Luke Kelly, 17 Nov 1940 - 30 Jan 1984 -Luke's 23rd

Subject: Luke's 23rd
From: LukeKellylives (Chris)
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 10:17 PM

Today marks the twenty-third anniversary of one of the darkest days in Irish music history. The death of Luke Kelly. In honor of the occasion, here's a tribute to him written by me. (I had more...But they were all lost).

Oh, Luke, you were so dear to us, singing all your songs.
As you danced on that glorious stage, for times short and long.
It was like magic when you played your banjo and sang.
Almost as if we were in a trance when you came.

Your voice is unmatched, me boy, no one can come close.
Your wit and energy, Luke, was equal only to songs you chose.
To hear your voice and see you dance, it is a grand ol' sight.
When you sang songs of rebels and their might.

We'll not forget how you showed us what life was about.
Not money, not power, or drinks, these lessons you did shout.
Life is about living and being with ones you love.
Thank you for the days, dear Luke, your time was not enough.

We'll live on without you, lad, I promise that we'll try.
Though the emptiness in our hearts is enough to make us cry.
We'll see you one day soon, when we go your same way.
And we'll talk and laugh as you once did, in the good old days.

This is the song I sing, for you, Luke, me boy.
I sing this out of love and thanks for bringing me such joy.
Joy from the songs you sang, and joy from your free ways.
Thank you, Luke, so much; I hope we meet one day.


Luke Kelly:

November 17, 1940 - January 30, 1984.

Rest in peace, Luke.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: bubblyrat
Date: 31 Jan 07 - 05:21 PM

I liked Luke a lot too,for his energy and enthusiasm ! I seem to remember that there was a rather nice tribute "Lament " with lovely words, on the Dubliners 25 th anniversary double cassette ( long since lost,I fear !! ) -----Did you write that ???

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: LukeKellylives (Chris)
Date: 31 Jan 07 - 07:38 PM

Yeah, I did. I've written a lot about Luke. Truly a legend.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Scrump
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 05:05 AM

I can vaguely remember the tribute song to Luke on that Dubliners' album too. If you wrote it, well done - I think it was set to a traditional tune, wasn't it?

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 05:11 AM

Christ Moore sang the Luke tribute on ' The Late Late Show ' 25 year tribute show, very moving.
It was written by Michael O'Caoimh.

eric

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Scrump
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 05:21 AM

Yes, I remember the song "Luke - A Tribute" was sung by Christy Moore on the Dubliners' 25th Anniversary album, too. I think the tune was traditional, and I can remember how the tune goes, but I can't think what it's called - does anyone know?

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: skipy
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 05:56 AM

Luke Kelly was born on November 17, 1940, into a working class family in Sheriff Street, a quarter of a mile from Dublin's O'Connell Street. His grandmother, who was a McDonald from Scotland, lived with the family until her death in 1953. His father worked all his life in Jacobs biscuit factory and enjoyed playing soccer. Both Luke and his brother Paddy played club GAA football and soccer as kids. In 1953 the Corporation moved the family to Whitehall, then a north city suburb.
Luke left school at 13 and after four years of odd-jobbing went to England in 1958. Working at steel fixing with his brother Paddy on a building site in Wolverhampton, he was sacked after asking for more money. He worked odd jobs from oil barrel cleaning to vacuum salesman.
The first folk club he came across was in Newcastle in early 1960. Having already acquired the use of a banjo, he started memorising songs. In Leeds he brought his banjo to sessions in McReady's pub and was often to be seen at Communist Party headquarters. The folk revival was under way in England: at the centre of it was Ewan McColl who scripted a radio programme called Ballads and Blues. The skiffle craze had also injected a certain energy into folk singing.
Luke started busking. On a trip home he went a fleadh ceoil in Miltown Malbay on the advice of Johnny Moynihan. He listened to recordings of Woodie Guthrie and Pete Seeger. As he sought out the musician in himself, he also developed his political convictions which, as Ronnie Drew pointed out after his death, he stuck to throughout his life. As Ronnie also pointed out, he learned to sing with perfect diction.
He befriended Sean Mulready in Birmingham and lived in his home for a period. A teacher who was run out of his job in Dublin after a Catholic witchunt over his communist beliefs, he also had strong music links. A sister, Kathleen Moynihan was a founder member of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. He was related by marriage to Festy Conlon, the Co Galway whistle player. His wife's brother, Ned Stapleton, taught Luke The Rocky Road to Dublin.
Luke bought his first banjo, a five-string, started a lifelong habit of consummate reading and even took up golf - on one of Birmingham's municipal courses. He got involved in the Jug O'Punch folk club run by Ian Campbell. He befriended Dominick Behan and they performed folk clubs and Irish pubs from London to Glasgow. In London pubs like The Favourite he would hear street singer Margaret Barry and musicians in exile like Roger Sherlock, Seamus Ennis, Bobby Casey and Mairtín Byrnes.
Luke Kelly was by now active in the Connolly Asssociation, a left-wing grouping strongest among the exiles in England. His political development was significant. It gave edge and conviction to his performance and lent weight to The Dubliners' repertoire at a time when the youth in Ireland were breaking away from Civil War 'Tweedledum' politics. He was also to start frequenting Ewan McColl and Peggy Seeger's Singer Club in London.
In 1961 there was a ballad boom in waiting in Ireland. The Abbey Tavern sessions in Howth was the forerunner to sessions in the Hollybrook, Clontarf, the International Bar and the Grafton cinema. Luke Kelly returned to Dublin in 1962. O'Donoghues was already established as a session house and soon Luke was singing with among others Ronnie Drew and Barney McKenna. Other early people playing at O'Donoghues included the Fureys, father and sons, John Keenan and Sean Og McKenna, Johnny Moynihan and Mairtin Byrnes.
A concert John Molloy organised in the Hibernian Hotel led to his Ballad Tour of Ireland with the Ronnie Drew Ballad Group. (Billed in one town as the Ronnie Drew Ballet Group). The success trail led to the Abbey Tavern and the Royal Marine and then to jam-packed sessions in the Embankment, Tallaght. Ciaran Bourke joined the group, followed later by John Sheehan. The called themselves The Dubliners.
In 1964 Luke Kelly left the group for nearly two years and was replaced by Bobby Lynch. With Deirdre O'Connell, founder of the Focus Theatre, whom he was to marry the following year, he went back to London and became involved in Ewan McColl's "gathering." The Critics, as it was called, was formed to explore folk traditions and help young singers. Luke Kelly greatly admired McColl and saw his time with The Critics as an apprenticeship. "It functioned as a kind of self-help group to develop each other's potential," said Peggy Seeger.
Bobby Lynch left The Dubliners and Luke rejoined. They recorded an album in Cecil Sharpe House, London, played the Cambridge Folk Festival and recorded Irish Night Out, a live album with, among other, exiles Margaret Barry, Michael Gorman and Jimmy Powers. They also played a concert in the National Stadium in Dublin with, to Luke's delight, Pete Seeger as special guest.
They were on the road to success: Top Twenty hits with Seven Drunken Nights and Black Velvet Band, the Ed Sullivan Show in 1968 and a tour of New Zealand and Australia. The ballad boom in Ireland was becoming increasingly commercialised with publicans building even larger venues for pay-in performances. Ewan McColl and Peggy Seeger on a visit to Dublin expressed concern to Luke about his drinking.
Christy Moore became a friend after they met in 1967. During his Planxty days he got to know Luke particularly well. "Mind you at that time I think his best singing days were over. I think Luke ran out of steam in The Dubliners as a singer. I've heard tapes of him singing as a younger man and he was wonderful"
Luke took to the stage, surprising many with his performance as King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar. In 1972 The Dubliners themselves performed in Richard's Cork Leg, based on the "incomplete works" of Brendan Behan.
An unlikely alliance with Derry composer Phil Counter produced two of Luke's greatest performances: The Town I Loved So Well and the deeply moving Scorn Not His Simplicity. The latter was about Phil's handicapped son and showed Luke as passionate in caring for the individual's plight as he was about the good of society. He had such respect for the song that he only performed it once for a television recording and rarely, if ever, sang it at The Dubliners' often boisterous concerts.
On June 30, 1980, during a concert in the Cork Opera House Luke Kelly collapsed on stage. He was rushed to hospital and a brain tumor was diagnosed. Following a lengthy operation there was every hope of a full recovery. He performed again with the group but became ill on a tour of Switzerland and had to pull out. He died in hospital on January 30, 1984.
He united Dubliners in their appreciation of their own music and street songs and, years later, when the City Council was divided along Civil War lines over the naming of a new Tolka River bridge, the councillors quickly united as Tony Gregory proposed that it be named after Luke Kelly.
(cut & paste) Skipy

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: LukeKellylives (Chris)
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 07:04 PM

Mine is set to a traditional tune. I set it to Tramps and Hawkers, which is my favorite tune Luke did. Hence why I did it. >.>

But, yeah. The words are mine. I'd never sing a tribute to Luke that didn't come from me personally; it has to have the true meaning to it when I sing it. Something I can only get from what I write about him.

The legend lives on.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Big Phil
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 10:27 PM

LK lives on in his music.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: bubblyrat
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 05:13 AM

Yes,but the one on the Dubliners" album wasn"t T & H, -it was very different & much slower.!!

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Scrump
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 06:00 AM

I'm confused. Who did write the LK tribute sung by Christie Moore on the Dubliners' 25th Anniversary album - was it you LukeKellyLives (Chris) (you seem to claim that above) or Michael O'Caoimh (as claimed by eric the red above)? Or are you/he the same person?

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Shaneo
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 06:35 AM

here is the song that LukeKellyLives[Chris] has written, The link will take you to my site.Chris sent me this song a while back.
The one that Christy Moore sang on the Late Late Show Dubliners tribute was written by Michael O'Caoimh.
There have been many song tributes to Luke and the one I like best is by Pete St.John called 'Luke Kelly's Land'

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Scrump
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 08:27 AM

Thanks Shaneo. I was just confused because bubblyrat said

I seem to remember that there was a rather nice tribute "Lament " with lovely words, on the Dubliners 25 th anniversary double cassette ( long since lost,I fear !! ) -----Did you write that ???

and LukeKellylives (Chris) replied:

Yeah, I did. I've written a lot about Luke. Truly a legend.

Which made me think LukeKellylives (Chris) was claiming authorship of the Michael O'Caoimh song.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: bubblyrat
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 11:23 AM

That"s what totally confused me as well !!

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: LukeKellylives (Chris)
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 07:47 PM

*blinks*

Martin? O_o

Didn't expect you to be on here...Hm.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: paddymac
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 08:09 PM

Luke was also the one who persuaded the Ronnie Drew Ballad Group that they just had to be called "The Dubliners." Luke was reading James Joyce's collection of short stories by the same name at the time, and freely admitted that that was the source of his inspiration.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: GUEST,cnm from Oz.
Date: 30 Mar 07 - 05:42 AM

I have just found this site so hello everyone. I recently returned from my first visit to Ireland and WHAT a COUNTRY!!! I so wish I had been sooner, as I just loved it. My very Irish roots and familiarity with some of the old songs might have had something to do with it, but I was totally unprepared for the effect it had on me. The music was the most wonderful part of all and with some luck picked up a double Dubliners CD. Now I know about Luke kelly and I'm just as big a fan as you all, and couldn't believe he was dead. Such a terrible waste of immense talent.Buying his music over here isn't that easy so I'll have to be brave and find somewhere over there to buy some more videos and music. Thanks for the chat as it is a bit hard to enthuse with the uniniated over here.I so wish I could have seen him performing. We went to see some traditional music in a pub in Dublin and again, by chance, to Doolin. Thank you to those musicians who made my visit so memorable. Thanks to you all, Regards cnm in OZ.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: sexyluke
Date: 13 May 07 - 03:41 PM

yeah its called "Luke"
Thats the song there below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DCtYXQEYoc

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: sexyluke
Date: 13 May 07 - 03:44 PM

Michael O'Caoimh
wrote it,
what chris was saying is he wrote his own tribute
which he typed out the lyrics to,
(which by the way iv heard him singing it its lovely)

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: GUEST,TINA
Date: 13 May 07 - 06:17 PM

HI, I HAVE JUST RECENTLY REALISED WAT A GR8 PERFORMER LUKE KELLY REALLY WAS. A LEGEND. IM A YOUNG WOMAN WHO ALWAZ THOUGHT DANCE MUSIC WAS MY THING, UNTIL A WAS GIVEN A "JOHNNY CASH" CD....NEEDLESS TO SAY IT TURNED ME AROUND THER AND THEN. THEN...BY THE SAME SOURCE I RECIEVED A "LUKE KELLY THE PERFORMER" CD AND I WAS HOOKED. HIS ENERGY, BELIEFS AND MUCH MORE CAME OUT OF HIS MUSIC AND GRABBED EVERY ONCE OF MY ATTENTION THROUGHOUT THE CD UNTIL THE END. AMAZING IRISH MUSIC. HE AND CASH WILL REMAIN MY ULTIMATE FAVE PERFORMERS OF ALL TIME.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 May 07 - 06:32 PM

Tina, there is really no need to shout here, and we seldom use txt slng. Can you speak English?

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: BUTTS
Date: 13 May 07 - 06:43 PM

Hi Sorcha. i apologse for my "shouting".... and my "slang" But is this about IRISH MUSIC and the appreciation of "LUKE KELLY"?????

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: BUTTS
Date: 13 May 07 - 06:55 PM

Hi.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: BUTTS
Date: 13 May 07 - 07:05 PM

Hi Sorcha, im just new to this sie, please be nice.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Declan
Date: 13 May 07 - 07:28 PM

Welcome Butts.

I'm glad that you had such a good time here in Ireland.

Turn off the Caps locka nd spell out your words and I'm sure we'll all get on just fine.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Jim Lad
Date: 13 May 07 - 07:36 PM

Butts: If you're really nice to Sorcha, she'll maybe let you help her with the canoe.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 May 07 - 07:38 PM

Yes, I had a wonderful time in Ireland too, but shouting makes my eyes hurt. And trust me, you don't want to help with the canoe. Might hinder your bodhran playing, smile.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: BUTTS
Date: 13 May 07 - 07:39 PM

Hi Declan. do u like Luke Kelly

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: BUTTS
Date: 13 May 07 - 07:44 PM

Hi, apologies,Raglan Road is a great song dont you think?

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: BUTTS
Date: 13 May 07 - 08:18 PM

Does anyone like Johnny Cash

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Declan
Date: 14 May 07 - 02:08 PM

Lots of people like Johnny Cash. I'm one of them.

As for Luke Kelly I've been listening to him sing for as long as I can remember. Chances are I wouldn't be listening to and taking part in this type of music if it wasn't for Luke and his pals.

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: GUEST,john dillon
Date: 16 Feb 08 - 11:02 AM

I agree with you chris. Tramps and hawkers was the best thing Luke Kelly ever recorded. He was only 23 and every time i listen to it i get a shiver down my spine. The power of his singing is incredible and in my opinion has never been equalled by any singer, in any area of music. Hope someone agrees!

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 02:57 AM

My wife bought me a double CD called 'The Best of Scottish Folk Music '
the odd track out is ' Tramps and Hawkers ' sung by Luke Kelly, the producers thought Lukes version couldn't be bettered, so they put an Irishman on a Scottish CD, thats a pretty good tribute.

eric

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: GUEST,john dillon
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 03:49 AM

cheers eric. its just one of those songs. it would be the one song id take to a desert island with me?
i had a chance to see luke sing before i was really a fan, and didnt go to the gig. it is my biggest regret. Thank God for the recordings he left behind.

john

Subject: RE: Luke's 23rd
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 08:46 PM

It may be in the DT or elsewhere in the forum, but as it features in this thread, here is

LUKE - A TRIBUTE
(Micheál O'Caoimh)

The years have passed, the winds have blown
Since first I saw you there
With feet apart to the music moved
Your bright red curling hair
The spotlights shone in colours bright
Reflecting on your face
The music notes soared sweet and clear
In the spirit of your race

Your songs told tales of peace and joy
Of sorrow and of love
The power and passion of your voice
Soared heavenly above
And from the inner soul and heart
With emotion in each song
You stirred the hearts of many, Luke
When you sang of right and wrong

The humour of those laughing eyes
Was shared in full with all
When you chose the songs to lift the hearts
That filled the music hall
The ecstasy and joy was felt
In chorus, clap and cheer
When the son of Róisín took the stage
The king of balladeers

I saw you sing a thousand times
Ten thousand songs or more
I still can clearly hear your voice
Though your time with us is o'er
For memories are all we have
When we think of you today
Your name we'll always honour, Luke
We're glad you passed this way

As sung by Christy Moore on 'Celebration', the Dubs' anniversary album. The tune is slow, a lament, and might well be taken from some other song.
BTW, the question came up in another thread why the song called him 'the son of Róisín', and someone explained that it had been his mother's name.
I too am sad I never had a chance to hear him live. He was one in a million.

Subject: RE: Luke Kelly, 17 Nov 1940 - 30 Jan 1984 -Luke's 23rd
From: Connacht Rambler
Date: 23 May 09 - 06:46 AM

Just noticed Skipy's neat cut & paste of the Luke Kelly biog. Lacks acknowledgement, so maybe had difficulty pasting the link, which is: Ramblinghouse

Subject: RE: Luke Kelly, 17 Nov 1940 - 30 Jan 1984 -Luke's 23rd
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 23 May 09 - 08:27 AM

There is an excellent biography of Luke by Des Geraghty, who was a Euro MP at the time of writing it in 1994.

Dave H