Q. What do Bob Marley and U2 have in Common? A. Chris Blackwell The founder of Island Records talks to Marilyn Cole Lownes about his Irish Jamaican heritage, U2, and his life in the music business. It's no coincidence that the man who made Jamaican singer Bob Marley a cultural icon also made U2, the rock band from Dublin, an international phenomenon. Chris Blackwell, the … [Read more...] about Island Man
Issues
Quote/Unquote Fall 2023
"I have said repeatedly that there should be a humanitarian ceasefire to meet the urgent basic needs of the people in Gaza."It is essential that humanitarian relief is provided to those who need it. "This funding from Ireland will help the UN and others provide essential support to extremely vulnerable people, in particular those in Gaza who are dealing with acute and severe … [Read more...] about Quote/Unquote Fall 2023
Non Sanctorum in Hibernia
By Rosemary Rogers
No Irish saint has been canonized for over 700 years - 1225 to 1975, Why? The great St. Lawrence O’Toole was canonized by the Vatican in 1225, and there has been only one Irish saint, Oliver Plunkett, canonized since then, almost eight centuries – 766 years to be exact. It’s an extraordinary fact considering that Ireland, the land of “Saints and Scholars,” was arguably the … [Read more...] about Non Sanctorum in Hibernia
Those We Lost: From a Legend in Philanthropy to a Legend of Music
Charles "Chuck" Feeney 1931-2023 Billionaire philanthropist and member of the Irish America Hall of Fame Chuck Feeney died in October, aged 92. A wildly successful entrepreneur, Feeney’s work ethic was equaled only by his goodwill. Combining the two, he founded and funded philanthropic organizations to distribute nearly all the fruits of his labors during his lifetime to … [Read more...] about Those We Lost: From a Legend in Philanthropy to a Legend of Music
How Name Changing Hid a Heritage
By Megan Smolenyak
Barry Manilow. Yes, I know, most think of him as a Jewish fellow from Brooklyn – and he is. But he’s also a quarter Irish, and due to certain circumstances in his family, that Irish share has had a disproportionate influence on his family tree. - Megan Smolenyak Name Changing Though he wouldn’t have known it, when Barry changed surnames, he was the third generation … [Read more...] about How Name Changing Hid a Heritage