Country

:

Ireland

 

The Chieftains are a traditional Irish music ensemble that has been active since 1962. The group was founded by Paddy Moloney, who played the uilleann pipes, a traditional Irish bagpipe. Moloney had been playing music since he was a child and had a deep love for traditional Irish music. He formed The Chieftains with the goal of preserving and promoting this music. The original lineup of The Chieftains included Paddy Moloney on uilleann pipes, Sean Potts on tin whistle, Martin Fay on fiddle, David Fallon on bodhrán (a traditional Irish drum), and Michael Tubridy on flute and concertina. Over the years, the lineup has changed, but Moloney has remained the constant member. The Chieftains quickly gained a following in Ireland and began to tour internationally. They released their first album, simply titled "The Chieftains," in 1964. The album was well-received and helped to establish the group as one of the leading traditional Irish music ensembles. In the years that followed, The Chieftains continued to tour and record music. They collaborated with a number of other musicians, including Van Morrison, The Rolling Stones, and Sting. They also began to incorporate other musical styles into their music, such as jazz and classical music. One of the highlights of The Chieftains' career came in 1988, when they were asked to perform at a concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Mozart. The concert was held in Salzburg, Austria, and The Chieftains performed alongside the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance was a huge success and helped to introduce traditional Irish music to a wider audience. The Chieftains have won numerous awards over the years, including six Grammy Awards. Their album "The Long Black Veil," which featured collaborations with a number of other musicians, won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in 1996. They also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irish Music Rights Organization in 2012. Despite their success, The Chieftains have remained committed to preserving and promoting traditional Irish music. They continue to tour and record music, and their influence can be heard in the work of many other traditional Irish music ensembles. In conclusion, The Chieftains are a legendary traditional Irish music ensemble that has been active for nearly six decades. Founded by Paddy Moloney, the group has undergone several lineup changes but has remained committed to preserving and promoting traditional Irish music. They have collaborated with a number of other musicians and have won numerous awards, including six Grammy Awards. The Chieftains continue to tour and record music, and their influence can be heard in the work of many other traditional Irish music ensembles.

More....