The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem exploded onto the world stage when they took the Ed Sullivan Show by storm. They have since inspired generations of singers, musicians, and songwriters, from Bob Dylan to Damien Dempsey, and their music lives on as new generations of folk singers take to the stage. The Clancy Brothers Music and Arts Festival honours the tradition, melody, balladry and artistry of the world famous Carrick-on-Suir natives.
The Clancy Brothers were an influential Irish folk group. Most popular in the 1960s, they were famed for their trademark Aran Jumpers and are widely credited with popularising Irish traditional music in the United States and revitalising it in Ireland.
The Clancy Brothers are best known for their work with Tommy Makem, recording almost two dozen albums together. The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem significantly influenced the young Bob Dylan and other emerging artists, including Christy Moore and Paul Brady.
The turning point in the group’s rise to fame came in 1961 when they were signed to play two songs on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’. However, singer Pearl Bailey did not show up, so The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem were given her slot too, ending up with an unprecedented 20 minutes of airtime.
It is impossible to pass Carrick-on-Suir today and not go into town and find the Clancys’ childhood home on William Street. As you can see, it is adorned with a simple plaque which says all that needs to be said.
Over the June bank Holiday weekend, annually the town of Carrick-on-Suir is transformed into a haven for local & visiting artists, performers and cultural enthusiasts as it hosts its annual Clancy Brothers Music and Arts Festival. The Festival honours the musical legacy of the world famous group. See some Clancy Brothers film HERE.
Video from CR’s Video Vaults
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