Tommy Potts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tommy Potts
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Portrait drawing of Potts
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| Background information | |
| Born | 1912 The Liberties, Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 1988 |
| Genres | Traditional Irish |
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| Instruments | Fiddle |
| Years active | 1930s–1980s |
| Labels | Claddagh Records |
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Tommy Potts (1912–1988) was a famous Irish fiddle player and composer. He was from Dublin, Ireland. People knew him for his amazing skill in traditional Irish music. Sometimes his name is also spelled Tommie. His music mixed traditional Irish sounds with jazz and classical styles. This made his music very unique.
Tommy Potts only released one album during his life. It was called The Liffey Banks (1972). In 2012, another album was released after he passed away. This album was named Tommie Potts – Traditional Fiddle Music from Dublin. It had old recordings of his music. These recordings came from different places. Some were from tapes he made for a friend in the 1960s. Others were from radio shows in the 1970s. His nephew also had some tapes from the 1980s.
Contents
How Tommy Potts Played Music
Tommy Potts never had formal music lessons. But he could read and write music. This helped him create structured and varied songs. He didn't just make them up as he played.
Music for Listening, Not Just Dancing
One special thing about Potts's style was how he saw traditional Irish music. He thought of it as an art form for listening. It wasn't just for dancing. For example, in his version of "Top it Off," a hop jig, he added extra beats and pauses. This made it hard to dance to. It showed his creative approach to the music.
Tommy Potts's Life and Work
Tommy Potts worked as a firefighter in Dublin. He was based at the Tara Street fire station. In 1936, he was hurt in a big fire. Three other firefighters sadly died in that fire.
Tommy Potts's Lasting Impact
Even though his style was different, Tommy Potts is very important today. He helped Irish folk music grow and change. Many famous musicians say he influenced their music. These include Martin Hayes, Liam O'Connor, Danú, Frankie Gavin, and Paddy Glackin. In 2009, a TV show called Tommy Potts - Cérbh É? was made about him. It explored his life and celebrated his musical talent.
Tommy Potts's Albums
- The Liffey Banks (1972)
- Tommie Potts - Traditional Fiddle Music from Dublin (2012)
Images for kids
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Portrait drawing of Potts
