The Benn Sisters

 Carrie and Leanne Benn, born in London to Irish parents from Co. Clare and Co. Fermanagh, have always had a love for Irish and Country music. Growing up in an Irish community in 1980s London saw a brilliant era in Irish music; going to festivals & dances to see Big Tom & The Mainliners, Joe Dolan, Mick Flavin, Philomena Begley, John Hogan and Declan Nerney was the order of the day. Also spending the weekend nights going to see their Dad play in his band The Benn Brothers set the scene for two little sisters to become huge country music fans. It wasn’t until afew years later that carving out a career for themselves in the music business became a reality……..

 Music has always been in the Benn family; the girl’s Dad Liam still plays with his band The Benn Brothers on the Irish country scene in London – 2008 will see them achieve 40 successful years in the business! This influence from an early age was what prompted the start of a musical career for both girls that began professionally for Carrie when she was 9 and Leanne when she was 7. Singing and dancing at home was very much a normal part of family life for the girls but being asked to audition for a cathedral choir in 1989 marked the beginning of the formal training that was to continue for nearly ten years and lead to their development as qualified vocalists and musicians, and give them a start in learning their craft. They have now performed with some of the greatest names in the business: Tommy Cash, Clinton Gregory, Moe Bandy, Jimmy Buckley, Robert Mizzell, Mike Denver, Shaun Loughrey, to name a few and have recorded backing vocals for several more.

 Carrie is the older half of The Benn Sisters singing lead and harmony vocals and playing guitar in their show. Born on New Years' Eve 1980 she began playing in bands professionally aged 19, with her first ever appearance on stage taking place in the famous Galtymore Club, Cricklewood Broadway. Carrie's musical training started at the age of 9 where she was spotted by Choirmistress Jane Shoesmith at a school assembly. She was asked to join the St Boniface Choir where, whilst keeping up her school work, a regime of rehearsals twice a week, 2-3 performances at weekends and Royal School Of Church Music Exams kept her busy! At the age of 11 she was joined in the choir by younger sister Leanne and at the age of 13 she was appointed Head Chorister. Appearances with the Choir on National TV followed, on programmes such as The Sunday Show with Gloria Hunniford and the Annual Christmas Tree Carol Service at Trafalgar Square.

The first band she worked regularly with was The Benn Brothers, then later on with the extremely successful band Derry Air (see our photo album!). In their years together they toured the UK extensively as well as playing the Carribean with Gertrude Byrne's All Star Irish Cruise. Also at this time Carrie & Leanne toured the USA with their own band, playing in Florida, Memphis and Nashville. 

Leanne was born in Hammersmith, London on 21 September 1984. She is the youngest of the two girls and first started singing at the age of seven in her local church choir, of which her sister was already a member. The choir was part of the Royal School of Church Music and carried a very strict examination and qualification programme, and Leanne took to it with gusto. Under the guidance of Jane Shoesmith and her sister as Head Chorister, she proceeded to climb the ladder achieving many medals and awards; appearing in concert at St Paul’s Cathedral; performing in Trafalgar Square at the Annual Christmas Tree Carol Service and on Gloria Hunniford’s ‘Sunday’ programme. Her greatest achievement in the choir was becoming the first female in her diocese to pass the RSCM’s Bishop Award. She was promoted to Head Chorister until the choir disbanded in 2002. She later played the lead in Usruline Convent’s 2003 production of The Pirates Of Penzance. Now on to her country music achievements!

 Leanne has been singing with bands and playing live music since the early age of fourteen. She had been on stage as a guest with several celebrities when she was invited by Henry McMahon to join Thomas Maguire on TG4 as a backing vocalist at the age of 16. Following this Leanne spent several years working with various bands until Feb 2004, when she was approached again by Henry McMahon and Thomas Maguire to record a duet. The a Number One hit single ‘Slowly But Surely’ followed and will be included on the girl’s forthcoming album.

During this time, Leanne was approached to be a backing vocalist for Tommy Cash on his Easter 2004 tour. A two week tour ensued at all the major concert venues in Ireland as well as an appearance in The Gerry Kelly show.

A call from one of country music's greatest managers Henry McMahon came in early 2006 to enquire about the possibility of recording a demo cd...and as they say, the rest is history! The girls are both living in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh and dedicate their energies to touring Ireland and the UK, gaining new fans and admirers everywhere they go.

 "A new signing to K-Mac records are two lovely young ladies
with fantastic voices - Leanne and Carrie Benn. Fans of good Country and Irish Music are in for a real treat.

These two talented sisters have wonderful voices and their harmonies are second to none which is perfectly showcased in their debut 4 track recording. However the girls are no strangers to the music scene - they have recorded backing vocals for most of the top Irish recording stars and graced the stage for several years but now is the time for everyone to hear some recordings of their own.

Don't miss this musical treat."  K-Mac Records