Slán Abhaile, George Donaldson!

In Loving Memory of

George Donaldson (1968-2014)

Born: Glasgow, Scotland (Bus Builder)

Principle Singer of Celtic Thunder

Years Active: 1994-2014, performed with Celtic Thunder: 2007-2011, solo singer from 2011-2013

Solo Albums: "The White Rose" (2011), "The World in my Mind" (2013)

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Donaldson Family on the passing of their loving husband, father, brother and son George Donaldson. Before he began his music career, George spent many years in Glasgow making buses. As one of nine children and brought up in Glasgow's East End, George was a self-taught musician who was raised with a lifelong passion for Celtic music which was inspired by his late father Bernard. He was a well-known balladeer, proficient on the flute, and an accomplished guitarist who has shared the stage with such legendary artists as Phil Coulter, and the Dubliners' Jim McCann.

When he first joined Celtic Thunder in 2007, George quickly became known as the 'gentle giant' of the group. He was the oldest member of Celtic Thunder - as well as a husband and a father - so could be counted on to sing songs about home and family life. Along with Celtic Thunder, George has performed for rapturous audiences all around the world, including three sold out shows in New York’s ‘Radio City Music Hall” and has had the prestigious honour of performing for President Obama and the first Lady at the White House for a St Patrick’s Day celebration.

In addition to his stellar work with Celtic Thunder, Donaldson was a well-established artist in his own right, acclaimed as one of the finest singer/songwriters in the ever-vibrant Glasgow folk scene. He won the Irish Music Awards in both 2011 and 2012. George passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, 12 March 2014 of a massive heart attack. He was just 46 years old.

George is survived by his wife Carolyn, and daughter Sarah, who he described as 'the light of my life'.

God rest your soul, George, the music world is a little dimmer for your passing!   

Slán Abhaile, George!