James Byrne (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Byrne
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James Byrne – Glencolumbkille 2 August 2007
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| Background information | |
| Born | 4 January 1946 Gleann Cholm Cille, County Donegal, Ireland |
| Died | 8 November 2008 (aged 62) Gleann Cholm Cille, County Donegal, Ireland |
| Genres | Traditional Irish music Folk |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Fiddle |
| Years active | 1965–2008 |
| Labels | Claddagh Records |
| Associated acts | Tommy Peoples, Altan |
James Byrne (born January 4, 1946 – died November 8, 2008) was a famous Irish farmer and an amazing fiddle player from Donegal, Ireland. Many people called him one of the best fiddle players in all of Ireland.
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About James Byrne
James Byrne was born in a place called Mín na Croise. This area is part of Glencolmcille, a beautiful spot in southwest County Donegal, Ireland. He started playing the fiddle when he was just 8 years old. His first teacher was his own father, John Byrne.
His Unique Fiddle Style
James played the fiddle in the old style of Glencolmcille, Donegal. He was like a bridge between the older musicians from his area and the younger ones. He learned from his neighbors, like the Dohertys, Cassidys, and McConnells. Then, he taught and inspired many young fiddle players in Donegal today.
Bringing Donegal Music to Life
By 1980, many older local musicians had passed away. Donegal's special music was mostly heard in a few local pubs. But at the same time, Irish traditional music was becoming very popular. Bands like Planxty and the Bothy Band were playing it across Ireland, Britain, and America.
A record company called Claddagh Records recorded an album called The Brass Fiddle. It featured James Byrne and other great fiddlers. Later, James released his own solo album, The Road to Glenlough, in 1990. A young band from Donegal, Altan, started playing many of his tunes. They became famous all over the world.
Teaching and Inspiring Musicians
James's fame grew both in Ireland and internationally. Many adults who were learning the Irish language and traditional music discovered him. They met him at music classes held at a college called Oideas Gael.
He taught and inspired musicians from many different countries. He was very important in keeping the rich fiddle traditions of Glencolmcille alive. Today, his family continues this lively tradition. His wife, Connie, and their three children, Merle, Aisling, and Seana, are all talented musicians. Many young local musicians he taught also keep the music going.
James often took part in Ceol sa Ghleann. This is an arts project in Glencolmcille. It includes an annual music festival called Féile Ealaíon Traidsiúnta Ghleann Cholm Cille, held around Easter. They also have a summer fiddle school every July. It's called 'Scoil Samhraidh James Byrne' and is held in his memory.
James was interviewed by BBC Northern Ireland for a show about how Donegal and Scottish fiddle music are connected. He was also interviewed by Michael Robinson for Fiddler Magazine about the Donegal Fiddle tradition. In his later years, James started his own summer fiddle school. He often performed with his partner, Connie Drost, and their daughters, Merle, Aisling, and Séana. All of them are excellent fiddle players.
James Byrne passed away on November 8, 2008. His funeral was attended by many famous Irish musicians. These included the singing champion Rita Gallagher, Dermot Byrne from Altan, the legendary fiddler Tommy Peoples, and Joe Burke.
James Byrne's Music Albums
- The Brass Fiddle: Traditional Fiddle Music From Donegal (featured James Byrne and others)
- The Road to Glenlough (1990)
- Find out more about the music
- Read an album review
- The Beirneach (2018)
- Find out more about the music
