Dáithí Sproule facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daithí Sproule
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Dáithí Sproule in concert
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| Background information | |
| Born | 23 May 1950 |
| Origin | Derry, Northern Ireland |
| Genres | Irish traditional, folk |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, musician, record producer |
| Years active | 1968–present |
Dáithí Sproule (born May 23, 1950) is a talented guitarist and singer. He is famous for playing traditional Irish music. He is also the grandson of Frank Carney, a politician, and the uncle of singer Claire Sproule.
Contents
About Dáithí Sproule
Dáithí Sproule grew up in Derry, Northern Ireland. When he was 18, he moved to Dublin for university. As a teenager, he enjoyed listening to many types of music. This included Bob Dylan, the Beatles, British folk songs, and traditional Irish music.
Early Music Career
In Dublin, Dáithí joined the lively music scene. He had met the Ó Domhnaill family during trips to Rann na Feirste. This is a Gaeltacht area in County Donegal, where people speak Irish. In Dublin, they formed a band called Skara Brae. This group had a big impact on traditional Irish music.
Guitar Style and Altan
Dáithí is well-known for his guitar playing. He was one of the first guitarists to use a special tuning called DADGAD for Irish music. Another musician, Davy Graham, first created this tuning. Dáithí said that DADGAD "instantly gelled with Irish music." It helped him play along with other musicians.
In 1992, he joined the famous Irish band Altan. He sings and plays guitar with them. The Rough Guide to Irish Music called him "a seminal figure in Irish music." This means he is a very important person in the world of Irish music.
Teaching and Other Projects
Besides Altan, Dáithí is part of other bands too. He has also released his own solo albums. He teaches DADGAD guitar and traditional songs. You can learn from him at the Center for Irish Music in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Music Albums
Dáithí Sproule has released many albums. These include his solo work and collaborations with other musicians.
Solo Albums
- The Crow in the Sun (2007)
- Lost River, Vol. 1 (2011)
- A Heart Made of Glass (1995)
With Altan
Dáithí has recorded many albums with the band Altan.
Other Bands and Collaborations
Dáithí has played with many other talented musicians. Here are some of the bands and albums he has been a part of:
- Bright and Early (with Paddy O'Brien and Nathan Gourley - 2015)
- From Uig to Duluth (with Laura MacKenzie and Andrea Stern - 2014)
- The Pinery (with Laura MacKenzie – 2009)
- Fingal (with Randal Bays and James Keane – 2008)
- Snug in the Blanket (with Jamie Gans and Paddy O'Brien – 2004)
- Trian II (with Liz Carroll and Billy McComiskey – 1995)
- Trian (with Liz Carroll and Billy McComiskey – 1992)
- Stranger at the Gate (with Paddy O'Brien – 1988)
- The Iron Man (with Tommy Peoples – 1984)
- Spring in the Air (with James Kelly and Paddy O'Brien – 1981)
- Is it Yourself? (with James Kelly and Paddy O'Brien – 1979)
- Skara Brae (Skara Brae – 1971)
