Nathan Carter

Nathan Carter's Biography

Nathan Kane Tyrone Carter, born on May 28, 1990, garnered notoriety as a renowned British-born Irish musician specializing in country music. Instrumental in the resurgence of Country and Irish music genres in Ireland and Great Britain, Carter’s extensive discography is evocative of his mass popularity and illustrious career. By December 2022, Carter had recorded thirteen studio albums and six live albums, with five and four charting at number one respectively, along with four live DVDs. Renowned for his Irish folk and country performances, Carter, with his cover of the American country song “Wagon Wheel” in 2012, became the harbinger of Country and Irish music.

Born in Liverpool, England, to the Carter family, hailing originally from Newry, Northern Ireland, Nathan Carter’s early life was ripe with exposure to music and cultural enrichment. He attended Bishop Eton School in Allerton, Liverpool, where he developed and nurtured his love for music. His musical journey started at the tender age of four when he performed an accordion piece in a school concert. This early experience catalyzed his passion and he went on to win the All Ireland Title for Traditional Singing at the age of ten. At 18, Carter moved to Ireland, marking the beginning of his professional music career.

His debut album, Starting Out, was launched in 2007 and played a pivotal role in the revival of Country and Irish music genres. His collaboration with contemporary Irish singer-songwriter, John Farry, in 2009 took his music career to new heights, constantly evolving and enriching his country music output. His glorious rendition of “Wagon Wheel” was released on June 15, 2012, as the titular single on an album that quickly ascended to the Top Three in the Irish Album Chart.

The merit of this album also culminated in Carter recognition at the RTÉ Irish Country Music Awards. He won the awards for Live Act of the Year and for Ireland’s All-Time Favourite Country Song for his rendition of “Wagon Wheel.”

Over the years, Carter’s musical success continued upward, and he released more albums. In 2013, his studio album “Where I Wanna Be” and its follow-up “Beautiful Life,” released in 2015, enjoyed great success and brought him immense acclaim, both albums topping the Irish Albums Chart. “Beautiful Life” was his first album to chart on the UK Albums Chart.

In 2015, during the holiday season, Carter released “Beautiful Life at Christmas” reissuing his previous releases “Beautiful Life” and “Christmas stuff.” The reissued album, complete with a two-CD set of songs from his previous releases, saw considerable success soaring to number five on the Irish charts.

Carter’s talent wasn’t just limited to his music, he also showcased acting and mentoring abilities as he appeared on Irish TV broadcast channels. In 2012, he was featured on TG4’s Opry an Iúir, and in 2013 Carter featured in Ros na Rún on TG4. During 2014, Carter took on the mentorship of budding musician Niamh McGlinchey on TG4’s Glór Tíre. His journey on the road was also featured by a film crew in a two-week TV model, Stetsons and Stilettos. His preparation for a show at Marquee in Cork got highlighted and well received in this feature.

Carter’s showmanship was on full display as he hosted “The Nathan Carter Show” in 2015 at The Mansion House, Dublin, with stellar guests, Paddy Casey, Mary Black, and The Shires. Alive of his growing global recognition, Carter appeared on BBC’s The One Show in 2017 and premiered his first American PBS special, Celtic Roots with Nathan, which was filmed in Dublin and aired on September 17, 2017.

Beyond his fame and rapport with fans, Carter holds his familial ties dear. Born to Ian and Noreen Carter, Nathan enjoys the company of his brother Jake, a successful singer himself, and his sister Kiara Carter. He often shares familial anecdotes and insights into their lives, making his audience feel closer to his personal world.

Within his personal life, Nathan talks openly about his brief relationship with another popular country singer Lisa McHugh in his 2018 book, “Born for the Road: My Story So Far”. Despite the eventual end of their relationship, Carter recalls the initial attraction and mutual respect between them.

Although much of his life is dominated by music, Carter also engages socially and supports the charitable organization Cancer Connect Northern Ireland as a patron, signaling his commitment to giving back to society.

Nathan Carter’s journey from a young boy with a knack for accordion playing to becoming an acclaimed musician with multiple chart-topping studio albums is substantial proof of his dedication, talent, and influence. His work continues to define his unmatched impact in Country and Irish music, whilst his persona resonates with his fans, making him a true people’s artist.