Frances was born in Dublin, and her parents Patty and Kevin were both very musical. Although she was a shy child, she began singing with her older siblings, Shay, Michael, Mary, and Martin, known as The Black Family, when she was 17.

Having gained confidence in her singing abilities, she enhanced her performing skills through joining the band Arcady in 1988. She featured on their album, After the Ball, in 1991. Frances subsequently embarked on a successful collaboration with acclaimed singer-songwriter, Kieran Goss, with whom she released the album, Frances Black and Kieran Goss.

• Irish