Paul Buchanan
Born
Paul Gerard Buchanan

(1956-04-16) 16 April 1956
Edinburgh, Scotland
Alma materUniversity of Glasgow
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Known forco-founding the Blue Nile
Websitewww.paulbuchanan.com

Paul Gerard Buchanan (born 16 April 1956), is a Scottish, Glasgow-based, songwriter and musician, known for critically acclaimed compositions both as a co-founder of the Blue Nile and for his solo material.

Buchanan was the writer of the Blue Nile's album Hats, which was identified by The Herald newspaper as Scotland's favourite album of all time, in 2018.

Early life and education

He was born as Paul Gerard Buchanan on 16 April 1956, in Edinburgh.[1] He was the first born of four children to civil servant John "Jack" Buchanan and Jesse Maria Buchanan (née Murray). His father worked at the Department of Trade and Industry. After his birth, the family moved to the Glasgow suburb town of Bishopbriggs.[2]

Buchanan attended St. Matthews Primary School, then St Ninian's High School, Kirkintilloch, before studying literature and medieval history at the University of Glasgow, leaving with a post-graduate qualification.[2]

Career

After university, Buchanan worked as teacher, as the manager of a theatre, and for the Scottish Society of Playwrights Magazine. A guitarist, he started the Blue Nile band with friends from university: keyboardist Paul Joseph "PJ" Moore and synthesiser player and bassist Robert Bell. The band progressed from covers to releasing their own work. Their first album was produced in 1981 through RSO records.[2]

Buchanan's work, including four albums with the Blue Nile and one solo album, has received critical praise although has met with relatively modest commercial success.[3][4] Buchanan is often described as reticent to perform and as a perfectionist, who has discarded many songs during the creative process.[5][6]

His songs have been covered by artists including Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, Annie Lennox, and Isaac Hayes.[7] Both Bono and Matty Healy, have cited him as an influence.[7]

In 2006, Buchanan had a top 10 hit in the UK when he featured on Texas' song, "Sleep", which reached No. 6.

Buchanan released his first solo album, Mid Air, in 2012. BBC Music described it as "a masterpiece".[4] His work, both with the Blue Nile and as a solo artist, has appeared with long intervals between.[8]

In 2018, the Blue Nile's album Hats, written by Buchanan, was identified by The Herald as Scotland's favourite album of all time.[9]

Personal life

Buchanan was previously romantically involved with American actress Rosanna Arquette.[10] As of 2012, Buchanan lived in Glasgow.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Paul Buchanan Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
  2. 1 2 3 White, Timothy (20 April 1996). "The Blue Nile: A Separate 'Peace'". Billboard. Vol. 108, no. 16. New York City, USA: Nielsen Company. p. 5.
  3. 1 2 Thomson, Graeme (May 10, 2012). "Paul Buchanan: 'I felt lost after the Blue Nile'". The Guardian.
  4. 1 2 Roberts, Chris. "BBC - Music - Review of Paul Buchanan - Mid Air". BBC Music.
  5. ↑ "The Blue Nile's Paul Joseph Moore: 'We threw away songs that were too perfect'". Irish Independent. Retrieved 2023-01-08.
  6. ↑ "The High Life: Paul Buchanan Interview, Hot Press, 2004". Psychiatry and Songs. June 29, 2019.
  7. 1 2 Verrico, Lisa. "Paul Buchanan". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 2023-01-08.
  8. ↑ Salmon, Ian (April 7, 2020). "The Blue Nile: from A Midnight Train, the magic and heartbreak of Paul Buchanan". Get Into This.
  9. ↑ "Revealed: Scotland's favourite album". The Herald (Glasgow). Retrieved 2023-03-31.
  10. ↑ Kelly, N (29 Jan 2011). "My blue, blue Valentine". Irish Independent.
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