Mary Ann Kennedy, an accomplished singer, broadcaster, and musician, hails from the vibrant and multicultural southside of Glasgow. Born into a family rich in Gaelic song and classical music, Mary Ann’s immersion in the musical world began in her tenement flat. Her upbringing in the tenements, surrounded by the sounds of Gaelic traditions and classical melodies, laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for music.
Mary Ann’s journey in the musical realm took diverse forms. She was a key member of the band Cliar, which clinched the all-time Best Album award at the inaugural Scots Trad Music Awards, earning her a Saltire Award. Collaborating with her tradition-bearer family, the Campbells of Greepe, she spearheaded the biography and album project ‘Fonn,’ winning the Arts and Culture award at the inaugural National Gaelic Awards.
In addition to her role as a singer, Mary Ann is a versatile artist, taking on roles as a broadcaster, conductor, composer, and producer. Her rural life in the Scottish Highlands serves as a unique backdrop to her multifaceted career. Based in Ardgour at Watercolour Music with her husband, producer, and engineer Nick Turner, Mary Ann has dedicated her life to music.
Throughout her extensive career, Mary Ann has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Concours Internationale de l’Harpe Celtique at the Lorient Festival Interceltique and the international Celtic Media Festival’s Radio Presenter of the Year. Her band Cliar, a significant part of her musical journey, received accolades for their outstanding work.
Mary Ann’s musical collaborations with Nick Turner have resulted in numerous commissions, showcasing her versatility. Notable projects include ‘Beul na h-Oidhche gu Camhanaich’ (Dusk to Dawn) for the Blas Festival and ‘Aiseag’ (The Ferryboat) for PRSforMusic Foundation’s 1st New Music Biennial.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Mary Ann is a prominent figure in broadcasting, with credits on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta. Her engaging presentations and performances on platforms like BBC Scotland, BBC2, TG4, and BBC4 have solidified her place in the world of traditional Scottish and Irish music.
Mary Ann’s dedication to her Gaelic heritage is evident in her commitment to presenting and performing in Gaelic, making her an influential figure in preserving and promoting the Gaelic language and culture. Her radio series, ‘Sruth na Maoile,’ stands as the longest-running co-production in Gaelic radio, showcasing her enduring impact on the airwaves.