Tommy Makem, legendary Irish singer, has died of lung cancer at the age of 74, according to the AP via CNN.Makem was born in Ireland and came to America to work as an actor. He ended up joining the Clancy Brothers and rising to international fame. He sang songs and told stories of Ireland all around the world, with the help of his banjo and tinwhistle.
One of Makem's most famous songs is "Four Green Fields", about a woman whose sons died trying to stop strangers from taking their fields. The song is interpreted by many experts to be a parable, with the "four fields" representing the four provinces of Ireland, Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connacht, and the woman representing Ireland herself.
From the CNN article, The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese said of Makem after his death, "Always the consummate musician, he was also a superb ambassador for the country, and one of whom we will always be proud."
Also, according to his son Conor, Makem was able to visit Ireland last month. He received an honorary degree and also returned to his hometown in Armagh for one last time.
"He had very much wanted to get over there," said his son Conor. "I think he knew it might have been his last time over."
Slán agus beannacht (Goodbye and blessings).
1. I wanted to let you know that on Saturday, August 11, The 2007 ICONS Festival will host a tribute to world-acclaimed Irish Singer Tommy Makem, who passed away earlier this week. The tribute will take place at 8:00 PM at the Abbey Stage on the festival grounds in Canton, Massachusetts.
Makem was originally listed as part of the line-up for the 2007 ICONS Festival, which celebrates the Irish culture through music, dance, literature, sports and much more, but because of poor health, he had to withdraw from the lineup several weeks ago. Now,
noted Irish musician and recording artist Mick Moloney and Irish Echo columnist Earle Hitchner will host the tribute which will feature performances from Irish singers Niamh Parsons, Jimmy Crowley, Heidi Talbot of the group Cherish the Ladies, and Cathy Jordan of the Sligo-based band Dervish.
If you are interested in attending the tribute and the ICONS festival, please visit our website at www.iconsfestival.com for more details.
Posted at 2:33PM on Aug 3rd 2007 by jennifer