the greatest

irish songwriters

Great Irish Songwriters?

Great Irish Songwriters?

Coming from a culture known for its rich music, poetry, and storytelling, Irish songwriters are some of the greatest on Earth. Their creative traditions are centuries old and stamped into their genetic makeup. But who are the greatest Irish songwriters?

Why Are Irish Songwriters Some of the Greatest?

Why Are Irish Songwriters Some of the Greatest?

Their most well-known instrument, the Celtic Harp, is of Egyptian descent. In the 10th century, Harpists were employed as professional performers by ruling chieftains. English invaders then uprooted the chieftains in the 17th century. This forced musicians to travel around the country to make a living. These traveling minstrels strengthened their oral traditions.

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Bono and The Edge

Bono and The Edge

About the Songwriter: Bono was born Paul David Hewson on May 10, 1960, in Dublin, Ireland. He was given his nickname and stage name Bono by a childhood friend. Bono is short for Bono Vox, which means good voice. The Edge, of Irish heritage, was born David Howell Evans on August 8, 1961, in Barking, England.

Dolores O’Riordan

Dolores O’Riordan

About the Songwriter: Dolores O’Riordan was born on September 6, 1971, in Ballybricken, Ireland. The youngest of seven in a Catholic working-class family, Dolores had to overcome many personal challenges throughout her life. In spite of her childhood, she sang and wrote music from an early age.

Shane MacGowan

Shane MacGowan

About the Songwriter: Shane MacGowan was born on Christmas Day, 1957, in Kent, England. His mother had been a traditional Irish dancer and singer. Surrounded by Irish music and culture, he began writing poetry at a young age. MacGowan was influenced early by punk rockers, such as The Clash and The Sex Pistols.

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