Michael J. Kennedy (melodeon player)

Kennedy plays the jig "Sorry I Am" on melodeon:  Play 

Michael J. Kennedy (1900–1978) was an Irish player of the melodeon (one-row diatonic accordion).

Kennedy was born in Flaskagh Beag in County Galway, and at age 11 took up playing the melodeon. In 1923 he emigrated to Cincinnati in the United States, and spent his career there working for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.[1][2]

Kennedy's instrument of choice was the Hohner 10-button melodeon in the key of G.[2] Despite having emigrated, his lifelong selection of tunes was taken from those he learned in Galway.[1]

The Knoxville, Tennessee branch of the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is named in his honor.[3]

Discography

Sorry I Am
Kennedy plays a jig on his melodeon.

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References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Grey Larsen (11 March 2011). The Essential Guide to Irish Flute and Tin Whistle. Mel Bay Publications. pp. 436–. ISBN 978-1-61065-889-8. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Folklore Forum. Folklore Forum Society. 1996. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  3. Michael Kennedy. Detroit Irish Music Association, 2006