Irish country music icon Daniel O’Donnell, known for his dulcet tones and decades of success, has expressed deep gratitude for his remarkable career, which has spanned over 40 years. Despite achieving the status of a cultural icon and reaching commercial success, O’Donnell remains grounded and humble, continuously crediting his loyal fans for his accomplishments.
In a recent interview, O’Donnell, who has enjoyed consistent chart success with an album in the UK top 40 every year since 1991, spoke with sincerity about the fortune of his career. “I feel very grateful that I’ve been allowed to have the career that I have,” he shared. “I’ve done something all my life that I’ve enjoyed so much, and not many people can say that about what they do for work.”
For O’Donnell, it’s not just a job—it’s a passion. “I don’t even call it work, but that’s what I suppose it is to other people,” he said. “So I feel very blessed in that respect, that I got that opportunity, and that’s down to the audience really, and the people who have followed me.”
Affectionately referred to as “Wee Daniel” by his fans, the Donegal-born singer has always maintained that his success is a result of the support he’s received from his audience. “I’ve met people that I’ve known for 35 years,” he mused, referring to the long-term relationships he’s built with his fans over the years. “It’s lovely when you go out on tour that you’re not just going out to see faces, you see them but you don’t know who they are, a lot of the people that I see in the audience, I actually know them from other shows.”
While O’Donnell has had a successful career, his journey almost took a different path. Before diving into the music industry, he briefly studied business and was even a part of his older sister Margo’s band before venturing out on his own. In 1984, he released his first album, The Boy From Donegal, but it was his breakthrough album From The Heart in 1988 that cemented his place in the industry.
Now, with over 50 albums under his belt spanning genres from Irish folk to gospel and country, O’Donnell is preparing for the release of his upcoming album, How Lucky I Must Be. He remains hopeful about its success, acknowledging that while he can’t expect it to last forever, his loyal following will continue to support him. “It would be great if it did [well], but I’ve been very fortunate, I have a great following that every time we release an album, they’re out there,” he said.
O’Donnell is also embracing new ways of connecting with fans, including through his TikTok page, which he launched last year. While he admits that he struggles with social media, he finds joy in reaching younger generations who are discovering his music. “We did shows in Ireland and there were younger people there who said, ‘Oh we’ve seen the TikToks and you should do more, they’re good fun,'” he recalled, admitting he hasn’t yet fully embraced social media but recognizing its potential.
Reflecting on his career and the people he’s worked with, O’Donnell fondly remembers his collaboration with the late Sinead O’Connor, particularly their time together during an Irish charity event. “We were an unlikely pairing that really clicked very well on the night,” he said. “She was lovely, she was a beautiful soul.”
O’Donnell also expressed sympathy for O’Connor’s family following her tragic death, stating, “Such a sad, sad loss to the world of music but it’s her family that will miss her the most.”
As he looks ahead, O’Donnell continues to be thankful for his journey, sharing a deep sense of gratitude for his career, his fans, and the music that has defined his life. “I feel very blessed,” he said, encapsulating his enduring humility and appreciation for the success he has achieved. With more music on the horizon, O’Donnell’s legacy continues to grow, and his fans are eagerly awaiting his next chapter.