About
Over the space of two days before Christmas, Ronan Keating went into British Grove studios with his band and a live orchestra to record a special solo album entitled 'Songs For My Mother' in memory of his late mother Marie Keating and to also celebrate Mother’s Day.
'Songs For My Mother' is a beautiful and evocative collection of songs that Ronan remembers his mum listening to throughout his childhood. All of the songs on the album were carefully selected by Ronan and so have a special place in his heart. Along with traditional folk songs such as ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ and ‘Carrickfergus’, the album includes tracks by revered musicians such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Elvis as well as Ronan’s version of Joshua Kadison’s song ‘Mamas Arms’, a song that helped Ronan through his grieving for his mother Marie.
The album also includes a brand new version of Ronan's song 'This Is Your Song'. Ronan wrote 'This Is Your Song' for both his parents and the track first appeared on Ronan's number one 2002 solo album 'Destination'. It's a favourite of his fans and has often appeared in Ronan's live shows over the years.
'Songs For My Mother' was produced by Stephen Lipson, who’s past credits include Pet Shop Boys, Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox and Will Young
Ronan lost his mother to breast cancer 10 years ago, in 1998. Along with his family, Ronan set up the The Marie Keating Foundation which funds two mobile cancer awareness units in Ireland. The Foundation‘s work has helped acheive a 6% increase in Cancer survival rates across Ireland. In 2005 Ronan joined forces with Cancer Research UK and has raised over £1,500,000 to enable three mobile units to now be on the road in the UK under a ground breaking partnership between the two charities. A dedicated fundraiser for the charity, Ronan ran his first London Marathon last year to raise money for Cancer Research UK and is currently in training to run it again in April of this year. Also, this February will see Ronan join his friend Gary Barlow to climb Kilimanjaro to raise money for Comic Relief.
To date Ronan has released five solo albums, three of which went straight to number one. Ronan's last solo album 'Bring You Home' was released in 2006. Ronan is listed in the Guinness Book Of Records for being the only artist ever to have 30 consecutive top 10 singles in the UK chart, having beat the likes of Elvis. With two sell-out world tours under his belt, an Ivor Novello and BMI songwriting awards, an autobiography, a role as ambassador for Christian Aid and sales in excess of 22 million albums across the globe, Ronan’s lengthy and triumphant career shows no signs of slowing down just yet. In 2007 Ronan got back together with his chart-topping band Boyzone. 2008 saw the band conquer the charts again and sellout a 29-date arena tour. Boyzone have further UK arena dates in May and June this year which will be followed by a brand new Boyzone studio album. After the success of last year’s tour, Ronan is looking forward to getting back out onto the road, following this special release of ‘Songs For My Mother’ out in March on Polydor Records.
