James Galway was born on December 8, 1939, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. His father, a musician himself, introduced Galway to music at an early age. Galway's initial instrument was the piano, but he eventually turned to the flute, encouraged by his teacher, Frederick Purvis.

Galway's professional career began in the late 1950s. He performed with the BBC Northern Ireland Orchestra, the National Philharmonic Orchestra, and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Galway's unique tone and expressive playing style quickly made him a sought-after soloist across Europe.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Galway's popularity soared. He released numerous critically acclaimed recordings, including 'In the Pink' and 'In Ireland.' His collaboration with arranger and producer Tony Osborne resulted in several bestselling albums.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, James Galway has received numerous awards and accolades. He was appointed OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1993 and received a Grammy nomination in 2000. Galway has also been awarded honorary doctorates by the University of Ulster and the University of Edinburgh.

Today, James Galway remains an active performer and educator. He continues to compose and arrange his own music. Galway has also written an autobiography, 'Cheek to Cheek,' and has been the subject of a PBS documentary in the United States.