Brendan O'Dowda

Brendan O'Dowda (October 1, 1925 – February 22, 2002) was an Irish tenor who popularised the songs of Percy French.

O'Dowda was born in Dundalk, County Louth and was educated at the De la Salle Brothers' school in the town. His early promise as a singer brought him to the attention of Dr. Vincent O'Brien, who had taught John McCormack. Under O'Brien's tutelage, O'Dowda developed a fine tenor voice and began to perform at charity events throughout the country."The Irish Times", "Gifted Irish tenor linked with Percy French", March 2, 2002]

Although offered a career in opera, O'Dowda was drawn to popular music and, in the early 1950s, he moved to England in order to advance his prospects. There, he formed "The Four Ramblers" musical group with Val Doonican. Subsequently he enjoyed solo success on BBC Radio, guesting on programmes such as "Just A Song At Twilight" and "Music for You".

O'Dowda's first album, "Emerald and Tartan", included two songs by Percy French. Such was its success that he followed it in 1958 with "The Immortal Percy French", an album devoted entirely to the work of the Irish songwriter.

From then on, O'Dowda became closely identified with French's songs. He created a one-man show around the life and work of Percy French. In 1981, his biography of the composer, "The World of Percy French", was published.

O'Dowda enjoyed considerable international recognition. He toured the USA, appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show. He performed a duet with Ruby Murray on the soundtrack of the 1959 film, "Darby O'Gill and the Little People".

O'Dowda was married to Alice Boyle with whom he had seven children. He died in hospital near his home in Southhampton, England at the age of 76, and is buried in Esker Cemetery, Lucan, County Dublin. ["The Argus", "Talented athlete and footballer", March 2, 2002]

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