Paul Brady to be given the Legend Award at Northern Ireland Music Prize

Legendary Irish singer-songwriter Paul Brady will be honoured with the Legend Award at this year's Northern Ireland Music Prize.

The presentation will take place on Wednesday 15th of November at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. Following the presentation, Brady will take to the stage for a special performance.

One of Ireland's most well-known artists, Paul Brady has had a career spanning over five decades. Raised in Strabane, the singer, songwriter, musician and producer has worked with the likes of Tina Turner, Cher, Carole King, Art Garfunkel, Eric Clapton and Phil Collins. He achieved success as a member of bands The Johnstons and Planxty, but it was his solo work that truly cemented himself at the forefront of the new wave of Irish music in the 1970s.

Brady has collected much acclaim throughout his time in the music business, and in 2015, he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Concert Hall in Dublin from the Irish President Michael D Higgins. Last year, he released an acclaimed autobiography Crazy Dreams.

About the award, Brady said, "It’s a great joy to be told of this award and I’d like to thank those who decided to honour me in this way. Little did I think when, a callow 15-year-old, I took a gig playing piano in a Donegal hotel for £4 a week plus my keep, that my path would lead me here. That path has taken me through many countries, many musical genres, many lasting friendships and thrilling collaborations and this award is the icing on a very rich cake. I feel so privileged."

The Northern Ireland Music Prize is an annual awards night that celebrates everything music from Northern Ireland. This year there will also be a performance from last year's BBC ATL New Artist winners The Florentinas, along with other shortlisted acts (to be announced).

A limited number of tickets have been made available on the Ulster Hall and Waterfront website. They will be made available Friday 25th August at 10am.