Jamie O'Hara (singer)
Jamie O'Hara | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Paul O'Hara |
| Born | August 8, 1950 Toledo, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | January 7, 2021 (aged 70) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | Country |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals guitar |
| Years active | 1986–2001, 2012–2021 |
| Labels | Columbia Nashville, RCA Nashville, Valley |
| Formerly of | The O'Kanes |
| Website | jamieoharamusic |
James Paul O'Hara (August 8, 1950 – January 7, 2021) was an American country music artist. Between 1986 and 1990, he and Kieran Kane comprised The O'Kanes, a duo that charted seven singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles charts, including the No. 1 single "Can't Stop My Heart from Loving You". After the O'Kanes disbanded in 1990, both O'Hara and Kane recorded solo albums of their own. In addition, O'Hara continued writing songs for other country music artists,[1] including The Judds' 1986 hit "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days)" which earned him a Grammy Award.
Biography
O'Hara was born in Toledo, Ohio, where he attended Ottawa Hills High School (Ohio) and played Varsity Football. He had initially planned to pursue a career in American football, but after a career-ending knee injury, O'Hara shifted his focus to singing and songwriting.[2] By 1975, he had moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he was signed to a publishing contract. Among the songs that he composed throughout the 1980s were "Older Women" and "Wandering Eyes" a number one and number two single, both for Ronnie McDowell.[1]
The O'Kanes
Signed to Columbia Nashville in 1986, The O'Kanes recorded three studio albums for the label, in addition to charting seven singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles charts. Their third album failed to produce any singles and by 1990, the duo parted ways, with both members assuming solo careers.
Return to solo career
O'Hara recorded a solo album for RCA Nashville in 1994. His only album for the label, Rise Above It, was issued that year, followed by a second album titled Beautiful Obsession seven years later. In addition, O'Hara continued to write songs for other artists, including cuts by Shelby Lynne, Gary Allan, and Trisha Yearwood.[1]
Death
O'Hara died under the care of Alive Hospice on January 7, 2021, after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.[5]
Discography
Albums
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Rise Above It |
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| Beautiful Obsession |
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| Dream Hymns |
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Singles
| Year | Single | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | "What's a Good Ol' Boy to Do" | Rise Above It |
| 1994 | "The Cold Hard Truth" | |
| "It Ain't Over (Til Your Heart Says It's Over)" | ||
| "50,000 Names" |
Music videos
| Year | Video | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | "What's a Good Ol' Boy to Do"[7] | Bubba Crigler |
| 1994 | "The Cold Hard Truth"[8] | Brent Hedgecock |
| "It Ain't Over (Til Your Heart Says It's Over)"[9] | ||
| "50,000 Names"[10] |
References
- ^ a b c "Jamie O'Hara biography". Oldies.com. Retrieved December 19, 2007.
- ^ a b Loftus, Johnny. "Jamie O'Hara Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved December 19, 2007.
- ^ "Grammys – Previous Winners – Best Country Song". About.com. Archived from the original on February 8, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2007.
- ^ "Jamie O'Hara > Charts & Awards > Grammy Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved December 19, 2007.
- ^ Whitaker, Sterling (January 7, 2021). "Singer-Songwriter Jamie O'Hara Dead at 70". Taste of Country. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
- ^ "Dream Hymns - Jamie O'Hara". AllMusic. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
- Country Music Television. Retrieved September 29, 2011.
- Country Music Television. Retrieved September 29, 2011.
- Country Music Television. Retrieved September 29, 2011.
- Country Music Television. Retrieved September 29, 2011.
External links
- Jamie O'Hara discography at Discogs
- Jamie O'Hara at IMDb
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