Joanie Madden facts for kids
Joanie Madden is a famous Irish-American musician. She plays the flute and tin whistle, which are traditional Irish instruments. Joanie is best known as the leader of an amazing all-female music group called Cherish the Ladies. She has also played and recorded music with many other musicians and as a solo artist. Joanie also teaches special music classes and workshops.
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About Joanie Madden
Joanie Madden was born in the Bronx, New York. Her parents were immigrants from Ireland. Her father, Joe Madden, was a champion accordion player and a very respected Irish musician. He was even added to the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Hall of Fame in 1992.
When Joanie was a young child, she started learning music. She took some lessons for the fiddle and piano, but they didn't really interest her. Later, she fell in love with the tin whistle. She even paid for her own lessons with a neighbor, Jack Coen, who was also a famous musician.
Early Music Career
As a teenager, Joanie gained experience playing music with her father's band. She also played with her classmate, Eileen Ivers. In 1983, when Joanie was 18 years old, she won the All-Ireland Championship for both the flute and the tin whistle. This is a very big competition for Irish traditional music.
In 1984, she went back to Ireland to compete again. She became the first American ever to win the Senior All-Ireland Championship for the tin whistle!
Soon after, a musician named Mick Moloney asked her to help organize a concert series. This series would feature women musicians. Joanie suggested the name "Cherish the Ladies." This idea grew into the internationally famous band called Cherish the Ladies, which Joanie has led ever since.
Playing with Other Artists
Since then, Joanie has played and recorded on more than 200 music albums. She is always in demand as a solo artist and recording musician. Most of her work is in Irish traditional music. However, she has also played music for movies. She has performed with many different artists like Sinéad O'Connor, Pete Seeger, Don Henley, Sharon Shannon, The Boston Pops, and many more.
Joanie has recorded three solo albums. Her album Song of the Irish Whistle is the most successful whistle album ever made. It has sold hundreds of thousands of copies! In 2007, Joanie followed in her father's footsteps. She was honored by being added to the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Mid-Atlantic Region Hall of Fame.
Joanie's Unique Flute Choice
Joanie Madden's choice of flute is quite special in Irish traditional music. She plays a Boehm-system flute. This is sometimes called a "classical" or "silver" flute. Most flute players in traditional Irish music use simple wooden flutes.
The classical flute is not usually chosen for this type of music. It can be harder to play certain traditional Irish music techniques on it. For example, some slides are difficult without special keys. However, Joanie has overcome these challenges. She is so skilled that other famous flute players have praised her. Matt Molloy from The Chieftains and James Galway have both said that Joanie Madden is one of the best flutists in Irish music today.
Awards and Special Honors
Joanie Madden has received many important awards and honors:
- In 2011, she received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. This award recognized her amazing music and her support for Irish-American music and culture.
- A street was named after her in her home borough of the Bronx. It is called "Joanie Madden and Cherish the Ladies."
- In 2012, Joanie was named a Fellow of United States Artists.
- In 2021, she received a National Heritage Fellowship. This is awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts. It is the highest honor given by the United States government for folk and traditional arts.
Music Albums
With Cherish the Ladies
- You can find a full list of albums on the Cherish the Ladies page.
As a Solo Artist
- Whistle on the Wind (1994)
- Song of the Irish Whistle (Hearts of Space Records, 1996)
- Song of the Irish Whistle 2 (Hearts of Space Records, 1999)
With Pride of New York
- Pride of New York (2009)
As a Guest Artist
- Sinéad O'Connor – Am I Not Your Girl? (1992); Sean-Nós_Nua (2002)
- Rockapella – Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? (1992)
- Pete Seeger – Pete (1996)
- The Boston Pops – Celtic Album (1998)
- Black 47 – Bittersweet Sixteen (2006)
