Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan
Early Life
Paul Harrington was born in Dublin, Ireland, on May 15, 1960. He developed an interest in music at a young age, learning to play the piano and guitar. He attended Trinity College in Dublin, where he studied music and drama.
Charlie McGettigan was born on December 7, 1950, in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland. He grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar at a young age. He moved to Dublin in the 1970s to pursue a career in music.
Career
Harrington and McGettigan first met in the early 1980s on the Dublin music scene. They began performing together, quickly gaining a reputation for their harmonious vocals and skilled musicianship. They released their first album, "Live at the Gaiety", in 1985. The album was a success, leading to numerous performances across Ireland and the UK.
In 1994, Harrington and McGettigan represented Ireland in the Eurovision with the song "Rock 'n' Roll Kids". The song, written by Brendan Graham, was a departure from the typical Eurovision fare, featuring a simple melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song won the contest, marking Ireland's third consecutive win and sixth overall.
Following their Eurovision win, Harrington and McGettigan continued to perform together, releasing several more albums. They also pursued solo careers, with Harrington releasing a number of successful solo albums and McGettigan becoming a popular radio presenter.
Legacy
Harrington and McGettigan's victory at Eurovision is considered a landmark moment in Irish music history. Their song "Rock 'n' Roll Kids" is still beloved in Ireland and is often played on radio and at music festivals. The duo's influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary Irish musicians, who cite their harmonious vocals and emotive songwriting as inspiration.
Discography
- Live at the Gaiety (1985)
- Rock 'n' Roll Kids (1994)
- Two of a Kind (1996)
- The Gift (1998)
- Songs from the Heart (2001)