Keith Harkin is a singer and songwriter. He became famous when he joined Irish music group, Celtic Thunder. After nearly ten years with the group, Harkin decided to take some time off and tour on his own. He is now married to his wife Kelsey. and the couple resides in Los Angeles, California. On May 10, 2019, Harkin announced the birth of the couple’s son via Instagram.
Musical career
In 2005, Harkin travelled to London and recorded with a producer, and played in various venues and festivals throughout England, including the Tavistock Festival on Portobello Road. In 2006, Harkin was picked to play the lead role in Dha Theanga, an Irish program on BBC. He also rewrote and arranged all of the music. Harkin was invited to support John Martyn and David Kitt on their Irish tours. BBC Radio Ulster has referred to Harkin as the "Irish Jack Johnson". Harkin was part of Celtic Thunder, performing in the United States, Canada and Australia. Celtic Thunder has had two #1 selling DVDs and three #1 selling albums on the World Billboard charts. Harkin began working with Celtic thunder in 2007. He plays the guitar and piano and wrote "Lauren and I" for Celtic Thunder. Harkin has now recorded more original songs apart from Celtic Thunder; some titles include: "How I Wish", "Daisy Fields", "Vanity", "September Sessions", and "All Day Long". Harkin's self-titled solo album was released in Canada on 4 September 2012 and in the United States on 18 September 2012. Harkin's first solo album was released with Verve Records who the Grammy Award winning producer David Foster signed him to. Long-awaited by fans, the album reached #8 spot in Amazon.com's Pop Music Charts and #1 spot in Amazon.com's International charts two months before the release date. On the album, is a heartwarming duet with the two-time Grammy Award winner, Colbie Caillat. They cover Van Morrison's "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" as the third track on the album. Harkin's second solo album was released in October 2015. The songs on Harkin's second solo album On Mercy Street were written by Harkin and he completely funded the album, the album reached number one on World music Billboard charts. Collaborations with Gavin Goldberg and Andy Wright guided Harkin to make it his own style. Harkin recorded all the songs on the album live and in only one take. Harkin released a solo Christmas album titled Nollaig in 2016 which also reached number one on World music Billboard charts. It was recorded at his home studio with the help of Brian Byrne who produced the album. The album has a mix of original and traditional songs and he is accompanied by the Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra for several songs. Harkin is sponsored by McPherson Guitars.
Discography
Celtic Thunder
Celtic Thunder
"The Mountains of Mourne"
"The Island"
"Lauren & I"
Group numbers: "Heartland", "Steal Away", "Ireland's Call"
Act II
"I Wanna Know What Love Is"
"Castles In The Air"
Group numbers: "Raggle Taggle Gypsy", "Mull of Kintyre", "Danny Boy", "Caledonia", "Heartland", "Christmas 1915"
Take Me Home
"The Homes of Donegal"
"Wichita Lineman"
Group numbers: "Steal Away", "The Green Fields of France", "Take Me Home"
