(From March) It's the time of year when we turn our thoughts to all things Irish. We raise our glasses to the Emerald Isles, sing the songs of Ireland with poorly fashioned accents and remember Irish blessings we haven't thought of in a year.
There is an Ireland that's much more real. Within it's boundaries lie centuries of stories of tragedy, hope, and triumph. The people there have roots so strong that the Irish of today seem to fade together with their ancestors. Seeing even a simple photograph of the rolling green hills your mind can hear the history and legends told now as they have always been, by the music of Ireland.
Harry O'Donoghue was born on the East coast of Ireland in the town of Drogheda on the banks of the river Boyne. He found a love for the music just as other young Irishmen do, by living among it. According to Harry, there's not much separation between daily life and music. It's simply "The character of Ireland".
And so it was in the character of Harry from the beginning. Also characteristic of Irish life was closeness of family, and Harry had that too. The second son of five children, Harry left school after his Intermediate Certificate to begin a five year electrical apprenticeship.
Harry was twenty before he picked up the guitar and began to play and perform with local folk groups. In 1979 he formed Terra Nova, and the success of the group made it clear that Harry had a gift for music that could make a career. Later that summer they won a prestigious award for Best Folk Group at the Dublin International Music Festival. Then, at the age of twenty five, Harry and the group left and began to tour America.
America embraced Harry O'Donoghue. In 1985 Harry and the group secured a recording contract with Polydor Records. In 1987 Terra Nova played their last performance in Augusta, and then began Harry's solo career which produced several critically acclaimed albums in the nineties.
Harry was gracious in talking with SouthLand, and when speaking with him one thing is clear. Music isn't just how he earns his living. His passion for it is evident in his words and tone. "The music is living, breathing" says Harry. "It's alive, evolving, changing all the time". Folk music, he explains is "Music of the people, their ups and downs. It's current events and historic events, great people who died, great people who lived." It stands to reason that someone with such a deep understanding of the music can convey it in such a way that it touches people. What about the artists who inspire him? When asked about influences, Harry replies "My own influences? Well, the Beatles for a start. Also James Taylor, Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Chris Rea, Kris Kristofferson, and from across the pond Jimmy MacCarthy and Kieran Goss would be two of my favorites. During a show I sometimes don't mention the fact that a song is one I've written, the song should be able to fly on its own. At a singer/songwriter night it's a little different...the story behind the song becomes relevant in that circumstance. People like to hear and sing along with familiar tunes. Give them what they want and they will be more receptive to new and original music. It all has to do with pacing the performance."
Harry started the Green Island Radio Show on Georgia Public Radio in 1992 and has hosted it since. On the show, which can be heard all over Georgia, he gives the listeners a much needed source for Irish music, as well as introducing the art to new audiences weekly. The show can be heard Saturday nights at 9pm.
Works are underway for a Christmas album which will be the next offering from Harry O'Donoghue. If you're familiar with his music, you'll be anticipating it. If you're not familiar with his music, do yourself a favor; Purchase at least one of his albums. They are available on his website as well as a schedule of his upcoming live appearances.
(From March) It's the time of year when we turn our thoughts to all things Irish. We raise our glasses to the Emerald Isles, sing the songs of Ireland with poorly fashioned accents and remember Irish blessings we haven't thought of in a year.
There is an Ireland that's much more real. Within it's boundaries lie centuries of stories of tragedy, hope, and triumph. The people there have roots so strong that the Irish of today seem to fade together with their ancestors. Seeing even a simple photograph of the rolling green hills your mind can hear the history and legends told now as they have always been, by the music of Ireland.
And so it was in the character of Harry from the beginning. Also characteristic of Irish life was closeness of family, and Harry had that too. The second son of five children, Harry left school after his Intermediate Certificate to begin a five year electrical apprenticeship.
Harry started the Green Island Radio Show on Georgia Public Radio in 1992 and has hosted it since. On the show, which can be heard all over Georgia, he gives the listeners a much needed source for Irish music, as well as introducing the art to new audiences weekly. The show can be heard Saturday nights at 9pm.