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Draft:Francie Conway

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Francie Conway is an Irish singer-songwriter from Kerry, who has had a number of hits, either as a solo artist, or as a songwriter for other artists. In 2024 his significance as an Irish songwriter was celebrated by Irish national broadcaster RTE on an RTE Radio special "It's only Rock N'Roll but sure look".[1]

Initially gaining notice in 1970's Ireland with the band Clutch[2], wider success came when he moved to Holland and then Switzerland.[3] He signed a record deal with RCA after meeting Chris White, famed for his work with The Zombies.[4] This led to a successful career of collaborations and European hit records including 'To the Edge of Time', 'One Night in Amsterdam'.[5][6]

His song 'Striking it Rich' is the title track of Australian star Stevie Wright's final album.[7]

Francie has been songwriting tutor at Dublin's 'Rock School' at Ballyfermot Senior College since he co-founded the Rock School the 1990's.[8]

Through his career Francie has collaborated with many luminaries of the music business including Queen co-producer David Richards at Queen's Mountain Studios in Montreaux, Switzerland.[9] Among other well known artists he has collaborated with are Aslan singer Christy Dignam, folk legend Finbar Furey[10] and The Dubliners' Ronnie Drew.[11]

Francie used to busk in Brussels with former UK Labour Party spin doctor Alistair Campbell.[12]

References

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  1. ^ "Francie Conway". RTE Radio. 2024-07-14. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  2. ^ "Francie Conway | IrishRockers.com". irishrockers.com. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  3. ^ Newsdesk, The Hot Press. "Let's Sing A Song For Europe". Hotpress. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  4. ^ Larabee, Tadhg. "Acclaimed Producer Chris White Releases New Album Featuring Irish Musician Francie Conway". Hotpress. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  5. ^ "'Life was great till I lost it all. I never expected to get it back...'". Irish Independent. 2015-07-16. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  6. ^ Banks, Breffni (2021-10-20). "Francie Conway Releases 'Peace, Love & Rock'n'Roll'". IMRO. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  7. ^ Striking It Rich by Stevie Wright, retrieved 2024-10-12
  8. ^ Brick, Margaret (2017-10-01). "FRANCIE CONWAY talks about Life and the Christy Hennessey Festival Weekend". Connect Publications. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  9. ^ "Acclaimed Irish rock musician, singer, songwriter Francie Conway is joined by David Richards (producer with QUEEN, David Bowie etc...), Vivienne Boucherat and Chris White (from The Zombies who was inducted into The Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame in NYC 2019), for this special version of Peace, Love & Rock'n'Roll. – European Indie Music Network" (in Italian). Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  10. ^ O'Connor, Gavin (2015-01-22). "Francie Conway Teams Up With Music Legends On New Single". traleetoday.ie. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  11. ^ "'Wild Atlantic Way' - Francie's newest album". Irish Independent. 2019-08-09. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  12. ^ "Francie reflects on very happy memories". Irish Independent. 2017-07-14. Retrieved 2024-10-12.