With Father’s Day in mind, our columnist writes about her own dad, “a true Irish bard.” I live with a disc jockey. No, not like one you’d find in a dance club, not at all. My jock lives in my head. His repertoire is wide and deep, it ranges through all music genres, and I never know what tune he’s going to spin next. Some days his pick is my first waking thought. Other times … [Read more...] about Sláinte! Music: The Food of Love
Music
An Irish Music Playlist Just in Time for St. Patrick’s Day
By Irish America Staff
From Turlough O'Carolan to The Chieftains, The Cranberries to The Corrs, Ireland has always had a world-wide reputation for musical prowess. As you start planning your St. Patrick's Day celebrations, enjoy this special playlist of Irish music that ranges from traditional Irish songs to more contemporary fare like The Pogues and The Saw Doctors. The 200-song playlist curates the … [Read more...] about An Irish Music Playlist Just in Time for St. Patrick’s Day
Irish American Director to Helm Washington National Opera
Timothy O’Leary (right) has taken the United States opera scene by storm as the recently-appointed general director of the Washington National Opera at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. O’Leary previously worked in New York City as a part of the management at the New York City Opera and was the first managing director of Gotham Chamber … [Read more...] about Irish American Director to Helm Washington National Opera
Redeeming Bing Crosby,
the Voice of Christmas
By Bob Lydon
December 22, 2017
December 22, 2017
Bing Crosby was once considered the greatest crooner of all and his recording of "White Christmas" remains the best-selling single of all time, with an estimated 100 million copies sold world-wide. And yet the distortion of Bing Crosby's accomplishments and reputation has been as remarkable as his career. Here, we debunk many of the myths that have circulated since the singer's … [Read more...] about Redeeming Bing Crosby,
the Voice of Christmas
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
By Thomas Hauser, Contributor
The world has been enriched by many distinctly Irish songs. “Danny Boy” and “MacNamara’s Band” are among the diverse offerings. But no song is more deeply embedded in hearts than “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” The history of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” begins with Chauncey Olcott. Olcott’s mother, Margaret Doyle, was born in Ireland. In the 1840s, when she was eight, her … [Read more...] about When Irish Eyes Are Smiling