Carter Scott ‘26, Entertainment Editor
Although countries all over the world have something they can teach people about music through individuality and experience, not many have what Ireland has. Similar to other nations, traditional Irish folk musicians use music in order to make a political statement, help a business, or just for social events. The similarities in how the music is used and purposes that can be found in other cultures, though, have little on the powerful nature within Irish music that resonates deeply with their history and rich culture.
After Irish, Scottish, and English settlers arrived to the 13 colonies during the 18th century, they brought immense history and culture, which they themselves learned from Celts, a diverse collection of societies originating in central Europe around 1,800 BC. This led to the music expanding and intertwining with other cultures as it grew into something truly magical. Bluegrass, country, and even fiddling were all influenced by Irish music that was shared and enjoyed by many different groups, regardless of their individual origins or race.
With the music’s influence on other cultures, it was only a matter of time until it trickled into what we call our modern entertainment. Recently, the popular award winning movie, Sinners—which primarily focuses on African American culture, music, and experience in the South—used Irish Folk music within its film. Ryan Coogler, the director of the film, stated that “I think it’s not known how much crossover there is between African American culture and Irish culture, and how much that stuff is loved in our community.”
The recent rise in popular media is due to the revival of traditional music during the 1950s and 1960s. Sean O’Riada, an Irish musician born in 1931, was an extremely important figure in bringing the culture and music back into the mainstream. He founded the musical group, Ceoltóirí Chualann, which allowed for it to be spread similarly to how it was brought to the Americas centuries ago. An article by the Northside Music Academy about musicians and musical groups like Sean O’Riada and Ceoltóirí Chualann, it was stated that, “The traditional music revival, the emergence of talented musicians, and the development of Irish folk-rock were all important developments that helped to shape the genre into what it is today.”
Senior RJ Greene stated, “The amount of ways Irish folk music can be interpreted is crazy. Its roots starting with the Celtics have given it a long time to grow and be heard by people all over the world.” When asked about if there were any Irish bands he would want to see live, he said, “The Dropkick Murphys would be amazing to see in performance. They have done a lot for the Irish community, and their fast paced music is what I like the best.”
The impact of the Irish and the Celtics can be found everywhere. As you listen to music, watch films, and look at the culture around you, be sure to think about and acknowledge the Celtic and Irish influence that has been added to what you experience in life through many, many generations of diverse societies.
Lyon Life 