1980 “What’s another Year” Singer
1987 “Hold Me Now” Composer & Singer
1992 “Why Me” Composer
Johnny Logan receives Honorary Doctorate
Johnny Logan receives Honorary Doctorate from Rushford Business School Geneva in cooperation with Longford International College in Dublin/Ireland.
On June 23, 2025, Johnny Logan was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Philosophy at Longford International College in cooperation with the Rushford Business School Geneva in Dublin. The Faculty of Philosophy honored him for his exceptional achievements as an artist and his role in representing Irish culture and music on the world stage. With numerous high-quality songs and albums, Logan has left a lasting mark on the music industry.
In addition to his musical success, he has supported various autism research projects – both financially and ideologically. This commitment was a key reason for his nomination for the honorary degree. The diploma was presented to him by Professor Vincent English, FRSA, Professor of Strategic Management at Uninettuno University in Rome, a researcher in AI and online learning at the University of Cambridge, and CEO of Vernier Europe. He is also actively involved in education policy in Europe.
In his acceptance speech, Johnny Logan shared how deeply honored he felt: “It is a great honor for me to accept this honorary doctorate. My life’s journey was never lined with academic laurels – honestly, I was a rather poor student. But music and culture have always been my faithful companions, my calling. To now receive such significant recognition for this life’s work fills me with the deepest gratitude. My parents and my two brothers would undoubtedly be proud to see me here today as an honorary doctor. I imagine them looking down at me, full of appreciation for the path I have taken. And so I accept this honor not only for myself, but also for them and for all those who believe in the power of art – who believe that passion, dedication, and tireless work can create a legacy just as meaningful as academic achievements, that true art and culture possess their own form of excellence – one that touches the hearts of people and often endures for generations.”
Johnny Logan’s musical journey is closely tied to the Eurovision Song Contest. Born in 1954 in Melbourne as Sean Patrick Michael Sherrard, he grew up in Ireland. His father, Patrick O’Hagan, was a celebrated Irish tenor who performed at the White House for three U.S. presidents. As a teen, Logan began writing songs and performing with his father while on tour in Australia and New Zealand.
His big break came in 1980 when, at age 25, he won Eurovision in The Hague with What’s Another Year. In 1987, he returned to win again in Brussels with Hold Me Now, which he composed himself. The song reached No. 2 in the UK charts and sold over six million copies worldwide.
In 1992, he won Eurovision a third time – this time as the songwriter of Why Me, performed by Linda Martin. Logan is the only artist to have won the contest three times.
He appeared eleven times on Top of the Pops and continues to perform in over 40 television shows a year across Europe. Over the years, he has sung for Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth II, and other European heads of state, and shared the stage with stars such as Montserrat Caballé, Helen Shapiro, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2024, he performed Euphoria at the Eurovision semifinal in Malmö. On New Year’s Eve 2025, he sang live at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate to an audience of over 100 million TV viewers.
Currently, Johnny Logan is working on a new album, with eight songs already completed, including the title track for an upcoming animated film. Several more projects are scheduled for release before the end of 2025. Even after 45 years in the spotlight, Logan has stayed true to his art – with platinum records, sold-out tours, and fans across generations.
Munich, 24.06.2025
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It Is What It Is
Album (CD) released 2017
Tracklisting: It Is What It Is, Addiction, Forever And A Day, When The Band Begin To Play, Let The River Flow, Full Moon Over Berlin, House Of Lucille, Ordinary Man, Just For You, The Letter, Release The Rhythm, Irishman In America