Obit: Liam Clancy RIP (1935-2009)

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: GUEST,mick treacy
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 01:03 PM

Liam, his brothers and tommy makem showed us what we had and what we could do with it they will never be forgotten. I thank you all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: JohnB
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 12:52 PM

May the Road Rise up to meet you man!
JohnB.

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 12:39 PM

What the HELL!

~S~

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 12:38 PM

Last night I put on some later Clancy Bros. (with Lou Killen and with Robbie O'Connell) as I worked to clear out our loft last night. Great music for working and singing along. It brought back memories of traveling with my Dad -- Clancys on the 8-track. Fine old stuff and obviously huge in influence.

So sad to see the generations pass.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Jeri
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 12:15 PM

I have an old vinyl album, The Lark in the Morning that features Makems (Sarah & Tommy) and some Clancys. I remember loving Liam's voice back then, but that voice was always an angel's. I won't talk about the 'heavenly choir' thing because I don't believe it, but I know what the standard would be if it existed.

Condolences to his family,
                            and thanks.

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Declan
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 11:29 AM

Very sad news indeed.

The Clancy's were the people who kick started what became known as the Ballad Boom in Ireland in the late 50's and early 60's. Their success in the US wakened up many Irish people at home to the Irish song tradition and they laid the foundation for the careers of most people who make a living out of Irish music today.

Liam was a great performer, musician and raconteur.

He will be badly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 10:14 AM

It has been a hard year. Enough already!

I really haven't anything to add to what has been well said above.

I will always cherish the spirit and energy with which the Clancy brothers sang their songs.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: kendall
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 08:50 AM

"Too long, a sacrifice can make a stone of the heart...." who else could recite poetry like that? Only Tommy Makem. What a pair, what a loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: scouse
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 08:42 AM

Oh, a great loss to us all. R.I.P. Liam and thanks for all those memories.
As Aye,

Phil.

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Fiolar
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 08:13 AM

Sad. Ar Deis De Le na hAnam.

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Ed Brown
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 07:37 AM

So sad to hear that Liam Clancy has died; so glad that Liam Clancy lived.

Thankful for my good fortune to experience his gifts of music and humor in live concert at least once with Tommy Makem ... in addition to the classic Clancy Brothers records that were part of the soundtrack of my college days.

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: sing4peace
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 07:33 AM

What a great life and what a great heart.
I first heard the Clancey Brothers when my Dad was learning some chanteys and songs for his repertoire at the Black Pearl in Newport, RI back in the sixties. Those songs were very important to our family.

I feel like I lost an uncle.

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: machree01
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 06:35 AM

The last of The Clancy brothers, a true balladeer and never short of a poem.I seen him and Tommy in concert in banbridge early eighties, it was a brilliant night, rest in peace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayOVvGZjZu8

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: MartinRyan
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 04:06 AM

A few years ago I was at a singing session in Nenagh, Tipperary - run by George Henderson of this Mudcat parish, as it happens. Liam dropped in late in the night, on his way from a theatre show IIRC. Things were proceeding placidly enough until George and I started a run of shanties . Liam grinned across at me and said "Now you're talking!", joined in - and the session took off with a vengeance!

Regards

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: nager
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 03:03 AM

RIP Liam, so very sad to hear the news today.

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: alison
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 02:50 AM

what a shame - a great singer and storyteller

Kagan, Kagan, Kagan,
Bring the dory home.

rest in peace Liam

alison

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Ernest
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 02:13 AM

Sad news indeed.

Only heard him live once - introducing the cd "The wild and wasteful ocean" with his son Donal and Robbie O`Connell in a music shop in Dublin while there was a tall ships race going on. The harbour looked probably very much like in the 19th century with all the masts and sails, which added greatly to the atmosphere.

RIP - and blessings to his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Genie
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 01:30 AM

Thanks for the link, Lick.   Such a wonderful singer!   So sad to see him cross over so soon.

I'd say "Rest inpeace," but what I really hope is that he's singing somewhere with those other wonderful voices and musicians that have gone on.

Subject: RE: Obit: Liam Clancy RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: BK Lick
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 12:56 AM

And here's a link to a very lovely video of Liam singing Red is the Rose.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 09:53 PM

Here is a link to the National Public Radio presentation (text and pictures, as well as a listening option).

Subject: Obit: Liam Clancy
From: GUEST,Bill Dunlap
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 09:39 PM

Liam Clancy, the last of the Clancy Brothers, died today at age 74. Here is the link to his obituary in the Irish Times.
Click here

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 09:06 PM

Even though the sad news was not unexpected, it is still a wrench to hear that Liam Clancy has died. I adored his singing and the way he had of putting his heart and soul into every song that he sang, and into every line of poetry that he quoted. He had a wickedly funny sense of humour and was a wonderful storyteller as well.
I can't help smiling when I recall a marvellous impropmtu all-night session in in pub in Miltown Malbay, Co.Clare, many years ago, from which I emerged into the early morning with my ribs aching from laughing at his stories, and my soul enriched by his singing and musicianship. He lives on in the memories of all those whose lives he touched.
Hopefully he is now reunited with his brothers and Tommy Makem and singing up a storm in Heaven.
May he rest in peace. My heartfelt sympathy to his wife, children, and grandchildren on their sad loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 08:41 PM

Damn! All of them gone! But all that great music they left behind!!!

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Janie
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 08:00 PM

NPR's All Things Considered offered a nice retrospective and obituary this evening, and closed it by playing The Parting Glass

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: EBarnacle
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 07:26 PM

This has been a very painful year. I hope he is the last we lose this year.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: GUEST,beachcomber
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 06:02 PM

No matter how expected, this news hits hard. When Liam was unable to attend a Gala showing of the documentary by Alan Gilsenan on his life in the local cinema (GSC Dungarvan, Co.Waterford) recently ,we began to worry in earnest.
God he lived life to the full as he readily admitted had he been "more careful" he might still be there to sing for us and weave his storytelling magic. But, sure he wouldn't have had half as good a life, would he ?
Heartfelt sympathy to his lovely wife Kim and to that marvellous musician, his son Donal.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 05:33 PM

I first heard the Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem through one of their first LP's, back in 1961. A young lady in a record shop in Tacoma, WA, was quite fond of them and had me listen. I had heard Irish music of various kinds, much of it the sentimental faux Irish "Hollywood" variety put out there by Pat O'Brien and others. The sheer energy and fun this group brought to their performances was astonishing and infectious. Before being singers, they were actors, after all.

If they were not doing much of their repetoire in the standard or historic Irish fashion - which was often much slower-paced and frequently sadder, they awakened an interest in the music of Ireland as no one had to that time. Along with the Chieftans, they came to represent The Emerald Isle to legions of people, many of whom had never heard from this treasure trove of song.

Years later I was able to learn more about these performers and, through Liam's writing, their lives before emigrating and the process that led them and others to the pinnacle of folk music in their time.
Now, all are gone. We are the sadder for it, but will always have the recorded joy they left for us. May God hold you - all of you - in the hollow of his hand.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: artbrooks
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 05:25 PM

I'm another who was introduced to Irish music by the Clancys and Tommy Makem...and I just had one of their old albums on in the car. "Too bad" seems so very insufficient.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 04:41 PM

Oh, shit.

Another of the greats gone.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: emjay
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 04:38 PM

So sad. It had begun to seem it would happen soon, but still so sad. I am thankful for all the recordings we have.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: kendall
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 04:30 PM

My Clancy Bros. LPs are even more precious now. RIP great one.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: EnglishFolkfan
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 04:08 PM

Brothers in Song reunited

Reminders of living in late 50's Camden Town with Irish neighbours singing and records playing: Some of the music of my childhood.

Time to watch Folk Hibernia again.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Severn
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 03:12 PM

I grew up on my oldest sister's Clancys records and saw them live many times. A favorite voice I still like to listen to. A great loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 02:53 PM

from RTE News (as linked above)

Liam Clancy dies aged 74
Friday, 4 December 2009 19:37

Legendary singer Liam Clancy has died aged 74.

The singer and musician was the last surviving member of the Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, who were credited with bringing Irish traditional music to a world audience in the 1960s.

He died in hospital this afternoon, surrounded by his wife Kim and two of his children, daughters Siobhan and Fiona.

Mr Clancy had been ill for some time and was admitted to Bon Secours Hospital in Cork in recent weeks.

Born in Carrick on Suir, Liam Clancy was the youngest of 11 children.

As a young man he dreamed of life on the stage, but there was music in his blood too.

In his late teens he met and travelled Ireland with US song collector Diane Hamilton Guggenheim and eventually travelled to the US with her.

His brothers Paddy and Tom had emigrated before him - and along with renowned Armagh singer Tommy Makem - they began performing in New York.

With their trademark Aran jumpers - sent by Mrs Clancy to protect against the hard US winters - The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem played legendary venues such as the White Horse Tavern in New York.

They became international stars following a performance on the Ed Sullivan television show.

The band played a key role in the 60s folk revival - reworking traditional ballads for both an international and an Irish audience.

When the Clancy Brothers later went their separate ways, Liam pursued a solo career in Canada before reuniting with Tommy Makem to form the hugely popular duo Makem and Clancy.

The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem did play together again in the 1980s, and in later years Liam - by now living in Co Waterford - maintained a successful solo career.

The man that Bob Dylan called 'the best ballad singer I've ever heard' died in hospital in Cork early this afternoon.

He is survived by his wife Kim and four children.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 02:22 PM

Sad that he's gone.Glad to have seen him in concert many times.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 02:16 PM

This is really sad. Thanks and may you find rest and peace.

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Gavin Paterson
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 02:15 PM

Unfortunately my music tribute now has a sadder tone.

RIP, The Master.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwjxR6zxROY

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Connacht Rambler
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 02:14 PM

Irish music has lost a great performer.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Maryrrf
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 02:05 PM

RIP Liam. I, like many others, came to 'discover' Irish music through the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. And I still love to listen to their recordings. I have some solo recordings by Liam that I treasure. He was a wonderful ballad singer, and a skilled entertainer. I remember how, at Milwaukee Irish Fest, he had thousands of us singing "Wild Mountain Thyme" together - it was a magical moment where we all felt like one big family. A great soul has passed on.

Subject: RE: Obit: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: GUEST,ajon
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 02:04 PM

the last and greatest link is gone farewell

Subject: RE: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: maeve
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 01:59 PM

He gave us many gifts; it is our task, of mingled joy and sorrow, to pass them along. Thank you.

maeve

Subject: RE: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: skarpi
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 01:54 PM

well this is the way we all go in the end of out time ....
RIP Liam , strange I was listen to Liam on youtupe just last night .

all the best Skarpi

Subject: RE: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Alice
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 01:31 PM

Oh, this is sad news. Such a wonderful legacy. Rest in peace.


Alice

Subject: RE: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Little Hawk
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 01:31 PM

Now there was a man who could sing. His recordings will live on to remind us. Celebrate what he gave.

Subject: RE: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: ard mhacha
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 01:30 PM

Very sad news, a folk music legend,http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1204/clancyl.html

Subject: RE: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Amergin
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 01:30 PM

sigh...he's the reason I started listening to Irish music....another grand voice silenced.

Subject: RE: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 01:28 PM

I guess, due to my age, The Clancy Brothers I remember could not be here forever..... but such memories and music they left us with.

RIP all...........

Subject: RE: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: bgoodak
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 01:26 PM

May the bugles play the Last Post in chorus

Rest in peace

Subject: RE: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: MartinRyan
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 01:20 PM

Confirmed, lest there be any doubt...

Subject: RE: LIAM CLANCY RIP 4 Dec 2009
From: Anne Lister
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 01:16 PM

So very sorry to hear this.