Biography
Born on 27 November 1943 in Killarney, County Kerry, Eire, Noel Murphy performs as a singer, guitarist and raconteur. His first trip to London occurred in 1962, after which he chose to remain. He soon began frequenting the folk clubs that proliferated during the revival, progressing from unpaid floor spots to paid engagements. A residency at the Soho venue Les Cousins followed, leading to appearances at festivals in Norwich, Cambridge and Trowbridge. His debut EP, titled Noel Murphy, appeared on EMI Records in 1965, with later recordings issued by Fontana Records and RCA Records. By this period he had also performed extensively overseas in Saudi Arabia, Bermuda, Kenya and Hungary.
In 1982 a piece of glass in a drink caused throat damage that halted his full-time singing career for five years. During the hiatus he honed his skills as an after-dinner speaker and subsequently became a sought-after storyteller at golf and rugby events. The 1987 single “Murphy And The Bricks,” also known as “Why Paddy’s Not At Work Today,” narrated a humorous excuse offered for absence from a building site. Across more than four decades Murphy has made numerous radio and television appearances, among them contributions to Eric Sykes’ programmes and films. Today he rarely plays folk clubs, preferring to tour his solo production An Evening With Noel Murphy.
In 1982 a piece of glass in a drink caused throat damage that halted his full-time singing career for five years. During the hiatus he honed his skills as an after-dinner speaker and subsequently became a sought-after storyteller at golf and rugby events. The 1987 single “Murphy And The Bricks,” also known as “Why Paddy’s Not At Work Today,” narrated a humorous excuse offered for absence from a building site. Across more than four decades Murphy has made numerous radio and television appearances, among them contributions to Eric Sykes’ programmes and films. Today he rarely plays folk clubs, preferring to tour his solo production An Evening With Noel Murphy.
Albums
