The Nolans
They were the girls next door, who set an entire generation ‘In the Mood for Dancing’ with their perfect pop and coordinated choreography. The Nolan family have managed to remain at the forefront of the entertainment industry for the last six decades.
Dubbed "Ireland's First Family of Music," The Nolans were the first girl group to come out of Ireland and the UK with global chart success. The sister act became household names in the early 1970s and sold 30 million records worldwide, building a fanbase that has spanned generations.
Originally from Dublin, the Nolan family moved to Blackpool, Lancashire, in 1962 due to the high demand for entertainers during the summer season. 'The Singing Nolans' became one of the hottest acts in the seaside town, attracting audiences to hear this unique singing couple alongside their eight doting children performing songs from films and stage shows in perfect harmony. What started as a family cabaret act quickly developed into a polished pop group as the sisters honed their harmonies and stagecraft through years of live performance.
The '70s saw the act grow from strength to strength with the formation of 'The Nolan Sisters,' who held their own West End residency on Drury Lane and appeared on all major primetime TV series, such as The Cliff Richard Show, The Two Ronnies, and The Morecambe & Wise Show, to name a few. During this period, the sisters enjoyed one of their career highlights, touring with their idol, Frank Sinatra, during his European tour in 1975.
Their chart breakthrough came in 1979 with the release of their signature hit, I'm in the Mood for Dancing. The disco-infused anthem became a global smash, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and cementing The Nolans' status as international pop stars. The single remains one of the best-loved songs of its era and continues to feature on feel-good playlists more than four decades later.
Following that success, The Nolans released a string of hit singles and albums that dominated the charts across the UK, Europe, and Asia. Remarkably, they achieved phenomenal popularity in Japan, where they became one of the first Western girl groups to break into the market. Their success included multiple chart-topping singles, prestigious music awards, and extensive sold-out tours. At the height of their fame, they were recognised as one of the top-selling girl groups in the world.
While their music career brought them international acclaim, The Nolans were equally known for their warmth and relatability. Unlike many pop acts of the time, they projected a strong sense of family unity. Their genuine sisterly bond became central to their appeal, resonating with fans who saw not just performers, but a close-knit family sharing their success together.
As the music landscape shifted in the mid-1980s, the group members began exploring individual paths in television, theatre, and media, while still reuniting periodically for special performances and tours. The Nolans hold a Guinness World Record for the most siblings to play the same role in a musical. Sisters Bernie, Denise, Linda, and Maureen Nolan all played the lead role of Mrs Johnstone in the West End musical Blood Brothers between 1998 and 2007.
More recently, renewed interest in nostalgia television saw them break records for the television network Quest Red with their own docuseries, 'The Nolans Go Cruising,' as well as the spin-off series 'At Home with The Nolans.'
Their legacy extends beyond chart statistics. With millions of records sold, international awards, and a catalogue of uplifting, timeless songs, The Nolans remain one of the most beloved girl groups of their era.
