Gemma Bradley

Amazing Grace

The words to Amazing Grace were written in 1772 by John Newton (1725-1807), an English poet and clergyman. 

Prior to his ordination, Newton was involved in the slave trade and during a fierce storm off the coast of Donegal that mercilessly battered his ship and almost cost himself and his crew their lives, Newton cried out to God, asking for mercy. Thus began the conversion that led to his being ordained in 1764. 

With its beautifully crafted message of redemption and assured forgiveness, the hymn has become not only one of the world’s uncontested “standards” but has also had a strong global bearing on folk music, including ironically as a symbol of freedom from slavery.

Biography

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Pop – RnB artist Gemma Bradley’s talent has developed at break-neck- speed since childhood growing up in the Sperrin Mountains. 

At the age of fifteen, Gemma’s talents caught the eye of promoter Paddy Glasgow who then booked the young singer for her first major festival slot. She has featured on the Glastonbury 2020 Emerging Talent list and is a songstress leading the way for the next generation of strong authentic female pop stars. 

As an artist, her unique, eclectic sound thrills fans and critics alike. She embraces her favourite aspects of pop music and meshes them with the finest, hand-picked sounds from RnB and Soul. Taking inspiration from artists such as Corinne Bailey Rae, Izzy Bizu, Amy Winehouse and Mahahlia, she has created her own distinctive brand of sweet, delicious music. 

Gemma has been featured on Other Voices in Dingle and Derry and played festivals such as Electric Picnic, Stendhal and Vantastival. She was crowned as the 2018 winner of the Christie Hennessy Prize. Her music is regularly featured on BBC Introducing, BBC 6 Music, RTE Radio 1 and BBC Radio Ulster. Her single ‘Obsessed’ was released in August 2020 to critical acclaim.