Birth

:

September 19, 1936 in Dublin, Ireland

Death

:

November 14, 2012 in Dublin, Ireland

 

Martin Fay was a renowned Irish fiddler and founding member of the traditional Irish music group, The Chieftains. Born on September 19, 1936, in Dublin, Ireland, Fay grew up in a musical family and began playing the fiddle at a young age. His father was a fiddle player and his mother was a singer, and they both encouraged Fay's musical pursuits. Fay's love for traditional Irish music grew as he listened to recordings of Irish fiddlers such as Michael Coleman and James Morrison. He also learned from local musicians in Dublin and began performing in local pubs and at ceilis (traditional Irish dances). In 1962, Fay joined forces with Paddy Moloney, Sean Potts, Michael Tubridy, and David Fallon to form The Chieftains. The group's goal was to preserve and promote traditional Irish music, and they quickly gained a following in Ireland and abroad. The Chieftains released their first album, "The Chieftains 1," in 1963, and it was an instant success. The album featured Fay's fiddle playing prominently, and his virtuosic style became a hallmark of the group's sound. Over the years, The Chieftains released over 50 albums and collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including Van Morrison, Sting, and Ry Cooder. They also performed for numerous heads of state, including Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama. Fay's contributions to The Chieftains were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1989, he was awarded the National Entertainment Award by the Irish government, and in 2010, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Gradam Ceoil Irish Music Awards. In addition to his work with The Chieftains, Fay also recorded several solo albums, including "The Sound of Stone," which featured his fiddle playing accompanied by the sounds of stones and water. Fay continued to perform with The Chieftains until his retirement in 2002. He passed away on November 14, 2012, at the age of 76. Throughout his career, Fay was known for his virtuosic fiddle playing and his dedication to preserving traditional Irish music. His contributions to The Chieftains helped to bring Irish music to a global audience, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians around the world.

More....