The Singing Priest Gets a Record Deal

No surprise:  Fr. Ray Kelly, the “singing priest” from Ireland, has been offered a record deal by Sony and Universal.

His surprise for Chris and Leah O’Kane at the conclusion of their wedding ceremony, a personalized version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, has garnered more than 34 million views on YouTube in only three weeks, catapulting the clergyman to international prominence.

The Irish Times reports today that Fr. Kelly has been offered two separate record deals with Sony and Universal, and is currently negotiating with both labels.

The Times reports:

Ironically, the video was pulled by Sony which has the rights to Leonard Cohen’s music but only when it reached 34 million hits. “The horse had already bolted from the starting rail,” joked Fr Kelly on RTÉ’s John Murray Show.

“It looks like it is going to happen (the record deal). Ninety per cent of people don’t get a break and now, at this stage of my life, it is happening for me. Dreams do come true.”

Father Kelly reported that he’d been invited to weddings all over the world.  He is interested in launching an international music career, but also wants to continue in his ministry.

Here he is singing “Hallelujah” on Ireland’s The Late Late Show.