Born in Sligo into a family of travelling entertainers, Sandy Kelly has become one of the top musical performers in Ireland.
Sandy was co-opted into the family variety show from an early age. As a teenager she sang on the social club circuit in the UK, playing an ever more prominent role. When she returned to Ireland, she developed initially as a pop performer before following her instincts and concentrating on a music career.
Her landmark 1989 recording of the Patsy Cline hit ‘Crazy’ led her to perform on stages all over the world, including the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and the lead role in Patsy – The Musical in London’s West End.
But the music industry can be a tough place. Sandy has dealt with prejudice and financial pressures. Alongside the glamour of show business, she has experienced the heartaches of divorce, family illness and death, and faced the challenges of raising a daughter with special needs.
Sandy has stood strong at the heart of Ireland’s music scene for over four decades. Here, for the first time, she recounts the highs – and lows – of a lifetime in music, in her own words.
Foreword by Shay Hennessy 7
Introduction 13
1. The Showman’s Daughter 16
2. My Magical Childhood on the Show 30
3. Dusky Dan & Maggie Brennan 43
4. Goodbye to the Show 52
5. Life in Ballintogher 60
6. My Sister Barbara – The Early Years 69
7. Wales 76
8. The Fairways & Mike Kelly 91
9. Something’s Lost, but Something’s Gained 109
10. My Daughter Barbara – Sometimes Miracles Hide 118
11. Gone Country 134
12. The Power of a Prayer 152
13. ‘Woodcarver’ 162
14. My Journey with Johnny & June 172
15. Sandy – the TV Series 187
16. Branson – Cash Country 196
17. Patsy 217
18. My Sister Barbara – the Later Years 238
19. Leaving it all Behind 253
Acknowledgments 265
Index 265
