From Derry’s showband scene to international chart success, Phil Coulter’s career has been shaped by two very different ambitions: writing a hit and writing something that matters personally.
In this episode, Phil joins Greg Hughes to revisit his upbringing in Derry and the breakthrough that helped turn a young musician into a professional songwriter. His early song Foolin’ Time attracted the attention of Des Kelly and the Capitol Showband—a pivotal step towards a career that would bring Eurovision success with Puppet on a String and Congratulations.
Behind the commercial achievements lies a more personal body of work. Phil explores the difference between writing for the charts and drawing on his own experiences—the territory that produced The Town I Loved So Well and Scorn Not His Simplicity. The latter was inspired by his son Paul, who was born with Down syndrome. Phil speaks about the loss of his son and the place music has held in his life through grief.
The conversation also turns to Donegal, a lifelong source of inspiration, and Wild Flowers, his new duet with his wife, singer Geraldine Branagan. With Phil also at the piano, this is a conversation about the craft of songwriting, the pull of home, and the experiences behind the music.
Enjoy The Greg Hughes Podcast? Recommend it to a friend. To suggest a guest or share a story, contact researcher and producer Caroline Orr at carolineorr@highlandradio.com.
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