1. Maura O'Connell was born on 16 September 1958 and is an Irish singer.
11 Facts About Maura O'Connell
1. 2.
Maura O'Connell is known for her contemporary interpretations of Irish folk songs, strongly influenced by American country music.
3.
Maura O'Connell grew up listening to her mother's light opera, opera, and parlour song records.
4.
Maura O'Connell attended St Joseph's Secondary School in Spanish Point from 1971 to 1974, where she took part in the school choir.
5.
Maura O'Connell was part of the "Cul Aodha Choir", led by Peadar O Riada, that sang at the funeral of Willie Clancy in 1973.
6.
Maura O'Connell began her professional musical journey during a six-week tour of the US in 1980, as vocalist for the traditionally-based Celtic group De Dannan.
7.
Maura O'Connell recorded her first solo album in 1983 it didn't make any impact in Ireland or in the United States.
8.
Maura O'Connell received a Grammy nomination for her 1989 album, Helpless Heart, which was her first record released under Warner Bros.
9.
In 2009, Maura O'Connell released her first a cappella album, Naked With Friends.
10.
In 2013 Maura O'Connell announced the end of her solo career.
11.
Maura O'Connell has sung background vocals for a number of artists, including Van Morrison's 1988 project with the Chieftains, Irish Heartbeat and Stockton's Wing on Take A Chance.