Hi all,
I’m putting together a list of classic albums by women traditional musicians from the 1950s-1970s that were widely distributed and emulated. Albums like Mary Bergin’s Feadóga Stáin (1979), Kathleen Collin’s Traditional Music of Ireland (1976). Anyone got any suggestions for what else to include on the list?
Thanks a million!
When you said ‘early recordings’ I thought you’d at least be looking at Kathleen Harrington, Lizzie Crotty, Julia Clifford, Mrs Murphy or Ellen Galvin’ generations. 1980s early, god I am feeling old now.
Apparently the 1980s didn’t even make it into the request, so I guess that leaves out Peg McGrath, Eithne Ni Uallachain, etc.
Since the LP (“album”, as specified in the original request) didn’t really successfully make it into distribution until 1948, I suppose early recordings would have to be 50’s through '70s.
I thought Julia Clifford right away, too. Oi, I’m ancient!
When did Peg McGrath and friends make their “Cherish the Ladies” recording?
1981 or 82.
I guess the EP that Aggie Whyte and Peadar O’Loughlin would count? Maybe even Bridie Lafferty’s piano playing with Hayes and Canny 
I believe Liz Carroll recorded a couple of LPs for Shanachie during the 1970s, one with a box player and one solo.
Antoinette McKenna had several releases in the 70s with Joe. And of course Tríona Ní Dhomnaill on clavinet with the Bothy Band.
I don’t know … 1980 seems like a pretty arbitrary cut-off date to me. It doesn’t correspond organically and objectively to anything in particular. To peg things to, say, the Irish trad revival, you’d probably want some date in the 60s as a terminus ante quem, no?
Triona and her sister Maighread also each released solo LPs, I can’t remember the exact dates but I think very late 1970s (Triona was playing harpsichord on her solo album), possibly early 80s, and they also sang with Skara Brae. Not clear if the OP is just interested in instrumental musicians or singers as well, though.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. This is very helpful and much appreciated.
A lot of women sang, because that was something easier kept going in the house while rearing a family (some singers could and did play music as well though) but you should list Bess Cronin, Sarah Makem, Sarah and Rita Keane (And Dolores ofcourse) and many like them. Margaret Barry was a big presence too.
Singers aside, Maeve Donnelly would fit the bill. Brad touched on piano players there, Bridie Lafferty aside (don’t rule out her work with the Castle), Kitty Linnane, Eleanot Neary were forces to be reckoned with.
Which reminds me that nobody yet mentioned Maire Ní Ghráda, who appeared on the Piper’s Rock album that came out in 1978 or so – her playing was a big inspiration to me on the pipes at the time, and I think her appearance on that record did a lot to encourage more women to take up the pipes.
I can’t believe I missed that one. She’s only, like, one of my heroes. Thanks, Brad!
Oh, Mary Mulholland backed Jim McKillop on “The Wind that Shakes the Barley,” but don’t know much more about her. Great piano player, though!
Also Lucy Farr; wasn’t she recorded in the 60s?
Everybody seems to have forgotten Josie Keegan - 1 or 2 solo fiddle records on Outlet, as well as accompanying Messrs Maguire and Burke on several of their recordings.
As well as singing, Dolores Keane played concertina, and possibly whistle on the first “De Danann” LP, released 1975.
I may be able to remember some more later.
Dolores Keane
Mary O’ Hara
lucy farr’s cassette on veteran tapes came out in the early 1990s when she was eighty years old. a big touchstone for me. “heart and home,” veteran tapes 123. we can only wish for a re-relase…
Dolores Keane also played flute on her solo LP, “There Was a Maid,” although I still remember reading a scathing review (in the Shanachie newsletter) that said her tone reminded the reviewer of “an expiring horse.” I don’t know if Dolores read that review, but I never heard a bit of flute from her on any recording after that.
Did no-one mention Mrs Crotty?
Peg McGrath (Needham)?
Yes, Peg McGrath was mentioned numerous times on the 1st page. Not eligible.