Music That Made Me: Paul Brady picks his touchstone influences and a career highlight

The Irish music legend's selections includes Ray Charles, Séamus Ennis, and Paul Simon 

Paul Brady recently published his memoir, Crazy Dreams. 

Born in 1947, Paul Brady grew up in Strabane, Co Tyrone. In 1967, he joined the ballad group The Johnstons, and seven years later, teamed up with Planxty. 

In 1976, he released the classic album Andy Irvine/Paul Brady. His album Hard Station, which came out in 1981, marked a shift towards rock’n’roll which brought him international acclaim and a fan in Bob Dylan.