Liam Clancy 1935-2009

He died as a result of pulmonary fibrosis – the medical term for scarring of the lung. He was aged 74.

Described by Bob Dylan as the greatest ballad singer of them all, Clancy was a legend in Irish music.

Coming from Carick-On-Suir in Tipperary, Liam emigrated to the US in 1956 and along with his brothers Paddy, Bobby and Tom, became involved in the theatrical scene in New York.

He first emerged as a star as part of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, who played the hugely influential Ed Sullivan Show in 1961 – and never looked back. They became a huge succcess in the US singing raucous Irish rebel songs and emotional ballads – and returned to Ireland as stars. On the Ed Sullivan Show they had worn bawneen jumpers – or Aran sweaters – which became their trademark stage gear for many years afterwards.

Liam was the youngest and last-surviving member of the group. All of the group died relatively young: Tom at 66, Paddy at 76, Bobby at 75 and Tommy Makem at 74.

Regarded by many as the finest singer in the Clancys, Liam also enjoyed a very successful solo career, which highlighted his unique delivery of songs and his extraordinary interpretative ability.

“He was a wonderful singer,” Niall Stokes, Editor of Hot Press said. “There was a richness to his voice which was amazing, and a clarity of diction and enunciation which came from his grounding in theatre. To hear Liam Clancy sing was to a fantastic privilege. His passing will be greatly mourned by anyone with a love of, or a feel for, Irish folk music. But his marvellous legacy will live on.”

The film The Yellow Bittern, directed by Alan Gilsenan, and released in 2009, is a fine tribute to one of the great legends of Irish music. Liam’s last album The Wheels of Life was released late in 2008 and was voted the No.2 album in the Hot Press Folk Albums of the Year in the latest issue of the magazine, which hit the newstands yesterday.

“I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Liam Clancy. I know he had been ill for a little while, but news like this still comes as a shock,” Darren Holden of The High Kings said on hearing the news. “Liam Clancy, along with his brothers, kicked-open a very important door for Irish music and artists in the USA. That door remains open today for countless singers from our country and indeed The High Kings, which features Liam’s nephew, Finbarr.

“I talked to Finbarr a little while ago from New York and he is overwhelmed by the amount of calls and messages of sympathy that the family have received. Liam Clancy was a legend, a poet and musical diplomat, the likes of which will never be seen again.”

Thew Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen also paid tribute.

“Liam Clancy was a nationally and internationally renowned folk singer and was an example of an absolutely dedicated artistic craftsman,” the Minister said. ”This generous and life-giving person enriched all of our lives with memorable songs and was part of the fabric of Ireland’s proud traditional music culture.

“Universally known as a folk singer, Liam – as both a soloist and as a member of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem – greatly enhanced the reputation of Ireland and Irish music. Their performances during the folk music revival era set them apart from others, particularly in the States and Liam’s superb singing, warm voice and gift for communicating in a unique story telling style with his audience, attracted the appreciation and admiration of people everywhere.

“It was always so obvious with Liam Clancy that he loved what he was doing and his very presence made you feel welcome. People in An Rinn in Waterford, in Carrick-on-Suir and around the world, will mourn his passing. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, his children and extended family at this very sad time.”

Hot Press also extends its most heartfelt condolences to Liam’s family and friends. The world has lost a great artist. RIP.