Denis Ryan (singer)
Denis Ryan is an Irish-Canadian folk musician, best known as a member of the popular Irish-Newfoundland band trio Ryan's Fancy, and as a singer and tin whistle player.
Biography
Ryan was born in Newport, County Tipperary, Ireland. He emigrated to Canada in the 1960s. In 1971, with Fergus O'Byrne and Dermot O'Reilly he formed the folk band Ryan's Fancy.
In 1983 the group disbanded and Ryan moved to Halifax, Canada where he became employed in the investment business. In the late 1980s, he became the proprietor of Highland Classic Beer, which became popular in eastern Nova Scotia for a short time. He also owned a bar in Halifax.
However he remained in music, releasing two solo albums and hosting the CBC Television show "Up on the Roof"
In 1994 he received an Honorary degree, Doctor of Letters, from St. Mary's University in Halifax.
Over the years he has given a lot of his time acting as emcee for many charitable functions. And he continues to help create awareness and fund raising for organisations such as the D'Arcy McGee Chair of Irish Studies at St. Mary's University. His latest recording was "Newport Town" with his first cousin Denis Carey.
Discography
Solo
- Mist Covered Mountains
- Here and There
- Let Me Fish Off Cape St.Mary's
- Newport Town with Denis Carey.