Jim McCann (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim McCann
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McCann, 2015
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| Background information | |
| Born | 26 October 1944 |
| Origin | Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 5 March 2015 (aged 70) |
| Genres | Folk |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1964–2015 |
| Associated acts | The Dubliners, The Ludlows |
James McCann (born October 26, 1944 – died March 5, 2015) was a famous Irish singer and folk musician. He was known for his solo music. Jim McCann was also a member of the popular folk group The Dubliners for several years. He joined them from 1974 to 1979. Later, he performed with them again in 2002 and for their 50th anniversary tour in 2012.
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Jim McCann's Early Days in Music
When Jim McCann was a young man, he studied medicine at University College Dublin. But during a summer holiday in Birmingham in 1964, he discovered folk music. He loved it so much that he started performing in local folk clubs.
When he returned to Dublin, he joined a group called the Ludlow Trio in 1965. The very next year, the Ludlow Trio had a huge hit song. Their song "The Sea Around Us" went all the way to number one in Ireland!
Starting a Solo Career
The Ludlow Trio broke up in 1967. After that, Jim McCann started his own solo music career. He released his first album, called McCann. He also appeared on many folk music TV shows for Telefis Éireann (now RTÉ).
For the next few years, Jim did many different things. He acted in plays, starting with "Gaels of Laughter" in 1968. He also toured all over Ireland and Britain, sharing his music. He released another album, McCanned, and had his own TV special called Reflections of Jim McCann. He even hosted a TV series called The McCann Man.
Joining The Dubliners
It was on his TV show, The McCann Man, that Jim met Luke Kelly. Luke was a member of The Dubliners, another famous folk group. Luke Kelly performed a special song called "Scorn Not His Simplicity" on Jim's show. It was one of the few times he ever sang that song on TV.
Becoming a Permanent Member
In 1973, Jim McCann and Luke Kelly performed together in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. Jim played the role of Peter. In April 1974, Luke Kelly asked Jim to join The Dubliners. This was meant to be a temporary job. Jim was filling in for Ciarán Bourke, who was ill.
But Jim soon became a permanent member of the group. This happened when Ronnie Drew left The Dubliners to start his own solo career. Jim McCann stayed with The Dubliners until the end of 1979. During this time, he toured constantly and recorded several albums with the group.
He later rejoined The Dubliners for special events. He performed with them in 2002 for their 40th anniversary tour. He also joined them at Vicar Street in 2012 for their 50th anniversary celebration.
Later Years and Health Challenges
After leaving The Dubliners, Jim McCann continued his solo music career. He performed, toured, and recorded new music. He appeared on many TV shows, especially on RTÉ. He had success with albums like From Clare to Here and popular songs like "Grace".
In 2002, Jim rejoined The Dubliners for their 40th anniversary album. However, during the tour that followed, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. He received treatment, and it was successful. But the illness damaged his voice, and he could no longer sing.
Even though he couldn't sing, Jim still worked with The Dubliners. He took photographs for them. He also acted as a host for their concerts. Sometimes, he would even play the guitar. During The Dubliners' very last concert in December 2012, he performed with them as a guitarist.
Jim McCann passed away on March 5, 2015. His family announced his death. He had been dealing with his health challenges for some time.
Jim McCann's Music and Performances
Jim McCann had a long and successful career in music and entertainment. He released many albums as a solo artist. He also appeared in several TV specials and series.
Solo Albums
- McCann (1967)
- McCanned (1972)
- Live at the National Stadium (1982)
- Jim McCann (1980)
- Grace & Other Irish Love Songs (1996)
- From Tara to Here (1999)
- Greatest Hits (1999)
- The Collection (2001)
- Live at the Skagen Festival (2002)
- By Request (2003)
- Ireland's Greatest Love Songs (2003)
- Seems Like a Long Time: A Jim McCann Retrospective (2004)
- Live 2008 (2008)
- The Best of Jim McCann (2015)
TV Shows and Specials
- Reflections of Jim McCann – A TV special about him.
- The McCann Man – His own TV series.
- Festival Folk – A TV special where he performed.
- My Ireland – Another TV special.
- McCann & McTell – A TV special featuring Jim and Ralph McTell.
Theatre Roles
- Gaels of Laughter (1968)
- Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) – He played Peter.
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat – He was the Narrator.
