Biography

Soul meets country... The Irish-born and Canadian-based Stephen Maguire has been compared to Johnny Reid time after time with his edgy vocals, thought-provoking songwriting and commanding stage presence.

Recent highlights include performing at the world-famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville TN; being a featured artist on The 1861 Project alongside Country Music Hall of Fame member Connie Smith; being selected one of CBC Saskatchewan's "Future 40"; opening for five-time Grammy award winner B.J. Thomas on his Saskatchewan tour; performing with Ivor Novello winner John Reid (hit writer for Rod Stewart, Keith Urban and Kelly Clarkson); performing at the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival opening for Grammy winner Nanci Griffith, John Oates (Hall & Oates) and Iain Archer (formerly of Snow Patrol); and being the guest vocalist on Gemini winner Andrea Menard’s Christmas 'Sparkle' tours. Stephen won a National Philanthropy Award for his extraordinary work with the Red Cross, staging & performing at the Flood Relief Concerts that raised over $60,000.

Stephen released his debut album in March 2010. 'Irish Soul' is enjoying radio play in the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Australia, Africa, Canada and the U.S. He released his Christmas single 'Message from the Heart' in 2011, featuring Osler School children’s choir and session musicians included members of k.d. lang and Jann Arden’s bands. Stephen released his new album 'The Nashville Sessions' in 2012 and his single 'These Are The Streets' is getting airplay across the country on Canadian Country Radio.

The back story...

Involved in music from a young age, Stephen grew up listening to his parents’ record collection. His father Patrick Maguire, who played in show bands and rock & roll bands in the 60s (including with Van Morrison!) would play cassettes of The Mamas & the Papas, The Beach Boys and Irish traditional music.

Stephen began his career in musicals performing at leading venues in N. Ireland, including the Grand Opera House, Lyric Theatre and Belfast Waterfront. He also appeared at the Manchester Apollo Theatre (England) and His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen (Scotland). In 2001, Stephen signed with the N. Irish band Unity. Among the band’s highlights: supporting chart-topping band Westlife on their “Unbreakable” tour. Throughout Unity’s time together, they performed for over a quarter of a million people. A memorable gig was at a Belfast Giants game, which resulted in Stephen meeting his now-wife, a Saskatchewan girl who was interning with the professional hockey team. They married in 2007 and Stephen has been taking Canada by storm ever since.