The Nolan Sisters (Established 1980)
Biography
The Nolan Sisters were a girl band that originated from a family singing group, The Singing Nolas, led by dad Tommy and mum Maureen Nolan in 1963. The band launched their career in Blackpool, where they moved to in 1962 from Dublin. After over a decade working the theatres and clubs of Blackpool, in 1974 the family moved to London to work in the London Rooms on Drury Lane. The band changed names twice after this as the female members of the band formed their own group, first to The Nolans in 1974 and later to the Nolan Sisters in 1980.
The Nolan Sisters made their television debut on Cliff Richard's BBC1 show in 1976 and became resident guests for the entire run of series 4. They also began to appear regularly on variety and comedy shows including Summertime Special, The Morecambe & Wise Show, and The Two Ronnies. In 1975, the five elder sisters supported Frank Sinatra on a European tour and Rolf Harris in South Africa.
Their chart breakthrough came in 1978 with the covers album 20 Giant Hits on Target, which reached No.3 in the UK. That year, they also supported Engelbert Humperdinck on a US tour.
In 1979 the group enjoyed their greatest period of commercial success, releasing I'm In the Mood for Dancing, which became their best-known and biggest hit.
In 1991 they became the first Irish group to be awarded the 33rd Japan Record Awards Kikaku-shō (Prize for Planning) for Cover version of Japanese pops.
Most of the sisters continued to work in show business, pursuing careers in acting, musical theatre, pantomime and touring as late as 2020.
Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:
Charles Taylor Collection
The Charles Taylor collection is a fine example of Taylor’s of Wombwell printers’ posters, which highlight changes in printing techniques, fashion and taste within the popular entertainment industry. Included are examples of posters for pantomimes, fairs and circuses. The collection also contains handbills and other advertising material.
Oversize Variety and Music Hall Posters Printed by Taylor's of Wombwell, 1969 - 1979
Variety and Music Hall poster printed by Taylor's of Wombwell.
Posters, c1937 - 1989
A collection of posters printed by Taylor's of Wombwell for music hall and variety, circus, pantomime and fairgrounds.
The Annual Midnight Matinee Poster, 13 June 1978
ABC Theatre, Blackpool. The Bachelors, Marti Caine, Candlewick Green, Joe Church, Billy Dainty, Syd Francis, The Half Wits, Colin 'Fingers' Henry, Neville King, The Nolan Sisters, Tony Selby, Stuart Atkins and the ABC Theatre Orchestra. Red and blue type on white background.