[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 20 (Thursday, February 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E140-E141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF PADDY CLANCY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 1999

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a 
music legend, Paddy Clancy of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. The 
Clancy Brothers were one of the first Irish musical groups to achieve 
international notoriety. The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem created 
numerous hit songs in the 1960's.
  Paddy Clancy was born in Carrick-on-Suir in Tiperrary county to a 
family of nine, all of whom were musically inclined. In the 1950's he 
and his brother Tommy emigrated to New York to pursue acting careers. 
It seemed the brothers were destined however, to make their mark not as 
thespians but as musicians. Later, their brother Liam was to join Paddy 
and Tom, with Tommy Makem they created The Clancy Brothers and Tommy 
Makem. The Clancy Brothers were known for their incredible harmonies 
and their energetic concerts. These talents were quickly recognized, 
and they built a loyal fan base, playing folk clubs in Greenwich 
Village.
  In 1961 they gained national notoriety following an incredible 16-
minute set on The Ed Sullivan Show. Their music defied definition. It 
was both beautiful and raucous at once. They blended American folk 
music with traditional Irish forms. Paddy was equally capable of 
singing an Irish drinking song or an elegant ballad. Paddy and the 
Clancies also performed with Bob Dylan and Barbara Streisand. The 
Clancies were able to expose Americans to the glorious music of Ireland 
and still incorporate American folk into their music.
  Ladies and gentlemen, the contributions made by Paddy Clancy to music 
were incredible. I ask you to join me today in remembering this fine 
musician.

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