Liam Clancy dead at 74

Clancy died December 4th in Cork Ireland

Liam Clancy, youngest member of the Clancy Brothers, has passed away in Cork Ireland. He was the last surviving member of the Irish folk group known for their hearty ballads and rebel songs.

“Clancy died in his hospital bed flanked by his wife Kim and daughters Siobhan and Fiona, his manager and family said. He suffered for years against incurable pulmonary fibrosis, the same lung-destroying disease that claimed one of his older singing brothers, Bobby, in 2002.” MSNBC

Liam was the balladeer of the troupe and recorded several albums of more sensitive material that have stood the test of time. My favourite is the 1965 self-titled album Liam Clancy on Vanguard. It was re-released on Vanguard CD. It’s still in print which is amazing. I have the vinyl and learned all my favourite Irish ballads from that one record.

It’s a gentle album and if you like the drinking songs, try The Dutchman or The Makem and Clancy Collection

Bob Dylan regarded him as “greatest ballad singer” ever. Wikipedia Liam often performed with Tommy Makem when the Clancy Brothers stopped performing in public.