Michael Coleman (fiddler) facts for kids

Michael Coleman (born January 31, 1891 – died January 4, 1945) was an amazing Irish fiddle player. He came from County Sligo, Ireland. He was a master of the unique "Sligo fiddle style." This style is known for being fast and fancy.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Michael Coleman was born in a small place called Knockgrania. It was near Ballymote in County Sligo, Ireland. His father, James Coleman, was a respected flute player. Michael was one of eight children.

As a child, Michael learned to step dance and play the fiddle. He often performed at local houses. His older brother, Jim, was also a great musician. Michael learned a lot from Uilleann pipers, like Johnny Gorman. Uilleann pipes are a type of bagpipe.

He left school in 1908 when he was 17. Michael entered music competitions in Sligo in 1909 and 1910. He placed third both times. In 1914, he moved to Manchester, England, for a short time.

Moving to America

In October 1914, when he was 23, Michael Coleman sailed to America. He went with his friend John Hunt. He first stayed with his aunt in Lowell, Massachusetts. For a short while, he performed in vaudeville shows. Vaudeville was a popular type of stage entertainment.

In 1917, he moved to New York City. There, he married Marie Fanning, who was from County Monaghan, Ireland. They had one daughter named Mary.

Recording His Music

Between 1921 and 1936, Michael Coleman made many recordings. He recorded about 80 songs on 78-rpm records. These records were for different record labels. Some famous labels included Vocalion Records, Columbia Records, and Victor Records. His music was later re-released by other companies.

Coleman usually played with a pianist. Some of his pianists were Kathleen Brennan and Arthur P. Kenna. On some recordings, he played with a tenor guitar player, Michael "Whitey" Andrews. Other musicians, like flute players Tom Morrison and Michael Walsh, also joined him. In 1940, he made four special recordings for a private collector. His last studio recordings were in 1944, but they were never sold to the public.

Michael Coleman's Unique Style

Michael Coleman was the most famous player of the "Sligo style" of Irish fiddling. This style is known for being fast and lively. It uses many fancy finger movements called "rolls." It also uses quick bowing patterns called "triplets." Coleman was also a great dancer. His daughter, Mary, said he could even dance while playing the fiddle!

Other famous Sligo fiddlers who recorded in New York were James Morrison and Paddy Killoran. While they all played in the Sligo style, Coleman's playing was special. He often changed the melodies of tunes in creative ways. His versions of songs like "The Boys of the Lough" are now standard for Irish fiddle players. Coleman's records were sent to Ireland and England. They greatly influenced new fiddle players there.

His Lasting Impact

Michael Coleman passed away in New York City on January 4, 1945. He is buried in St. Raymond's Cemetery in the Bronx. Even after his death, Coleman's music continues to inspire. Every new generation of fiddle players learns from his recordings. He influenced many famous fiddlers, like Andy McGann and Martin Byrnes.

In 1974, a monument was built to honor him. It is near his birthplace, between Tubbercurry and Gurteen. The Coleman Heritage Centre is also nearby. It's a music archive and a copy of his old home. The monument says:

"Michael Coleman. Master of the fiddle. Saviour of Irish traditional music. Born near this spot in 1891. Died in exile 1945."

In 2015, the U.S. Library of Congress added some of Coleman's recordings to its National Recording Registry. This means his 1922 songs "The Boys of the Lough" and "The Humors of Ennistymon" are now preserved as important historical sounds.

Discography

• Irish Jigs and Reels - Coral 57369 (1961, LP)
• Irish Jigs and Reels - Ace Of Hearts 56 (1961, LP)
• The Musical Glory Of Old Ireland - International Recording Co. 3327 (1967, LP)
• The Heyday Of Michael Coleman - Intrepid Records (5) (1973, LP)
• The Legacy Of Michael Coleman - Shanachie 33002 (1976, LP)
• The Classic Recordings Of Michael Coleman - Shanachie 33006 (1979, LP)
• Michael Coleman 1891-1945: Ireland's Most Influential Traditional Musician of the 20th Century - Viva Voce 004, Viva Voce/Gael-Linn CEFCF 161 (1991, Cassette, 1992/2011, CD)
• The Enduring Magic - Coleman Heritage Center 008 (2004, CD)