21 Facts About Frances Black

Frances Black came to prominence in the late 1980s when she began to play with her family's traditional and contemporary Irish music band, The Black Family.

Frances Black was born in Charlemont Street, Dublin in 1960 into a musical family.

Frances Black was educated at St Louis High School, Rathmines.

Frances Black's father Kevin was a keen fiddle player and mandolinist, a plasterer by trade and a native of Rathlin Island, County Antrim.

Frances Black is the youngest of five children, having three brothers Shay, Michael and Martin, and one sister, Mary Black, who is a well-known singer.

Frances Black gained confidence in her singing abilities and enhanced her performing skills by joining the band Arcady in 1988.

Frances Black last toured the US with Arcady in August 1992.

Frances Black received rave reviews while on tour in Australia and New Zealand in March 1993 with 20 other Irish artists, in a Guinness celebration of Irish music.

Frances Black released her first solo album in 1994, Talk to Me.

Frances Black released her second solo album, The Sky Road, in 1995.

Frances Black was the recipient of the 'Best Album by a Female' award, by the IRMA.

Frances Black established a charity called the Rise Foundation in 2009 which supports family members who have a loved one with an alcohol, drug or gambling problem.

Frances Black was elected to Seanad Eireann in 2016 in her first political campaign as an independent candidate.

Frances Black received her nomination from the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and ran on the Industrial and Commercial Panel.

Frances Black was a member of the Civil Engagement group in the 25th Seanad.

In January 2018 Frances Black proposed the Occupied Territories Bill, a private member's bill which she described as seeking "to prohibit the import and sales of goods, services and natural resources originating in illegal settlements in occupied territories".

In 2018, Frances Black visited the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Frances Black was re-elected at the 2020 Seanad election, and at the 2025 Seanad election.

In March 2025, Frances Black was named among the bookies' favourites as a possible candidate in the 2025 presidential election.

Frances Black had her first child, Eoghan, when she was 19, and her second child Aoife, when she was 21.

Frances Black's son, Eoghan Scott, is a well-known musician, songwriter and producer in the Irish music scene and holds a degree and doctorate in psychology from DCU.