Clannad Lead Singer Moya Brennan Dies Aged 73
Moya Brennan, the acclaimed lead singer and harpist of the Irish folk group Clannad, has died at the age of 73. Known as the 'first lady of Celtic music,' Brennan passed away peacefully in her native County Donegal, surrounded by loved ones. In her later years, she had been battling pulmonary fibrosis and considering a double lung transplant. Born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin in Dublin in 1952, Brennan was instrumental in popularizing Irish language lyrics and contemporary Celtic music globally. Clannad, formed in 1970 with her siblings and uncles, achieved international fame with hits like 'Theme from Harry’s Game' and soundtracks for major films such as Titanic. Brennan also pursued a successful solo career, releasing albums until 2024, and collaborated with artists like Bono. Her life included personal struggles with addiction and health, which she openly discussed, before finding stability and faith. She is credited alongside her sister Enya for making their family Ireland’s most commercially successful musical dynasty. Her death marks the end of an era for Celtic music, leaving behind a legacy of cultural preservation and artistic innovation.
Wire timeline
Clannad Lead Singer Moya Brennan Dies Aged 73
Moya Brennan, the acclaimed lead singer and harpist of the Irish folk group Clannad, has died at the age of 73. Known as the 'first lady of Celtic music,' Brennan passed away peacefully in her native County Donegal, surrounded by loved ones. In her later years, she had been battling pulmonary fibrosis and considering a double lung transplant. Born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin in Dublin in 1952, Brennan was instrumental in popularizing Irish language lyrics and contemporary Celtic music globally. Clannad, formed in 1970 with her siblings and uncles, achieved international fame with hits like 'Theme from Harry’s Game' and soundtracks for major films such as Titanic. Brennan also pursued a successful solo career, releasing albums until 2024, and collaborated with artists like Bono. Her life included personal struggles with addiction and health, which she openly discussed, before finding stability and faith. She is credited alongside her sister Enya for making their family Ireland’s most commercially successful musical dynasty. Her death marks the end of an era for Celtic music, leaving behind a legacy of cultural preservation and artistic innovation.
The Guardian