Kieran Goss

Kieran Goss ranks among Ireland’s most romantic singer/songwriters, crafting melodies shaped by American pop-folk voices such as James Taylor and Paul Simon alongside Irish figures like Christy Moore. His poetic lyricism consistently targets the heart. Earlier in his career he served as sideman to Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, Christy Moore, Clannad, and both Mary Black and Frances Black, later earning praise for three compelling solo albums. Born the tenth of fifteen children, he took up guitar and piano at nine. His first public performance occurred during a summer visit to the United States in the early eighties. While enrolled in law studies at Queen’s University Belfast he sang cover material in neighborhood pubs. Though he earned qualification as a barrister in 1985, music exerted the stronger pull. Launching a full-time performing life, he supported an array of artists until a festival encounter with the Black family led to an invitation to tour with Frances. The pair worked together for four years and issued the 1992 duo recording Frances Black and Kieran Goss. He also provided instrumental support for Mary Black, who cut two of his compositions, “Brand New Star” and “Love Is Just ’Round the Corner.” His own debut, Brand New Star, appeared in 1988, followed by New Day in 1994 and Worse than Pride in 1998.