyone from Bonnie Raitt and Tina Turner to Santana and David Crosby.