Obit: Christy Hennessy (Nov 2007)

Subject: Obit: Christy Hennessy
From: Shaneo
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 09:34 AM

The death has been announced of one of Ireland's foremost singer-songwriters, Christie Hennessy.

Born in Tralee in Co Kerry, he worked for many years in England and achieved much commercial success following the release of his debut album in 1992.

A statement, posted on his official website, said: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Christie passed away this morning.

"We just want you all to know how much that Christie appreciated your love and support over the years. He will be sadly missed by all."

A renowned songwriter as well as performer, he wrote several songs that became hits for other singers including 'Don't Forget your Shovel', made famous by Christy Moore, and 'All the Lies that You Told Me', recorded by Frances Black.

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy
From: Beer
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 09:44 AM

Sympathies to his family and friends.
Always loved the rendition by Francis Black of All the Lies You Told me.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy
From: Brakn
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 10:24 AM

That is sad news.

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy
From: Peace
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 10:40 AM

Beautiful man, great songwriter, wonderful human.

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy
From: Peace
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 10:48 AM

From the above link:

Biography

Christie's song writing is about life, dreams and the reality of the people in them.
He is never one to go down the easy route of writing a song with good music and empty lyrics. Christie takes you on an emotional awareness that life can also be painful and lonely.

He is a man who writes with honesty and feelings from his heart and soul.
He is the ultimate storyteller of our time.


History:


Christie was born in Tralee, County Kerry; he was the youngest of 9 children.

There was always music in the house. His father played jazz on the accordian, Henry Curtin played drums (Frank Sinatra's drummer), his Mother a great storyteller, sang traditional Irish songs. Neighbours and family members would join in the regular sessions of music and song. (Happy Days)

From these early memories, Christie's influences span from Elvis, Al Johnston, Bill Haley, Fats Domino, Robert Johnston, Mississippi John Hurt to The Beatles and all Musicals.

Christie left school at 11½ (the ½ he says is important). At 15 he went to work on building sites in London by day and played in the R&B clubs by night.

Christie was 23 when he wrote his first song.

"The Green Album" his first, was released in 1972, "The Rehearsal" 1992 (triple platinum), "A Year In The Life" 1993 (quadruple platinum), "Lord of Your Eyes" 1994 (triple platinum), "The Box" 1996 (triple platinum, "This Is As Far As I Go" 1999 (double platinum), "The Definitive Christie Hennessy" 2003, "Stories For Sale" 2005, "The Platinum Collection" 2007.

Christie was discovered by the late John Peel.

Christie composed the theme tune and incidental music for the BBC TV series "Get Well Soon" written by Ray Galton ("Steptoe & Son") and composed and wrote a Musical/Feature film about his native Ireland ("Two Stops to Paradise".


As well as writing Christie has produced two of his own albums with Steve Nye, "The Box" and "This Is As Far As I Go", he solo produced Aled Jones' album "Whenever God Shines His Light".

The following legendary Irish artists all attained their first No.1's covering his songs.

Christy Moore - "Don't Forget Your Shovel"
Frances Black - "All The Lies That You Told Me"
Maire Brennan from Clannad - "Oh Jealous Heart"
Nizlopi attained their first No.1 ("JCB Song") sampling some of Christie's lyrics from "Don't Forget Your Shovel" (Xmas single 2005 - UK & Ireland)

Christie is Patron to the Irish charity "Children in Crossfire". His special focus is on the schools literacy programmes, as Christie is unable to read or write himself. Due to his childhoold years spent roaming the countryside rather than attending school. He suffered from severe dyslexia which was not picked at school.

Following a trip to Kenya with the Charity and spending time in the different villages with the children, Christie wrote a song "A Price For Love". Christie thought it was very important that the lyrics came from what the children would say to us all if they could.
All royalties from this single are being donated to the Charity in perpetuity.

You can find out more about "Children in Crossfire" on their website.

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy
From: GUEST,Tom Ryan
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 12:31 PM

Rest in peace my dear old friend. Tom

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy (Nov 2007)
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 01:54 PM

Terribly sad, I loved his songs. I had the pleasure of seeing him back in about 1993 or so and he was amazing.

Condolences to his family and friends. He's gone too soon.

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 02:22 PM

Very very sad to hear it. His song "Rick's Café" was one of my favourites and deserves to be much better known. It's a loss to the music scene - he'll be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy (Nov 2007)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 02:25 PM

(Why does the thread title say Nov. 2007 ???)

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy (Nov 2007)
From: Shaneo
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 02:36 PM

Somebody altered the title, It simply said, ''obit Christy Hennessy'' when I posted,

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Stephen Faulkner
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 02:53 PM

Had the pleasure of watching Christy perform on stage many times at Market Place Armagh.Excellent singer/song writer and a great storyteller.
Always found him a sincere and friendly person to talk to who would willingly sign autographs and pose for photographs for fans.
Lonely boy and All the lies that you told me were 2 of my favourite Christy songs.
A truly nice man who will be sadly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Vancouver 'Fan" Club
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 01:03 AM

So so sad to hear of Christie's passing. He was such a beautiful person. He will be sadly missed all over the world. His music and lyrics showed us how simple life could be.
Thank you Christie for such wonderful lyrics

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy (Nov 2007)
From: Splott Man
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 03:59 AM

So sad.

I remember him around the folk scene in the south east in the early 70s as a charming Irish hippy with delightful songs and an enviable guitar technique. I was so pleased for him when success came his way. He deserved it.

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy (Nov 2007)
From: Shaneo
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 05:40 AM

interview with Christy

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,machree01
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 01:27 PM

Christie was a Gentle-man, RIP. i like Frances Black singing "All The Lies That You Told Me". that Christie wrote.

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy (Nov 2007)
From: MARINER
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 04:09 PM

Sad indeed ,he seemed a very nice genuine man .Apparently he died from Asbestosis (sp?)picked up from his days working on building sites.

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Kieran
Date: 05 Sep 11 - 07:29 AM

A Celebration of Christy's life will take place in Tralee from 12th to 15th Oct, Organised by his good friend Francie Conway.
See www.holidaytralee.com for details.

Subject: RE: Obit: Christy Hennessy (Nov 2007)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 05 Sep 11 - 07:32 AM

http://www.holidaytralee.com/christyHennessy.html

Thanks for flagging this up, Kieran!