Tom Clancy (singer)
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Tom Clancy (October 29, 1924 - November 7, 1990) was a member of the Irish folk singing group The Clancy Brothers.
Some may say he had the most powerful voice of the three brothers, a voice he initially used in his earlier career as an actor, appearing in numerous stage productions, including an appearance with Orson Welles in King Lear.
Much of his earlier life was entwined with that of his older brother Patrick Clancy; both men were born in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, and later served in the Royal Air Force during World War II (Tom served in Europe and North Africa), despite having been members of the Irish Republican Army several years earlier.
In 1947 Tom journeyed to Canada with Pat. Together they moved to Cleveland, Ohio to stay with relatives. They attempted to move to California, but their car broke down, and they decided on New York City instead, where the found work as actors. In 1955 their younger brother Liam Clancy immigrated to New York, and teamed up with Tommy Makem. Tommy had met Liam in Ireland, and the two vowed to find each other in America. After an unfortunate accident that injured Tommy's hand, he decided to leave Dover, New Hampsire and head to New York. The two began singing together, and were soon joined by Pat and Tom. Thus, they formed The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.
The group achieved success in America, and they performed together for about eight years until Makem left the group in 1969. Throughout various lineups, Tom continued performing with The Clancy Brothers until his death 7 November 1990, in Cork City, County Cork. His last recording took place in 1988 with Robbie O'Connell, Bobby Clancy, and Paddy Clancy at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire. Unfotunatly, it was recorded on DAT, which does not allow for any mixing after the recording. Therefore, a potentially great concert recording is marred by uneven instruments and voices. However, Tom Clancy's legacy still lives on in Clancy Brothers recordings which are finding their way into the hands of the next generation of musicians.
[edit] Guest recordings
- 1956 - The Countess Cathleen - Tradition LP
- 1980 - Seamus Kennedy: Raise Your Weary Hearts - Gransha LP
*This is his only known outside solo effort
- Other recordings can be found with The Clancy Brothers discography
