Enya (1961–)

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Enya (1961–)

Irish singer and musician. Name variations: Eithne Ni Bhraonáin; Enya Ni Bhraonáin; Clannad. Born Eithne Ni Bhraonain on May 17, 1961, in Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal, Ireland; sister of Maire Brennan (b. 1952, singer).

Was a member of her family's musical group Clannad (1979–82); began solo career, mixing classical, New Age, and traditional Irish folk music to produce what has been called an ethereal sound; released debut album Enya (1986); released Watermark (1988) which included single "Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)" (#1 UK and #24 US) and was followed by other successful albums; had music used in several films; wrote melodies and played all instruments on her recordings; became 2nd bestselling Irish musical artist after U2. Other albums include The Celts (1987), Shepherd Moons (1991), The Memory of Trees (1995), Paint the Sky With Stars: The Best of Enya (1997), and A Day Without Rain (2000).