Seán Cannon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Seán Cannon
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Seán Cannon in 2014
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| Background information | |
| Born | 29 November 1940 Galway, Ireland |
| Origin | Galway, Ireland |
| Genres | Irish folk |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, mandola |
| Years active | 1962–present |
| Associated acts | The Dubliners (1982–2012) The Dublin Legends (2013–) The Cannons |
Seán Cannon is a talented musician from Ireland, born on November 29, 1940. He is best known as a guitarist and singer for the famous Irish folk band, The Dubliners. After The Dubliners retired, Seán continued to play with a new group called The Dublin Legends.
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Seán Cannon's Early Life
Seán Cannon was born in Galway, Ireland. When he was young, he traveled a lot around Europe. He explored countries like England, Germany, Switzerland, and Spain. During these trips, Seán learned to speak several different languages. Later, he moved to England. There, he became a well-known solo artist. He performed in almost every folk music club across Britain.
Seán Cannon's Family
Seán Cannon married Pamela Blick, and they had two sons, James and Robert Cannon. They later divorced. Today, Seán Cannon lives in Coventry, United Kingdom.
His father, Jim Cannon, was born in Donegal. He moved to Galway City and married Kathleen Byrne. Kathleen was from Ballinue, Aughrim, Co Galway. Seán still has family living in Ireland. This includes his cousin Martin Byrne in Banagher, Co Offaly, Seamus Byrne in Florencecourt, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, and cousin Tom Forde in Ballinasloe, Co Galway.
Seán Cannon's Music Career
Joining The Gaels
By 1969, Seán Cannon joined a folk group based in England called "The Gaels." This group had three Irish members and one Scottish member. They even released an album together. Seán also released three solo albums on his own during the 1970s.
Performing with The Dubliners
Seán Cannon had known the famous band The Dubliners for many years. Like another musician, Eamonn Campbell, Seán often joined them on stage to perform. In 1980, when their lead singer Luke Kelly became ill, Seán stepped in to help. By 1983, he became a full-time member of The Dubliners.
Seán is famous for singing songs in the Irish language. Some of these songs include "Peggy Lettermore" and "Cill Chais." He is also known for his funny songs sung without instruments, called a cappella songs. Examples include "The Waterford Boys" and "The Sick Note."
Forming The Dublin Legends
In 2012, The Dubliners announced they would stop touring after their 50th Anniversary Tour. Seán Cannon decided to keep playing music. He teamed up with former band members Patsy Watchorn and Eamonn Campbell. Banjo player Gerry O'Connor also joined them. They formed a new group called "The Dublin Legends" and continued to tour.
Solo Work and The Cannons
Even with all the touring, Seán Cannon still finds time for his own solo music. He has performed with Irish songwriter Pat Cooksey. More recently, he has played gigs with his sons, James and Robert Cannon. They call their group "The Cannons." They perform traditional Irish folk music. They also play songs by famous artists like Shane MacGowan, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams.
Seán Cannon's Discography
The Gaels Albums
- The Gaels (Midland Sound, 1969)
Solo Artist Albums
- Woes of War (Mount Recording Studio, 1974)
- The Roving Journeyman (Cottage Records, 1977)
- Erin the Green (Ogham Records, 1979)
The Dubliners Albums
- All albums from 1983 to 2012—see The Dubliners discography
The Dublin Legends Albums
- An Evening with The Dublin Legends: Live in Vienna (2014)
- The Dublin Legends Perform The Dublin Sessions (2016)
- The Dublin Legends Perform The Dublin Sessions Vol. 2 (2017)
The Cannons Albums
- The Cannons (2011)
- Live in Salzgitter, Germany 2015 (double CD, 2016)
Fun Facts About Seán Cannon
Seán Cannon is even mentioned in a song! The Christy Moore song "Lisdoonvarna" includes the line "Seán Cannon Doing Back Stage Cooking." This line refers to a time in the late 1970s. Seán would travel to music festivals with a special caravan. From his caravan, he would sell delicious curry to people backstage.
Fun Facts About Seán
Seán Cannon is even mentioned in the song "Lisdoonvarna" by Christy Moore. The song includes the line "Seán Cannon Doing Back Stage Cooking." This refers to a time in the late 1970s when Seán traveled to music festivals with a special caravan and sold curry!
