Born in the city of Venado Tuerto in Argentina to a British diplomat Colonel Charles John Davison, and an Irish Secretary, Maeve Emily, he took his mother’s maiden name as a stage name.
Given his father’s work, Chris spent most of his childhood moving to different countries, including Malta, Nigeria, and Belgian Congo.
Later, his family finally settled in Bargy Castle, County Wexford, Ireland.
De Burgh attended Marlborough College in Wiltshire and made friends with soon-to-be singer Nick Drake.
The musician graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Master of Arts degree in French, English, and History.
The couple moved to Enniskerry, Ireland, from Dalkey, Dublin, the same year.
They had three children together; two sons, Hubie and Michael, and a daughter named Rosanna.
Their daughter Rosanne Diane Davinson is famous as the winner of the Miss World competition in 2003 for Ireland.
In 1994, while Diane was recovering from the broken neck in hospital, Burgh got into an affair with his children’s 19-year-old Irish nanny, Maresa Morgan.
Chris With His Wife (Source: Extra. i.e.)
Later, the father of three children felt guilty and got back to his wife.
As an interested person in war history, Burgh’s songs contain numerous references to soldiers and battles.
Later, in 2006, he purchased a rare First World War letter written by an unknown soldier.
As a follower of Christ, the musician seeks the power of spiritual healing as an alternative therapy to reduce pain.
Although being vaccinated by Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine, the singer got contracted Covid-19 in August 2021.
Vacations
Chris de Burgh loves going on a vacation to Mauritius. As a matter of fact, he has been going to Mauritius for holidays for more than 15 years.
They reside at the Le Saint Geran Hotel located on a sand-fringed peninsula which was recommended by his friend.
Chris de Burgh in Mauritius (Source: Pinterest)
His first visit to Mauritius was in 1995, and he stayed in this resort to which he is loyal, as he really appreciates the atmosphere and the great Mauritian hospitality.
In 2009, Burgh sang his own creations like ‘Missing You, Don’t Pay The Ferryman,’ ‘High On Mission,’ and of course ‘Lady In Red’ in the very resort.
Moreover, the singer won the hearts and got the guests dancing with the classics ‘Hotel California’, ‘Long Train Running,’ and ‘Hey Jude.’
Chris de Burgh | Charity
Chris de Burgh’s net worth as of February 2025 is a whopping $50 million.
Apart from his expenses on grand residence and lifestyle, he also loves to donate to charities and fundraisers.
In 1987, he appeared in The Grand Knockout Tournament, a charity event that aired on British television and American TV as well.
The event was staged on the lakeside lawn of the Alton Towers stately home and theme park.
Moreover, Chris appeared in the charity single recorded by the two teenage boys in memory of their late mother in 2010.
The song got rocketed in the charts by the presence of the popular and veteran singer Chris de Burgh.
Burgh released Quiet Revolution in 2000, pointing out his beliefs and career.
Likewise, he has published numerous other books in his career, including Into the Light (1986), Lady in Red, Say Goodbye to it All, and A Spaceman Came Travelling.
Chris de Burgh | Career
The professional career of Burgh started to take rise after he signed a contract with A&M Records.
After releasing his first album Far Beyond These Castle Walls, in 1975, the singer got amazing popularity in European and South American nations.
However, he did not get good recognition in UK and US in the 1970s.
Later, in 1982, his album The Getaway made it to the number 30 in the UK and number 42 in the U.S.
The singer got tremendous success after his biggest hit single, “The Lady in Red,” in 1986.
The single reached the top spot in Canada, Ireland, Norway, and the UK.
Chris de Burgh (Source: Heute)
Moreover, the album Into the Light reached the number second in UK charts whereas the 25th in the US chart.
In 2007, a concert in Tehran was planned for mid-2008, together with local band Arian, which would have made Chris de Burgh the first western pop singer to perform in Iran since the 1979 revolution.
However, the government authorities did not allow the concert to happen.
Chris de Burgh was the first Western to play in Lebanon after the Lebanese Civil War.
Later, the singer-songwriter started his own recording label called Ferryman Productions and started to produce music.
On the occasion of his 73rd birthday, on 15 October 2021, Burgh released a music video for his single “Legacy.”
The music video was directed by popular Iranian filmmaker/animator Sam Chegini.
As of February 2025, Chris de Burgh’s net worth is a whopping $50 million.
Three Facts About Chris de Burgh
In 1988, Chris de Burgh won ASCAP Pop Music Awards for Most Performed Song for his single “The Lady in Red.”
The popular singer-songwriter has released 20 studio albums to date.
In 1974, his single “Turning Round” from his debut album Far Beyond These Castle Walls stayed in the top chart of Brazil for 17 consecutive weeks.
FAQs
What music genre is Chris de Burgh?
Chris de Burgh is into the pop genre.
When did Chris de Burgh start singing?
Burgh started singing in 1971 when he moved to London.
Is Chris de Burgh still performing?
Burgh performed on 19 September 2022 at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.