Born in Venado Tuerto, Argentina, in 1948, Christopher John Davison adopted the name Chris de Burgh to pursue a career in music. A composer and instrumentalist, he established himself as a versatile songwriter capable of moving from art rock compositions to pop ballads, ultimately achieving massive global record sales throughout his decades-long career as a recording artist.
Early Background and Education
The son of a British diplomat and Maeve Emily de Burgh, the young musician spent his childhood traveling through Malta, Nigeria, and the Belgian Congo. His family eventually settled at Bargy Castle in County Wexford, Ireland, where he gained initial performance experience singing for guests. He attended Marlborough College in Wiltshire, where his early interest in joining a jazz ensemble was rebuffed due to his stylistic leanings. He later completed his formal education at Trinity College, Dublin, where he studied French and English.
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Signing with A&M Records in 1974, he released his debut, Far Beyond These Castle Walls, following a tour supporting Supertramp. His 1975 release, Spanish Train and Other Stories, introduced listeners to tracks like 'Patricia The Stripper' and 'A Spaceman Came Travelling', a song that gained renewed prominence as a perennial holiday favorite in subsequent years.
International Commercial Peaks
The 1980s marked a transition toward broader international recognition. Working with producer Rupert Hine on the 1982 album The Getaway, he secured his first major chart success with 'Don't Pay the Ferryman'. This momentum continued with the 1986 release of 'The Lady in Red', a ballad that reached number one in multiple territories. By the late 1980s, albums such as Flying Colours established his presence at the top of national charts in Ireland and elsewhere, cementing his global status.
Later Projects and Artistic Legacy
Into the 21st century, he expanded his repertoire through cover projects and new studio compositions. His 2008 release, Footsteps, featured interpretations of tracks by artists including Bob Dylan, the Beatles, and Pete Seeger. Although an attempt to perform in Tehran in 2008 was canceled by authorities, he remained active in live performance, notably becoming the first Western act to play in Lebanon following the conclusion of the Lebanese Civil War. In 2021, he marked his 73rd birthday with the release of the album The Legend of Robin Hood.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Venado Tuerto, Argentina
- Citizenship: Ireland, United Kingdom, Argentina
- Education: Marlborough College, Trinity College, Dublin
- Early stage name origin: Maternal surname
- First label: A&M Records
- Key 1986 hit: The Lady in Red
- Total album sales: Over 45 million
- Languages spoken: French, Spanish, English, Irish
Questions readers ask
What was the inspiration for his stage name?
He took the name 'de Burgh' from his mother's maiden name, Maeve Emily de Burgh.
Did he perform in Iran?
No, a planned concert in 2008 was cancelled after authorities failed to grant the necessary permission.
Achievements
- Instruments: guitar and piano
- Genres: rock music
