{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Eamonn McCrystal | image = Eamonn McCrystal 2016.jpg | caption = McCrystal in Belfast, 2016 | birth_name = | alias = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1987|6|1}} | birth_place = Cookstown, Northern Ireland | death_date = {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} | genre = Pop, easy listening, vocal, traditional vocal pop | occupation = TV producer, Singer, Actor, TV host | instrument = Vocals, piano, flute | years_active = 2000–present | label = Universal Music Group, Capitol, Hedgehog Records | associated_acts = Randy Travis <br /> Walter Afanasieff <br /> Brad Ellis <br /> Kristin Chenoweth <br /> Nigel Wright <br /> Rita Wilson | website = [http://www.eamonn.net/ eamonn.net] }}

'''Eamonn McCrystal''' (born 1 June 1987)<ref name="kscott">Karen Scott, "Eamonn McCrystal – following his destiny," ''Tyrone Courier'', 22 August 2012.</ref> is a multi-Emmy Award winning<ref>{{cite news|last1=News Desk|first1=Northern Ireland|title=Eamonn McCrystal: NI programme wins four US TV awards|work=BBC News |date=14 June 2015 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-33128814|accessdate=16 November 2015}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Multiple-Emmy-Award-Winning-Irish-Pop-Tenor-Eamonn-McCrystal-and-Chlo-Agnew-Join-Forces-for-North-American-Tour-20161030|title=Multiple Emmy Award-Winning Irish Pop Tenor Eamonn McCrystal and Chloë Agnew Join Forces for North American Tour|author=BWW News Desk|access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref> Northern Irish TV producer and pop tenor<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04w0glh|title=Music of Christmas – BBC One|website=BBC|access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/dec/02/fans-asked-he-sang-20161202/?f=features|title=Fans Asked, He Sang|newspaper=Arkansas Online|access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref> based in Los Angeles, California.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.midulstermail.co.uk/whats-on/music/cookstown-tenor-releases-tenth-album-1-7661129|title=Cookstown tenor releases tenth album|website=www.midulstermail.co.uk|date=3 November 2016 |access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref>

==Early life== McCrystal was born to Jim and Ann McCrystal, nursing home owners, in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.<ref name="jmcgurk">John McGurk, [http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/cookstown-singer-eamonn-mccrystal-set-for-stardom-in-us-16206400.html "Cookstown singer Eamonn McCrystal set for stardom in US"], ''Belfast Telegraph'', 4 September 2012.</ref><ref name="bkennedy">Billy Kennedy, "Rising star Eammon to thrill Cookstown", ''The News Letter'', 10 August 2012.</ref> He attended Holy Trinity College in Cookstown, where he learned to play the piano and the flute.<ref name="kscott"/> In his late teen years, he seriously considered joining the priesthood, but was advised by local cardinal Sean Brady to pursue his music career instead.<ref name="jmcgurk"/> He studied to be a teacher of Religious Education and English at St Mary's University College, Belfast<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.stmarys-belfast.ac.uk/infoserv/news/?ArticleID=10699724047913&S=60&nq=1|title=College News|website=www.stmarys-belfast.ac.uk|access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref> before moving to London, England to pursue a career in Media.<ref name=":3" />

==Career==

===Early career=== McCrystal's debut radio broadcast was at the age of nine, on the George Jones Show on BBC Radio Ulster.<ref name="jlee">Jenny Lee, [http://www.irishnews.com/search.aspx?searchTerm=crystal%20clear%20sounds "Crystal clear sounds,"]{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''The Irish News'', 31 August 2012.</ref> He released his first album, ''After the Storm'', in 2000, at the age of 13. Over the course of the decade, he independently recorded three more albums, and toured around Ireland with a 15-piece band.<ref>"[http://www.midulstermail.co.uk/news/local/eamonn-ready-for-the-road-1-1791235 Eamonn ready for the road]", ''Mid-Ulster Mail'', 6 August 2007.</ref>

===Move to U.S.=== In 2009, McCrystal was working as a stage manager at the UTV Country Fest in Belfast, headlined that year by Randy Travis. McCrystal was driving Travis's then-wife and manager Elizabeth Travis to Dublin, and gave her a copy of ''Eamonn McCrystal Live''. After listening to the album, she gave McCrystal a slot as a guest artist on the Randy Travis tour, signed him to a contract with Elizabeth Travis Management, and brought him to Los Angeles, where he is currently based.<ref name=":3" /><ref name="jmcgurk"/><ref name="jlee"/>

In 2011, McCrystal recorded his first US album, ''When in Nashville...'', produced by Kyle Lehning, composed of six covers and six original compositions by outside songwriters.<ref name="bkennedy"/> Later that year, McCrystal sang with Randy Travis on "Someone You Never Knew" on his album ''Anniversary Celebration''.<ref>Christina Fuoco Karasinski, "[http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/flint/index.ssf/2011/07/travis_still_modest_after_25_y.html Randy Travis still modest after 25 years in country music]", MLive.com, 13 July 2011.</ref> In 2012, McCrystal released the single "Under Your Wings," a ballad written by Walter Afanasieff.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20160414043353/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-305368385.html Superstars Just Love Talented Eamonn]", ''The Sunday Life'', 2 September 2012.</ref> McCrystal's musical director Brad Ellis accompanies him on the track.<ref name="jlee"/>

[[File:Eamonn McCrystal Belfast 2014.jpg|thumb|right|McCrystal performs in Belfast in 2014.]]

In 2013, McCrystal released ''The Music of Christmas & the Stories Behind the Songs'', an album of Christmas songs produced by Nigel Wright.<ref>"[http://www.tyronetimes.co.uk/news/tyrone-news/eamonn-launches-christmas-album-1-5611616 Eamonn launches Christmas album] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235859/http://www.tyronetimes.co.uk/news/tyrone-news/eamonn-launches-christmas-album-1-5611616 |date=3 March 2016 }}", ''Tyrone Times'', 22 October 2013.</ref>

On 2 September 2014, his album ''A Living Prayer'' was released by Difference Media / UMG. Produced by McCrystal and Casey Wood, it contains traditional hymns and contemporary songs.<ref name="irishnews082814">[http://www.irishnews.com/features/celebrating-our-music-1376257 "Celebrating our music,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904023116/http://www.irishnews.com/features/celebrating-our-music-1376257 |date=4 September 2014 }} ''The Irish News'', 28 August 2014.</ref>

McCrystal and Woods co-produced the 2016 traditional vocal pop album ''And So It Goes'' which included performances by Rita Wilson and Chloe Agnew.<ref name=":3" />

===Television, film and radio=== In 2008, McCrystal founded SMUC Radio, a radio station at St. Mary's University College in Twickenham, England, hosted by students and broadcast 24 hours a day. SMUC Radio debuted on 19 February 2009.<ref>[http://www.smucradio.com/aboutsmucradio.html "About SMUC Radio,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416134814/http://www.smucradio.com/aboutsmucradio.html |date=16 April 2012 }} smucradio.com. Accessed 30 January 2013.</ref>

An Internet TV station, The Eamonn McCrystal Network, was launched on 10 October 2012.<ref name="jmcgurk"/>

On 6 September 2014, McCrystal hosted the made-for-television concert ''The Music of Northern Ireland'' at the Grand Opera House in Belfast. It was filmed by BBC Northern Ireland and aired on PBS in North America in March 2015. During the event, McCrystal sung duets with special guest artists including Brian Kennedy, Rachel Tucker, Keith Getty and Kristyn Getty.<ref name="irishnews082814"/><ref name="newsletter090414">[http://www.newsletter.co.uk/what-s-on/music/we-want-to-show-everyone-ulster-is-a-place-of-cool-music-1-6278199 "’We want to show everyone Ulster is a place of cool music’,"] ''The News Letter'', 4 September 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.lisburntoday.co.uk/what-s-on/arts-culture/celebrate-the-music-of-northern-ireland-1-6255349 "Celebrate the music of Northern Ireland,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829184659/http://www.lisburntoday.co.uk/what-s-on/arts-culture/celebrate-the-music-of-northern-ireland-1-6255349 |date=29 August 2014 }} ''Ulster Star'', 26 August 2014.</ref><ref>John McGurk, [https://web.archive.org/web/20160409132416/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-381309763.html "Finest Crystal,"] ''The Sunday Life'', 31 August 2014.</ref> It won four 2015 NATAS Emmy Awards, with McCrystal winning for best On-Camera Talent/Performer, and as a co-producer for best Overall Arts/Entertainment program.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-33128814 "Eamonn McCrystal: NI programme wins four US TV awards,"] BBC News, 14 June 2015.</ref>

Eamonn is seen regularly on PBS Television with his concerts "The Music of Northern Ireland" (PBS)<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dptv.org/topics/arts-culture/eamonn-mccrystal/|title=Eamonn McCrystal {{!}} Arts & Culture {{!}} DPTV|last=ireland|first=dptv, Eamonn McCrystal, Ireland, Northern Ireland, music of northern|website=Eamonn McCrystal {{!}} Arts & Culture {{!}} DPTV|access-date=2017-01-09|archive-date=10 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110092058/http://www.dptv.org/topics/arts-culture/eamonn-mccrystal/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and "The Music of Christmas" (BBC/PBS)<ref name=":0"/><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://www.heraldextra.com/ads/other/ad_vault/comics-nd-pg/pdfdisplayad_80b64316-28ab-5a11-ac02-5ef9015c8d4b.html|title=comics 2nd pg 12/24|website=Daily Herald|access-date=2017-01-09|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103091653/http://www.heraldextra.com/ads/other/ad_vault/comics-nd-pg/pdfdisplayad_80b64316-28ab-5a11-ac02-5ef9015c8d4b.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and also on the BBC in the UK, most notably BBC Children In Need,<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-38018163|title=BBC Children in Need appeal 2016: Barra Best and Jo Scott team up with Pudsey|date=2016-11-18|newspaper=BBC News|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref> Songs of Praise<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=http://www.midulstermail.co.uk/news/cookstown-s-emmy-award-winning-tenor-eamonn-mccrystal-to-feature-on-bbc-s-songs-of-praise-1-7395812|title=Cookstown's Emmy Award winning tenor, Eamonn McCrystal to feature on BBC's Songs of Praise|website=www.midulstermail.co.uk|access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref>

McCrystal made an appearance in the 2014 film ''Big Stone Gap'', directed by Adriana Trigiani and starring Ashley Judd, Patrick Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg.<ref name="irishnews082814" /><ref name="newsletter090414" /> He also appeared in the 2016 film ''God's Not Dead 2'', and guest-starred in the sitcom ''Hitting The Breaks''.<ref name=":0" />

On 13 December 2018, "The Music of Christmas with Eamonn McCrystal" was released on Amazon Prime Video.

In February 2020 Eamonn co-created, produced and directed an 8-part vegan cooking show "New Day New Chef" with Jane Velez-Mitchell which debuted on Amazon Prime Video and later aired on PBS. In June 2020 a stand-alone 6-part version of the show titled, "New Day New Chef : Support and Feed Edition" aired on Amazon Prime Video and featured Maggie Baird, Billie Eilish and Finneas. A third and final season of the original "New Day New Chef" series was released in October 2020.

In October 2020 Eamonn and his production company "Inspired." signed with The Gersh Agency for representation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCrystal |first=Eamonn |title=Eamonn McCrystal X |url=https://x.com/inspiredtv_/status/1320023783567060992?s=46}}</ref>

=== Production and showrunning === McCrystal has established himself as a television producer and showrunner. He is the owner of "Inspired," a production company based in Los Angeles, California. Through this company, McCrystal has created and produced a variety of television shows across different genres:

* "Hitmakers with David Foster" - A music-focused series featuring Grammy Award winning music producer David Foster. * "The Library" - A documentary series featuring newsreels narrated by John Lithgow and Beau Bridges. * "At Home with The Jenners" - A reality/cooking show offering an inside look at the lives of Cayley and Brandon Jenner.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Brian Anthony |date=January 9, 2024 |title=Cayley and Brandon Jenner Open Their Malibu Home for New Cooking Show — Get a First Look (Exclusive) |url=https://people.com/brandon-and-cayley-jenner-discuss-their-new-cooking-show-exclusive-8424137 |access-date=January 9, 2024 |website=People.com}}</ref> * "New Day New Chef" - A plant-based vegan cooking show promoting healthy, sustainable eating hosted by Jane Velez-Mitchell.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 22, 2024 |title=New Day New Chef, world's hottest vegan cooking show, is back at an LA mansion with celebrity chefs & fabulous dishes! |url=https://fox40.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/737036267/new-day-new-chef-worlds-hottest-vegan-cooking-show-is-back-at-an-la-mansion-with-celebrity-chefs-fabulous-dishes/}}</ref> * "Party Rock Farmhouse" - A cooking show featuring LMFAO's Redfoo and his partner Jazzy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lang |first=Neil |date=September 4, 2024 |title=UnchainedTV launches Party Rock Farmhouse |url=https://www.atvtoday.co.uk/243205-utv/}}</ref> * "Pig Little Lies" - A unique reality series centered around pot bellied pigs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pig Little Lies on PBS |website=PBS |url=https://www.pbs.org/video/pig-little-lies-opfwh1/ }}</ref>

==Performances== McCrystal has performed with Randy Travis<ref name="jmcgurk"/> and Kristin Chenoweth,<ref>Robert Machray, [http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/Concert-Review-LA-Deck-The-Halls-with-Kristin-945318.php "Concert Review (LA): Deck The Halls with Kristin Chenoweth at Disney Hall"] ''Seattle Post-Intelligencer'', 16 April 2011</ref> Rachel Tucker,<ref name=":4" /> Brian Kennedy,<ref name=":4" /> Rita Wilson<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> and Chloe Agnew,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminerusa.com/digital-12072016/mobile/index.html#p=14|publisher=Irish Examiner |date=7 December 2016|access-date=9 January 2017|title=Celebrating Traditions and Christmas }}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite news|url=http://opry.com/artist/eamonn-mccrystal-and-chloe-agnew|title=EAMONN McCRYSTAL AND CHLOE AGNEW|date=4 November 2016|publisher=Grand Ole Opry|access-date=10 January 2017|archive-date=10 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110090240/http://opry.com/artist/eamonn-mccrystal-and-chloe-agnew|url-status=dead}}</ref> he makes regular guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee,<ref name=":9" /><ref>[http://www.opry.com/artists/m/McCrystal_Eamonn.html "Eamonn McCrystal: Guest Artist,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127114147/http://www.opry.com/artists/m/McCrystal_Eamonn.html |date=27 January 2013 }} Grand Ole Opry; Accessed 30 January 2013</ref> and is often backed by a 12-piece orchestra.<ref name="bkennedy"/>

In December 2016, McCrystal toured the United States (15 cities in 18 days)<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":8"/> with Chloe Agnew,<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9"/> notable venues included: The Grammy Museum at LA Live<ref name=":8" /> and The Kennedy Center, Washington DC.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/event/RRXAE|title=Hedgehog World Entertainment presents Eamonn McCrystal & Chloë Agnew in Concert |publisher =The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts|access-date=10 January 2017}}</ref>

Eamonn performs regularly on PBS Television with his concerts "The Music of Northern Ireland" (PBS)<ref name=":4" /> and "The Music of Christmas" (BBC/PBS)<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":5" /> and also on the BBC in the UK, most notably BBC Children In Need,<ref name=":6" /> Songs of Praise<ref name=":7" /> and live music performances on BBC Radio.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03k39wh|title=Eamonn McCrystal with Gerry Kelly |publisher =BBC Radio Ulster|access-date=9 January 2017|date=19 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b083qwft|title=Neil Delamere and Eamonn McCrystal, Gerry Kelly |publisher =BBC Radio Ulster|access-date=9 January 2017|date=26 November 2016}}</ref>

==Discography==

===Albums=== * ''After the Storm'' (2000) * ''The Search'' (2006) * ''Rest for Your Soul'' (2007) * ''Eamonn McCrystal Live'' (2009) * ''When in Nashville...'' (2011) * ''The Music of Christmas & the Stories Behind the Songs'' (2013) * ''A Living Prayer'' (2014) * ''The Music of Northern Ireland'' (CD & DVD, 2015) * ''Where Does The Time Go?'' (2015) * ''And So It Goes'' (2016)

===Singles=== * "If It's Gonna Rain" (2010) * "Under Your Wings" (2012) * "Blue Christmas" (2013) * "Auld Lang Syne" (2013) * "Pray For Peace" (2016) feat. Rita Wilson and Chloë Agnew * "You Haven't Seen The Last of Me" (2018) * "Love Will Wait" (2020)

===Collaborations=== * "Someone You Never Knew" – with Randy Travis (from ''Anniversary Celebration'', 2011) * "Pray For Peace" (2016) feat. Rita Wilson and Chloë Agnew (from ''And So It Goes'' 2016) * "We've Got Tonight" – with Chloë Agnew (from ''And So It Goes'' 2016)

==References== {{Reflist|2}}

==External links== * [http://www.eamonn.net Official website] * [http://eamonn.net/ The Eamonn McCrystal Network]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:McCrystal, Eamonn}} Category:1987 births Category:Living people Category:Pop singers from Northern Ireland Category:Musicians from County Tyrone Category:Tenors from Northern Ireland Category:Male singer-songwriters from Northern Ireland Category:Television presenters from Northern Ireland Category:People from Cookstown Category:Emmy Award winners Category:21st-century male singers from Northern Ireland Category:21st-century singer-songwriters from Northern Ireland