Charlie Lennon

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Charlie Lennon (born in Kiltyclogher, County Leitrim, in July 1938; died 8 June 2024) was an Irish fiddler, composer, and pianist of Irish traditional music. He is remembered as one of the most prolific composers within the Irish music tradition. He was awarded TG4's composer of the year Gradaim Ceoil 2006. He learned the fiddle from his late brother, the acclaimed Ben Lennon and was taught piano by teacher Teresa Gilmartin. He quickly achieved a high level of proficiency and by twelve years of age was playing with the Blue Haven Dance Band, and at fourteen in Michael Shanley’s Seán McDermott Céilí Band. By seventeen he was a full time professional musician, playing with the Richard Fitzgerald Band, the Assaroe Céilí Band and the Emerald Valley Dance Band. He went on to study classical violin, and jazz harmonies. While studying Physics in Liverpool University in 1960 he began playing with the Liverpool Céilí Band, with whom he enjoyed considerable success including two All-Ireland titles and two commercial albums on the Decca label. He became one of the most sought after accompanists and guested on more than 30 commercial recordings beginning in the 1950s. His compositions have become standards in traditional music and he was awarded TG4's composer of the year Gradaim Ceoil 2006. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.

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