About

The Story So Far


James Kilbane is now a multi-platinum selling Christian, gospel, country and Irish folk singer. James Kilbane was the runner up in Ireland's national talent television show You're A Star in 2003 / 2004. Since then he has established his career with his mix of gospel, Christian, country and folk music.

Since his success in the ‘You're a Star’, an Irish reality television talent search show in 2004, James has gone on to record and release 13 well-received albums. The album titles include King of the Road, Close to You (Hymns of Praise), Divine Love, Life's Miracle, Heart to Heart, Glory and Grace, Songs Of Ireland, River of Grace as well as his Christmas album titled The Christmas Collection.


In March 2012 he released his ninth album Gravel & Grace. This album was launched at Lorain Correctional Institution, Grafton Prison in Grafton, Ohio, USA following an invitation extended from the institution's inmates to James to give a special concert at the prison that took place during St. Patrick's week 2012. Many of Kilbane’s albums are Nashville and Irish collaborations

In March 2013, Kilbane released his first compilation album. This release was in association with Veritas Publications in Dublin and Gold Eagle Music titled ‘The Songs of Faith Collection’. Veritas are Ireland's leading Christian publishers and retail group for religious publications, media and goods. The album was released to celebrate the Year of Faith and has 20 tracks that give a flavour of 200 years of Irish Christian and gospel music that many have held dear in prayer and in their spiritual lives. 


In 2014 Kilbane released his first faith concept album 'River of Grace’ followed in 2015 with ‘Mary: The Lord’s servant’. This album work is a mix of traditional and contemporary Christian gospel songs drawing on Scripture and prayer to highlight aspects of the life of Mary the mother of Jesus Christ. This album collection is of 25 recordings that spanned Kilbane’s first twelve years of Christian studio work containing many well-loved gospel hymns as well as Christian contemporary songs that honour Mary's story and memory. James has also included a selection of hymns about Mary that were part of his childhood and teenage years as well as a new recording. The album also features verses sourced of Sacred Scriptures in which we hear the voices of the ancient prophet Isaiah, the Gospel writers St. John and St. Luke, and strains of the Book of Revelation. James worked closely with his Faith Director, the Rev. Dr. Ken Newall on both concept albums. 


In late 2017 James worked again with Veritas Publications, Dublin to release 'The Family Collection' for the World Meeting of Families that took place in Dublin, Ireland in August 2018. 


James Kilbane has received awards for his music and work however, he is not a conformist and has not always aligned his work or beliefs to the usual practices of the Irish music industry. Grand Ole Opry legend George Hamilton IV bestowed Kilbane with the title “The Lone Ranger of country music” after hearing his music and story. Kilbane has experienced most of his success through working in an independent manner through the label Gold Eagle Music. Independently he has been able to explore and develop alternative music project ideas to fruitful success. For a number of years Kilbane was mentored by the double Grammy award-winning and music legend Steve Popovich Sr. of Cleveland International Records. Popovich took a keen interest in Kilbane’s career and music, contributing a great deal of knowledge and advice to Kilbane’s musical development until Steve’s passing in June 2011. Steve’s final work with James was on the ‘Gravel & Grace’ album. Over the years Kilbane has worked with other leading music, media and production personalities as Gavin Murphy, Bill Shanley, Máire Breathnach, Ciaran Byrne, and James Blennerhassett.

In June 2012 James and his country band were invited to perform a selection of his Country Gospel music as part of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in RDS Arena in Dublin, Ireland. Kilbane continues to contribute to other major religious events in Ireland which include the international shrine of Knock, Co. Mayo. He has been involved in Irish cross border religious music events and projects. He continues to record and tour at home and abroad, working with Irish and international festivals in the United States. Since 2016 James has been involved in television work with RTE, Revelation TV and the Keltic Country television company. With Keltic Country TV James recorded 28 one hour gospel music programs broadcast on Sky. For 8 years James took a leading role in the hit Celtic Summer stage show "The Legend of Grainne Mhaol" until it ended in 2016. 


During James’ formative years he struggled with education due to Dyslexia and did not complete his education in second level or high school. However, as an adult James learned to type and went on to complete further studies at University level to earn an Honours Bachelor Degree in Heritage and Culture. During this time Kilbane’s research has contributed to several heritage publications that include the book "Traditional Coastal Boats of Ireland" published by Collins Press. In 2016 Kilbane helped create a unique Christian holiday based around Irish culture, relaxation, heritage, the environment and Christian faith that gave the option of a new holiday experience titled ‘Spirit and Soul Holiday’ with Hotel Westport, Co. Mayo. The holiday ran 3 times yearly for 4 years until 2020 in February, June, and October. This successful holiday break with James will make a return in the future. 


James has many other interests, however, since 1992, sheep farming has been an enjoyable part of his working life alongside his music career. Farming keeps him connected, balanced, and earthed. It can be a joy and is very social in his life. 


James is married to Christina and at Christmas 2019 they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They have two adult children Diana and Daniel. Diana is qualified in Fashion and Business and she now lives in Sydney, Australia where she works in the fashion and clothing industry. Daniel is qualified in Industrial Plumbing and is also a Quantity Surveyor. Daniel lives and works in Ireland. James has built his music and life alongside being committed and involved continuously with his family, that he would never take for granted. Over the past fifteen or so years James has kept his music career on his terms that has worked alongside his marriage, family life and other interests. This he believes did not suit potential agents or managers, something that Kilbane is happy to live with. 


James has returned with his studio team completing several recordings that will become radio singles and part of a future releases. James has also released country and gospel singles to radio over the years. Over 25 country singles have been released since 2003 and plans are in progress to release many of these great country songs on a compilation album later in 2022. There are plans for more television work that will be broadcast in 2022.  James is also continuing to study, train and develop his Social Media platforms and skills. James intends to tour again in Ireland and to return to America. One way or another there are busy times ahead. 

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