Paddy O'Brien (musician and author) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paddy O'Brien
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| Born | 13 September 1945 Castlebarnagh, County Offaly, Ireland |
| Occupation | Musician, author |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Citizenship | US |
| Subject | Irish traditional music |
| Notable works | Paddy O'Brien Tune Collection |
| Notable awards | All-Ireland, Oireachtas, TG4 Gradam Ceoil Composer of the Year |
| Spouse | Erin Hart |
Paddy O'Brien (born September 13, 1945) is a famous Irish accordion player and author. He wrote a book called The Road from Castlebarnagh: Growing Up In Irish Music. He also created the Paddy O'Brien Tune Collection, which is a huge collection of Irish traditional music. It was the first time such a collection was published from spoken traditions.
Contents
Paddy O'Brien's Life and Musical Journey
Paddy O'Brien was born in a small place called Castlebarnagh in County Offaly, Ireland. His parents, Christopher and Molly O'Brien, had a small farm. Paddy went to school in Daingean and Tullamore. From a young age, he loved traditional music. He played in many competitions and even appeared on television in Ireland.
In 1969, Paddy moved to Dublin. There, he became a big part of the Irish traditional music scene. He is known for collecting Irish traditional music. Over 60 years, he has gathered more than 3,000 different tunes. These include jigs, reels, hornpipes, and marches. Many of these tunes are very rare.
Becoming a Champion Musician
Paddy O'Brien won the Oireachtas competition four times. This is a big traditional music festival in Ireland. In 1975, he won the All-Ireland senior accordion champion title. In Ireland, he played and recorded music with popular groups like the Castle Ceili Band and Ceoltoiri Laighean.
Playing Music Around the World
In 1978, Paddy O'Brien started playing and recording music in the United States. He performed in many cities like Washington D.C., Saint Louis, and New York. He has released several recordings with Shanachie Records. In 1988, he released his first solo album, "Stranger at the Gate." His second solo album, "Mixing the Punch," came out in 2011.
Paddy has also taught music at many famous events. These include the Swannanoa Gathering and the Willie Clancy Summer School. He has also helped young musicians learn through the Minnesota State Arts Board. He has toured with many other talented Irish musicians. He has played concerts and festivals in North America, Ireland, and Europe. In 2007, he even played Irish traditional music for audiences in Moscow, Russia.
Creating the Tune Collection
In 1994, Paddy started a huge project. He wanted to record and gather information on 500 jigs and reels. This led to The Paddy O'Brien Tune Collection, Volume One. In 2011, he released Volume Two, with another 500 tunes. A third volume, also with 500 tunes, was released in 2013. These books are a treasure for anyone who loves Irish traditional music.
Today, Paddy O'Brien still tours and plays music. He performs alone and with his trio, Chulrua. He also plays with his seven-piece group, O'Rourke's Feast. He lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with his wife, Erin Hart.
Paddy O'Brien's Awards and Recognition
Paddy O'Brien has received many awards for his musical talent. Here are some of his main achievements:
- 1969: First place in Solo Accordion and Céilí Band at Oireachtas.
- 1970: First Place in Solo Accordion at Oireachtas.
- 1973: First Place in Solo Accordion at Oireachtas.
- 1975: First Place in Senior Accordion at Fleadh Cheoil (All-Ireland).
- 1975: First place in Trio with Joe Ryan and Micheál Ó hAlmhain at Fleadh Cheoil.
- 1977: First place in Solo Accordion and Duet with Joe Ryan at Oireachtas.
- 1989, 1993, 1996, 1998, 2013: Recognized as a Master Artist by the Minnesota State Arts Board.
- 2010: Received the Lifetime Achievement award from the Irish Music & Dance Association.
- 2012: Named Composer of the Year (Cumadóir) at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil (Irish Traditional Music Awards).
Paddy O'Brien's Books and Publications
Paddy O'Brien has shared his knowledge and music through several publications:
- Dal gCais, Journal of Clare (1993): This journal included poems he wrote about famous musicians Willie Clancy and Seamus Ennis.
- Paddy O'Brien Tune Collection: Volume One (1995): His first big collection of tunes.
- Paddy O'Brien Tune Collection: Volume Two (2011): The second volume of his tune collection.
- The Road from Castlebarnagh: Growing Up In Irish Music (2012): His memoir, telling the story of his life in Irish music.
