Post by I-H-F on Dec 10, 2009 13:37:52 GMT
I was sad to hear of the death of legendary folk singer Liam Clancy, who passed away on the 4th December, aged 74.
I didn't really appreciate the music of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem until the last couple of years. When I was younger, my parents had some of their records and would play them regularly. I suppose they looked "uncool" to me when I was a kid, mainly due to their banjoes and Aran sweaters.
Along with Co. Armagh born Tommy Makem, The Clancy Brothers became international stars after their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 1960s. This led to international tours and concerts at such venues as Carnegie Hall and The Royal Abert Hall.
They brought Irish folk music to an international audience. At one stage, they were even outselling the Beatles. Bob Dylan, a friend of Liam's, regarded him as the "greatest ballad singer ever".
Liam later became a solo artist, before reuniting with Tommy Makem, to form a popular duo. He was the last member of the band to pass away, after his brothers Tom (1990), Patrick (1998) and Tommy Makem (2007). I don't think we'll see the likes of him, or the band, again.
RIP Liam.
I didn't really appreciate the music of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem until the last couple of years. When I was younger, my parents had some of their records and would play them regularly. I suppose they looked "uncool" to me when I was a kid, mainly due to their banjoes and Aran sweaters.
Along with Co. Armagh born Tommy Makem, The Clancy Brothers became international stars after their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 1960s. This led to international tours and concerts at such venues as Carnegie Hall and The Royal Abert Hall.
They brought Irish folk music to an international audience. At one stage, they were even outselling the Beatles. Bob Dylan, a friend of Liam's, regarded him as the "greatest ballad singer ever".
Liam later became a solo artist, before reuniting with Tommy Makem, to form a popular duo. He was the last member of the band to pass away, after his brothers Tom (1990), Patrick (1998) and Tommy Makem (2007). I don't think we'll see the likes of him, or the band, again.
RIP Liam.
