James Kelly (fiddler) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Kelly
Kelly playing in Miami, 1989
Background information
Native name	Séamus Ó Ceallaigh
Born	1957 Capel Street, Dublin, Ireland
Genres	Folk Traditional Irish
Occupation(s)	Musician composer collector researcher teacher
Instruments	Fiddle
Years active	1971–present
Labels	Claddagh Records Gael Linn Green Linnet Records Rounder Records Shanachie Records Tara Music
Associated acts	Ceoltóirí Laigheann Kinvara Bowhand Patrick Street Planxty
Parent(s)	John Kelly Frances Hilliard

James Kelly (Irish: Séamus Ó Ceallaigh; born in 1957) is a famous Irish fiddler, composer, and teacher from Dublin. He is the son of John Kelly, a well-known fiddler from County Clare. James Kelly has played with many popular music groups, including Patrick Street and Planxty. Music experts have called him "one of the greatest Irish traditional fiddlers alive today" and even "one of the top 10 fiddlers in the world."

Early Life and Musical Roots

James Kelly was born in Capel Street, Dublin, in 1957. He grew up in a very musical family. His father, John Kelly, was a talented fiddle and concertina player. John Kelly was also one of the people who helped start the famous music group Ceoltóirí Chualann. James's mother, Frances Hilliard, was from Shillelagh, County Wicklow.

James was one of five children, and all of them became musicians! James, his brothers Michael and John Jnr, and his sister Marianne all played the fiddle. His brother Anthony played the Irish pipes. James started learning the fiddle from his father when he was just three years old. In 1960, his father bought him a special fiddle that was made in 1812.

A Career in Traditional Irish Music

James Kelly began his music career early, performing and recording for RTÉ (Ireland's national broadcaster) in 1971 when he was only 14. By the age of 16, he won the Fiddler of the Year competition. That same year, he recorded his first album, John & James Kelly: Irish Traditional Fiddle Music, with his brother John.

Playing with Music Groups

James joined the group Ceoltóirí Laigheann, which included his father, Paddy O'Brien, Mary Bergin, and Paddy Glackin. They recorded two albums: The Crooked Road (1973) and The Star Of Munster (1975). The Star Of Munster became very important in Irish music.

In 1978, James moved to the United States. For three years, he toured the US with Paddy O'Brien and Dáithí Sproule in a group called Bowhand. They released two albums, Is It Yourself (1979) and Spring In The Air (1982).

In 1982, James joined the well-known Irish folk group Planxty and played on their 1983 album, Words & Music. He also played on Dolores Keane and John Faulkner's album, Sail Óg Rua, in 1983. James was part of a group called Kinvara with Keane, Faulkner, and Jackie Daly, though they never officially recorded under that name.

Solo Albums and Collaborations

James released his first solo album, Capel Street, in 1989. This album featured many talented musicians playing instruments like bodhrán, piano, guitar, harp, and synthesizer.

He also joined the group Patrick Street for a time. In 1990, he played on their album Irish Times, which included their famous version of "Music for a Found Harmonium". That same year, he performed at the Boston College Irish Fiddle Festival, and his performance was included on the live album My Love Is In America (1991). In 1995, he recorded The Ring Sessions with Zan McLeod.

His second solo album, simply titled James Kelly, came out in 1996. This album featured Paddy Keenan on pipes and Zan McLeod on guitar.

Awards and Compositions

In 2001, James Kelly received the Florida Folk Heritage Award. This award recognized his amazing musical talent. He released his third solo album, Melodic Journeys, in 2004. That same year, Patrick Street's recording of "Music for a Found Harmonium" was featured in the movie Napoleon Dynamite.

In 2006, James received the TG4 Traditional Musician of the Year Award at Gradam Ceoil TG4. This is one of Ireland's most important awards for traditional music.

Besides performing, James Kelly has composed over 800 original tunes! In 2009, he published his first book of compositions, 101 Traditional Irish Dance Tunes Composed by James Kelly, Volume 1. This book includes many types of traditional Irish dances like jigs, reels, hornpipes, and polkas. In 2010, his two albums with Ceoltóirí Laigheann, The Crooked Road and The Star Of Munster, were re-released together as a double CD called Cnuas.

Personal Life

James Kelly moved from Dublin to Miami, Florida, in 1984. There, he met his wife, Eve. They have a son named Timothy and a daughter named Sarah, who also plays the fiddle. For a time, James and Eve owned a gift shop together.

Discography

Awards and Recognition

James Kelly has received several important awards for his contributions to traditional Irish music.

Florida Folklife Program

Gradam Ceoil TG4