John McDermott

John McDermott is an accidental superstar - at least that's how the story goes. McDermott was born in Scotland but emigrated with his parents to Canada in 1965. He led a relatively unremarkable life until early 1990s, when he made an amateur recording of himself singing Celtic favorites for his parents' anniversary party. According to legend, the CD made it into the hands of EMI executive and within months McDermott was signed to a multi-album contract. He's recorded everything from sentimental standards to war veteran tribute albums. McDermott has also teamed up with fellow tenors Ronan Tynan and Anthony Kearns to create the Irish Tenors, a crossover operatic singing group that's the Celtic answer to portly Italian brother group the Three Tenors.