Brian, one of Ireland’s most loved and successful ambassadors of music is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Meteor Ireland Music Awards, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Irish Music Industry over the past 20 years. The awards which take place Friday 19th February at the RDS will feature a special performance by Brian accompanied by the Dublin Gospel Choir. Brian is the artist who has it all, blessed with a multitude of talents: singer, songwriter, guitarist, born communicator, seen and heard on countless TV and radio shows from both sides of the mic; Ireland’s ambassador on more than one global music stage; recognized author of a couple of best-selling novels and numerous short stories. It has been quite a journey since the young aspiring musician from Belfast penned what is regarded as his signature tune ‘Captured’ back in 1990. Each year along the way has been an exciting and progressive step for the artist from representing Ireland in the Eurovision in 2006, his inspiring and powerful performance at the state funeral in Stormont of George Best, to performing at events in honour of President Bill Clinton, an enthusiastic admirer of Brian’s work As an upcoming artist he was invited to join Van Morrison’s renowned Blues and Soul World Tour for a period of 6 years which gave him the opportunity to perform with some of the world’s legends in the music industry including Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker among others - a list that is testament to Brian’s true talent as an artist. He also backed Van on several albums including ‘Days Like This’ and ‘Back On Top’. Brian has made a creditable impression as a singer having performed the original version of the hit ‘You Raise Me Up’ which has now been recorded by more than a hundred other artists such as Josh Groban and Westlife. Through the past 20 years Kennedy has charmed audiences across the globe with such classics as Captured, A Better Man, Put The Message In The Box, Life Love & Happiness, These Days, Get On With Your Short Life among many more.
The critically acclaimed artist has released 10 albums including his latest ‘Interpretations’ which includes versions of 13 of the most popular chart toppers of the past 30 years. He will embark on an Australian, New Zealand, UK and Irish Tour later this year along with launching his autobiography in October.
Previous recipients of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award include Christy Moore, Paul Brady, Bob Geldof, The Dubliners, Aslan, The Pogues, Clannad, The Saw Doctors and Sharon Shannon.