The Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem & Robbie O'Connell: The Men Behind the Sweaters [Paperback]

Conor Murray (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 8, 2006

Just in time for their 50th Anniversary comes this first full-length biography on the groundbreaking Irish Folk Music Group, the Clancy Brothers. Fifty years ago, in March 1956, four aspiring actors, three brothers and their friend, joined forces and recorded an album of Irish rebel songs. By 1961, after two additional albums, the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem landed a spot on the Ed Sullivan Show, which, by a chance of luck, ended up being an 18 minute appearance, unprecedented at that point, and Columbia Records hired them soon after. By 1969, fifteen albums, and numerous television appearances later in America, Canada, Ireland, England and Australia, the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem had revolutionized Irish music worldwide, as well as the woolen knitting industry in Ireland with their trademark sweaters. And they didn't stop there. For thirty more years, they continued performing, though with various personnell changes with the departure of Tommy Makem in 1969, and later the departure of Liam Clancy, to be replaced by "the other brother" Bobby Clancy, nephew Robbie O'Connell, and Louis Killen over from England. Plus, Tommy Makem and Liam reunited in 1975 to form one of the most sought-after Irish music acts in the 1980s, Makem & Clancy. Their story is all here in this first full-length biography devoted to this legendary group, with over 300 vivid photographs depicting their lives and career, along with a flowing text telling their story in detail.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A year or so ago, a friend of mine from Australia was visiting and mentioned to me that a friend of his from Massachusetts had a son who was writing a book on the Clancy Brothers. This friend placed a call and I spoke to the author Conor Murray. We had a nice chat and I said to send me a copy when the book was finished, as I'd love to read it and possibly review it. Nothing ever came of it and it slipped my mind entirely until a package showed up in the mail this month. Inside was "The Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem & Robbie O'Connell: The Men Behind the Sweaters" by Conor Murray. As a fan of the Clancys myself, it was an easy sell, but I also was wary that it might just be a bit of fluff. I'm delighted to say that it made for absorbing reading. Conor has done his homework this is an excellent chronology of the musical history of the band and includes fascinating backgrounds on all the lads. Murray takes you through all the highs (and lows) of four brothers who became "the most famous Irishmen in the world." Included are in-depth segments also on Tommy Makem and Robbie O'Connell who were integral parts of the group at various times. I thought I knew a fair amount about the band, but learned volumes reading this engaging book. Murray presents the material in a well organized manner that continually builds chapter to chapter on the material that went before. Generous use of photographs, many which have never been published, add to the book as well. Conor incorporates all of the albums and the songs within the context of the story, which helps to understand the evolution of the material. Murray also includes a comprehensive discography in the back of the book. An excerpt: "1968 closed with the passing of the Clancys' mother Johanna McGrath Clancy in September. Unlike her husband, fortunately, she was able to witness her sons' rise to international stardom in the early 1960s, surely making her very proud. Her sons, and Tommy Makem no doubt, always enjoyed a memorable remark she made about the famous quartet when she first heard their early album, "Come Fill Your Glass With Us" in 1959. She had said to her sons, "You're all great singers, but Tommy Makem is a greater singer than any of you." What captivated me as much as the story of the Clancys is Murray's own story on how he became hooked on the band when he was a young boy and how the book ultimately came about. What is even more interesting is that Conor is only 21 years old. The Clancy Brothers, meanwhile, first came to the U.S. 50 years ago. Murray's dedication to this project is a testament to the impact the music of the Clancys continues to have on successive generations. This book is work of pure love and respect to a band that opened the door for all that came after in the world of Irish Music. Published by Blackthorne Publishing, Ltd, it is a quality publication and is a must for the library of any fan of the Clancy Brothers and their music. You can get more information on Conor Murray and his book at his website: clancybrothersbook.com ~ Cindy Reich, "The Celtic Connection," February 2007 --Cindy Reich, "The Celtic Connection," February 2007

Conor! Few people know the effort and tenaciousness, the sweat, blood and tears that go into such an undertaking. But you stuck with it - and DID it! Revel in the accomplishment. You deserve a medal...WELL DONE! ~ Liam Clancy --Liam Clancy

I would like to compliment you on the huge volume of work assembled within its pages and gratefully acknowledge the high esteem, loyalty and life long interest which you...hold for the group in all its reincarnations over the past forty years. ~ Joan Clancy, widow of Tom Clancy --Joan Clancy, widow of Tom Clancy

About the Author

Conor Murray was brought up on the music of the Clancy Brothers from the time he was an infant. Becoming a die-hard fan of theirs when he was fourteen led him on a quest for all things "Clancy." From their albums to the most miniscule of information in the form of old articles, television appearances and concert programs, no stone was left unturned in his search for Clancy materials which culminated in the writing of this book. Published at only twenty-one years old, this is Conor's first book. A writer, actor, musician, librarian and full-time college student, Conor lives in Somerset, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Blackthorne Publishing, Ltd. (March 8, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097765530X
• ISBN-13: 978-0977655304
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,028,724 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Best bio available on groundbreaking Irish folk act, December 31, 2006

By 

Francis King "Frank King" (Calgary, AB, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem & Robbie O'Connell: The Men Behind the Sweaters (Paperback)

First off, give author Conor Murray credit. The kid is only 20 and he's managed to assemble the first bio of this seminal, often-overlooked pioneers of Irish folk music. It's also a credit to his musical taste -- not many 20-year-olds can appreciate Irish folk music. And it's a decent piece of work covering not just the most famous lineup (the Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem), but also the brothers' post-Makem work with Louis Killen, Bobby Clancy and Robbie O'Connell.

I particularly appreciated learning about their later years -- what they did and how they (Bobby, Tom and Paddy Clancy) left us

Murray's also not afraid to give his opinion, making it clear he likes the simple, unadorned productions (esp. concert albums with lots of on-stage banter) rather than the dressed-up studio albums of the late 1960s and early 1970s. It's just important to remember these are one person's opinions; the very albums he doesn't care for -- 1969's The Bold Fenian Men and 1970's Clancy Brothers Christmas, for example -- are among my favourites.

It's unfortunate Murray didn't appear able to get interviews with Makem or Liam Clancy; as a result, there are huge gaps in information, such as quotes explaining:

-- exactly why Makem left in '69;

-- why the 1984 reunion didn't result in a new recording;

-- what the boys thought of their uneven 1970s recordings (and why they were so uneven).

-- What Makem thought of Clancy recordings made after he left and;

-- Why the 1970s recordings contained so little actual Irish songs.

I also would have liked their thoughts on how/why record companies have mistreated their catalogue (good luck finding most of the Clancy Brothers albums on CD!) their successors (Wolfe Tones, Dubliners, Chieftains) and the state of Irish music today. We could have used more of this information and fewer pictures; many of the shots are repetitive and, therefore, simply unnecessary.

Anyway, it's still nice to have this book. Hopefully, if Liam writes and publishes a sequel to his wonderful autobiography (The Mountain of the Women), some of the gaps I've mentioned here will be filled in.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Must have for fans, December 30, 2007

By 

B. Mazzullo - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem & Robbie O'Connell: The Men Behind the Sweaters (Paperback)

I caught on to the Clancy Bros. and Tommy Makem way back in the early 60's, and they caught me. I bought their first Columbia Album then every other one, including the ones on the Tradition label (my favorites for their very unpolished joy of singing quality.)
If you are a fan, one who loves the group's spirit and humor, buy this book and have a link to your "folkie" youth, and learn more about the men and thier families and their lasting influence on music.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CONGRATULATIONS CONOR, April 3, 2006

By 

Emanuel Verdemar (Lima, Peru) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem & Robbie O'Connell: The Men Behind the Sweaters (Paperback)

Thank you Conor, for the work you have done to commemorate the heritage of Irish people throughout the world. It is important that we remember the lives of fellow Irishmen who impact our lives; as Irish, a vivacious bunch we are...honoring our distinct cultural qualities is part of the celebration of life. This book is already a triumph!