Brendan O'Dowda

Who was Brendan O'Dowda?

Brendan O'Dowda 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 coached John McCormack. Under O'Brien's tutelage, O'Dowda developed a fine tenor voice and began to perform at charity events throughout the country.

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.