Kenneth McKellar was born in Paisley in 1927. He originally studied Forestry at Aberdeen University, after graduation working for the Scottish Forestry Commission. He later trained at the Royal College of Music as an opera singer. Kenneth’s great talent as a singer first came to public notice in 1947 through a broadcast with the BBC in Glasgow. "It was the ballad opera The Gentle Shepherd, by the early 18th century Scottish poet Allan Rarnsay," he recalls. "The music for it was arranged by Cedric Thorpe Davie, who was Professor of Music at St.Andrew's University. I sang the main tenor part in that. It was very beautiful. That was my introduction to broadcasting." He did not enjoy his time with the Carl Rosa Opera Company and left them to pursue a career singing traditional Scottish songs and other works. A year after he left opera for good he signed with the Decca Record Company where he remained for over 25 years during which time he recorded some 35 or more LPs which have sold many millions of copies throughout the world. He was a star of both radio and television and even represented the UK in the 1996 Eurovision Song Contest. His Songs of Robert Burns album is regarded in Scotland as the definitive Burns collection. His recordings in Paisley Abbey, Sacred Songs and Hosana are among the best-loved ever to come out of Scotland.
Kenneth McKellar has one of Scotland's most memorable tenor voices. His recordings of the songs of Robert Burns are considered amongst the finest ever made.
His singing of the folk music of the British Isles still stands the test of time. He also crossed over very successfully into popular music, light classics and operatic arias. His artistry and excellent diction was at his peak in his Decca years.
Released by popular demand, this collection brings together 21 favourite hymns and sacred songs sung by that most beloved of tenors, Kenneth McKellar with the Choir of Paisley Abbey
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