Biography
Who is Alan Stivell?
Early life and background
Alan Stivell was born Alan Cochevelou in the town of Riom, France, on January 6, 1944. His father, Georges Cochevelou, worked for the French Ministry of Finance and held a personal ambition to recreate the traditional Celtic harp. His mother was named Fanny Julienne Dobroushkess. Growing up in Paris, Alan developed an early interest in the culture and arts of Brittany. By the age of nine, he began formal instruction on the harp under the guidance of his father and a concert harpist named Denise Megevand.
Musical career beginnings
Alan made his first recording in 1960 titled Musique gaelique. A few years later, in 1964, he released the LP Telenn Geltiek. During this period, he also recorded harp accompaniments for other artists, including the singer Andrea Ar Gouilh. He chose the stage name Stivell, which translates to fountain in the Breton language. This name serves as a reference to his original surname, Cochevelou, which relates to the term for old fountains, while also symbolizing a renewal of Breton culture.
Rise to prominence
The artist achieved well-known success in 1970 with his single Broceliande and the album Reflets. The following year, he released the instrumental album Renaissance of the Celtic Harp, which earned the prize of the Académie Charles Cros. This work is widely credited with introducing the Celtic harp to a global audience. The album featured pieces such as the 19-minute musical path Gaeltacht and the track Ys, which draws inspiration from ancient legends.
Later work and collaborations
Throughout the 1990s, Alan continued to look at new musical directions. His album Again featured collaborations with artists such as Laurent Voulzy, Shane MacGowan, and Doudou N'Diaye Rose. This release helped trigger a new wave of interest in Celtic music. He later invited musicians like Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, and artists Khaled and Youssou N'Dour to contribute to his international album 1 Douar / 1 Earth.
Birthday and age
Alan Stivell was born on January 6, 1944, which makes Alan 82 years old today. That birthday falls under the Capricorn sign. Alan shares the date with 33 other famous people.
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