Martin Mulvihill facts for kids

Martin Mulvihill was a famous Irish traditional musician. He was also a composer, teacher, and author. Martin was born in Ballygoughlin, County Limerick, Ireland, in 1923. He passed away on July 21, 1987. He created about 25 new tunes in the traditional Irish style.

Early Life and Musical Start

Martin was the youngest of ten children. His mother, Brigid Flynn, played the concertina and fiddle. Even though his mother played, Martin was the only one of her children to become a musician.

He started learning music when he was nine years old. A violin player from a nearby town, Glin, taught him the basics of the fiddle. He also learned how to read and write music. From his mother, he learned the special style of Irish traditional music. He learned many early songs from music books. These included the Roche Collection and O'Neill's 1001. He also learned from other musicians in his area.

Life Changes and New Instruments

In 1940, when Martin was 17, he joined the Irish Army. After he left the army, he played music with Meade's Dance Band in Glin.

In 1951, he moved to Northampton, England. There, he married Olive McEvoy from County Offaly. They had four children together: Brendan, Brian, Gail, and Dawn. Martin kept playing music while in England. He learned to play the button accordion and the piano accordion. The piano accordion became his main instrument for several years.

In 1971, the Mulvihill family moved to New York City. Martin started teaching music lessons part-time. But he became very popular, and teaching quickly became his full-time job. He taught music in many cities. These included Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York. Some of his well-known students include Eileen Ivers, Mary Rafferty, Willie Kelly, and Patrick Clifford.

Awards and Legacy

In 1984, Martin Mulvihill received a special award. It was called a National Heritage Fellowship from the NEA. This award honors people who are masters of traditional arts.

In 1986, he published his own music book. It was called First Collection of Traditional Irish Music.

Martin passed away on July 21, 1987. He was on vacation in County Limerick, Ireland, when he had a heart attack.

All four of Martin's children became musicians. His son, Brendan, is a famous performer and recording artist. He plays traditional Irish fiddle music.

Discography

• Traditional Irish Fiddling from County Limerick (Green Linnet LP/cassette, 1978), with Mick Moloney
• Irish Music: The Living Tradition (Green Linnet LP/cassette, 1978), Martin Mulvihill School
• The Humors of Glin (Global Village cassette, 1986), with Donie O'Sullivan and Gabriel Fitzmaurice