Michael Valentine Doonican was born on February 3rd 1927 in Waterford, Republic of Ireland, the youngest of eight children. He started performing in his hometown, was featured on Irish radio, and appeared in Waterford's first-ever television broadcast. In 1951, he moved to England to join Irish music quartet 'The Four Ramblers' to tour, and they also performed on 'BBC Radio'. The group supported the late Anthony Newley on tour, and it was he who persuaded Doonican to launch a solo career.
In 1963, he was booked to appear on TV variety show "Sunday Night at the London Palladium", which then led to him being offered his own show on BBC television (it ran for over 20 years). His Aran jumpers became his trademark during that time, along with the rocking chair from which he often performed. His show launched numerous artists' careers, including that of comedian Dave Allen. The "Palladium" performance also marked the start of his recording career.
Doonican had five successive Top 10 albums in the UK album chart in the 1960s and, between 1964 and 1973, he was rarely out of the UK singles chart either. His hits included "Walk Tall", "The Special Years", "What Would I Be", "If The Whole World Stopped Loving", "Morning" and "Elusive Butterfly" (featured in this Jam). He also sang the theme song of the film "Ring of Bright Water", and in 1970 was the subject of "This is Your Life" on BBC1.
Doonican stopped performing in 2009 after over 60 years in showbusiness. He was a keen golfer and also a talented watercolour painter, and he concentrated on these, plus quality time with his family. In June 2011, he was officially recognised by the Mayor of Waterford, and had "The Freedom of the City" of his home town bestowed on him.
7 Comments (since 6 Jul 2015)
rest_in_peace
Michael Valentine Doonican was born on February 3rd 1927 in Waterford, Republic of Ireland, the youngest of eight children. He started performing in his hometown, was featured on Irish radio, and appeared in Waterford's first-ever television broadcast. In 1951, he moved to England to join Irish music quartet 'The Four Ramblers' to tour, and they also performed on 'BBC Radio'. The group supported the late Anthony Newley on tour, and it was he who persuaded Doonican to launch a solo career.
rest_in_peace
In 1963, he was booked to appear on TV variety show "Sunday Night at the London Palladium", which then led to him being offered his own show on BBC television (it ran for over 20 years). His Aran jumpers became his trademark during that time, along with the rocking chair from which he often performed. His show launched numerous artists' careers, including that of comedian Dave Allen. The "Palladium" performance also marked the start of his recording career.
rest_in_peace
Doonican had five successive Top 10 albums in the UK album chart in the 1960s and, between 1964 and 1973, he was rarely out of the UK singles chart either. His hits included "Walk Tall", "The Special Years", "What Would I Be", "If The Whole World Stopped Loving", "Morning" and "Elusive Butterfly" (featured in this Jam). He also sang the theme song of the film "Ring of Bright Water", and in 1970 was the subject of "This is Your Life" on BBC1.
rest_in_peace
Doonican stopped performing in 2009 after over 60 years in showbusiness. He was a keen golfer and also a talented watercolour painter, and he concentrated on these, plus quality time with his family. In June 2011, he was officially recognised by the Mayor of Waterford, and had "The Freedom of the City" of his home town bestowed on him.
rest_in_peace
Val Doonican died at a nursing home in Buckinghamshire on July 1st 2015, aged 88. He is survived by his wife Lynn, and two daughters. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33363938
lynn200
he deserves a good send off,gave so much pleasure to so many..RIP& thank you.
rest_in_peace
No problems, Lynn. :/