The Clancy Brothers

The Clancy Brothers

Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	1956
Founder	Paddy Clancy, Tom Clancy, Liam Clancy, Tommy Makem
Headquarters	United States
Area served	United States, Ireland, Europe, Australia, Canada
Products	Irish folk music albums and performances

The Clancy Brothers played a pivotal role in the Irish folk music scene, rising to prominence amid the American folk revival. Their peak influence occurred in the 1960s when they brought Irish traditional tunes to widespread attention in the United States and contributed significantly to the folk resurgence in Ireland, alongside contemporaries such as the Dubliners and the Wolfe Tones.

The primary lineup—Paddy, Tom, and Liam—found their greatest acclaim performing with Tommy Makem under the name The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, releasing close to twenty albums. Following Makem’s exit in 1969, the group underwent several membership changes, including the inclusion of their fourth brother, Bobby Clancy. The ensemble continued its activities until Paddy Clancy passed away in 1998.

Their impact influenced notable musicians such as Bob Dylan, Christy Moore, and Paul Brady. Renowned for their spirited interpretations of Irish ballads, rebel anthems, drinking songs, and maritime shanties, they were instrumental in introducing traditional Irish music to a broader audience.

Early years

The eldest sibling, Paddy Clancy, was born on 7 March 1922 in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, Ireland. His brothers followed: Tom on 29 October 1924; Bobby on 14 May 1927; and the youngest, Liam Clancy, on 2 September 1935. Born on 4 November 1932 in Keady, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, was Tommy Makem.

After serving with the Royal Air Force during World War II, Paddy and Tom emigrated from England to Toronto in 1947 aboard the S.S. Marine Flasher, accompanying approximately 400 war brides. Among passengers, only Paddy, Tom, their acquaintance Pa Casey, and the ship’s crew were men. Upon arrival in Toronto, they took on various jobs before relocating to the United States two years later with sponsorship from two aunts. After a brief stay in Cleveland, Ohio, they pursued acting ambitions aiming for Hollywood but ultimately settled in the New York City area due to car troubles.

In 1951, they arrived in Greenwich Village, where Tom and Paddy gained recognition as actors on Broadway and Off-Broadway stages and appeared on television. They founded Trio Productions to support their professional singing ventures. To finance this endeavor, they organized late-night folk music events known initially as the 'Swapping Song Fair' (later renamed 'Midnight Special') every Saturday at the Cherry Lane Theatre, which they rented for Irish theatrical productions. Their performances featured traditional Irish songs alongside prominent folk musicians like Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and Jean Ritchie. During this timeframe, their younger brother Bobby Clancy briefly joined them in New York City for what could be considered an early informal version of The Clancy Brothers.

In 1955, Bobby returned to manage their father’s insurance business in Carrick-on-Suir, allowing youngest brother Liam Clancy to immigrate to New York City in January 1956 to pursue acting.

A month prior to Liam’s arrival, Tommy Makem emigrated from Keady. He had met Liam shortly before leaving Ireland. A friend of Paddy’s named Diane Hamilton, an admirer of mentor Jean Ritchie, traveled to Ireland collecting rare Irish songs. During her trip, she recorded several family members including Liam and Bobby Clancy.

Among these source singers was Tommy’s mother, Sarah Makem, who had been previously recorded by Jean Ritchie in 1952. At twenty-two years old, Tommy quickly connected with Liam over shared interests such as theatre, music, and social life. Although he intended to pursue acting in America, he maintained close ties with Liam. Hamilton’s recordings of Tommy included "The Cobbler," which became a signature piece throughout his career.

Formation of the Group and Tradition Records

In March 1956, Tommy Makem, who had recently moved to Dover, New Hampshire, sustained a serious hand injury while employed at a printing press factory. With his hand immobilized in a sling and aware of the Clancy brothers residing in New York, he showed interest in collaborating with them on recordings. That same year, Paddy Clancy, with support from Diane Hamilton and his brother Liam, established Tradition Records. Together, Paddy, Tom, Liam, and Makem produced The Rising of the Moon, a collection of Irish rebel songs and one of Tradition’s earliest releases. On this debut album, Paddy’s harmonica served as the only instrumental backing; it was later re-recorded in 1959 with added musicians.

Initially balancing theatrical pursuits alongside their involvement with Tradition Records, the unexpected popularity of their album led to increased demand for live performances, prompting a shift in focus towards music. By 1959, plans for a new album were underway as Liam honed his guitar playing and Tommy’s hand recovered sufficiently to perform on tin whistle and Uilleann pipes. Their approach evolved from unaccompanied theatrical singers into a polished vocal ensemble.

Their sophomore release, Come Fill Your Glass with Us, which featured Irish drinking songs, firmly established their careers as musicians. They toured extensively across New York, Chicago, and Boston. At their first official performance following the album’s release, lacking an official name, a nightclub owner billed them as "The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem," a title that stuck permanently. Committing themselves to full-time singing for six months proved fruitful; by early 1961 they had attracted interest from talent scouts at The Ed Sullivan Show.

Iconic Sweaters and Early Triumphs

During harsh storms in New York, the Clancy Brothers’ mother sent them Aran jumpers (traditional sweaters), which they debuted at Manhattan’s Blue Angel nightclub. Their manager, Marty Erlichman, recognized the sweaters’ potential as a unique visual trademark and insisted they wear them during appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. This exposure triggered a 700% increase in Aran sweater sales, solidifying these garments as their signature look. Vawn Corrigan suggests that actual export figures were likely higher due to unrecorded unofficial exports.

On 12 March 1961, The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem performed on The Ed Sullivan Show before an audience of 40 million viewers, stepping in for a last-minute cancellation and extending their set with additional songs. This high-profile exposure combined with their nightclub success led to interest from John Hammond at Columbia Records, who offered them a five-year contract accompanied by a $100,000 advance—a substantial sum at the time. Their inaugural Columbia album, A Spontaneous Performance Recording, featured folk revival legend Pete Seeger on banjo and included well-known tracks such as "Brennan on the Moor" and "Finnegan's Wake". The recording earned a Grammy nomination in 1962 for Best Folk Recording.

Simultaneously, they released their final album under Tradition Records. By late 1962, they followed up with a second Columbia album titled Hearty and Hellish! A Live Nightclub Performance, recorded live at Carnegie Hall, alongside significant appearances on major American radio programs and television talk shows.

Global Recognition

Toward the end of 1962, Irish broadcaster Ciarán Mac Mathúna encountered the group while in America and introduced their initial three Columbia records—A Spontaneous Performance Recording, Hearty and Hellish!, and The Boys Won't Leave the Girls Alone—to Irish audiences. His radio programs significantly boosted the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem's profile in Ireland, where they had previously been relatively unknown. They revitalized traditional Irish ballads such as "Roddy McCorley" and "Kevin Barry" with spirited renditions, resulting in a sold-out tour across Ireland by late 1963 and increasing acclaim throughout England, Europe, Australia, and Canada.

By 1963, the ensemble had appeared on prominent talk shows spanning America, Canada, England, Australia, and Ireland, in addition to headlining their own television specials. Gay Byrne, host of Ireland’s Late Late Show, described them as "the most famous four Irishmen in the world." According to Billboard Magazine, they surpassed Elvis Presley in album sales within Ireland—a notable achievement for folk musicians. In 1964, their albums accounted for nearly one-third of all music sales in the country.

The decade of the 1960s was characterized by significant commercial achievements, with approximately two albums released annually, each reaching multi-million sales figures. In 1963, the group performed for President John F. Kennedy, during which Tommy Makem adapted "We Want No Irish Here" to suit the event.

Their landmark album, In Person at Carnegie Hall (1963), remained on the US Billboard Top 150 albums chart for twelve weeks and broke into the top 50—a remarkable feat for Irish folk music at that time. Its successor, The First Hurrah! (1964), also secured a position within the US top 100. The track "The Leaving of Liverpool" achieved top ten status in Ireland. Their 1965 album Isn't It Grand Boys charted in the United Kingdom. Throughout the mid-60s, they released several live recordings including Recorded Live in Ireland, Freedom's Sons, and In Concert. In 1966, they participated in producing The Irish Uprising, an educational audio project commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the Easter Rising.

Their prominence was fueled by the American folk revival movement and artists like Ewan MacColl, but predominantly by their dynamic reinterpretations of classic Irish songs. As folk music's appeal waned toward the late 1960s, Columbia producer Teo Macero incorporated new instrumental elements to sustain commercial viability. This included featuring backing concertina performances by Louis Killen, notably on their 1968 maritime-themed release Sing of the Sea. Their final Columbia albums from 1969 to 1970 showcased more elaborate arrangements with strings and synthesizers complementing their established blend of guitar, banjo, tin whistle, and harmonica.

In 1969, they recorded "Bringin' Home the Oil" for a brief television commercial promoting Gulf Oil. This adaptation of their traditional song "The Gallant Forty Twa" featured lyrics highlighting supertankers such as the Universe Ireland. The advertisement emphasized Gulf’s extensive supertanker fleet operating out of Bantry Bay.

Group membership changes

In 1969, Tommy Makem amicably parted ways with the ensemble following the release of one final album with the Clancys, The Bold Fenian Men. He left in April to embark on a solo career, taking with him recent works such as "Four Green Fields" from their 1968 record Home Boys Home. Makem expressed a desire for fresh artistic challenges beyond the familiar territory the group provided.

Bobby Clancy stepped in to fill Makem’s role as the fourth lead singer. Instrumentalists and backing vocalists Finbar and Eddie Furey from The Fureys joined the lineup, with Finbar contributing uilleann pipes, which enhanced the band’s live performances, recordings, and television appearances. This expanded six-member formation produced two albums in 1969: Clancy Brothers Christmas and Flowers in the Valley, the latter marking their final project with Columbia Records.

In 1970, Finbar and Eddie Furey departed, leaving Paddy, Tom, Bobby, and Liam to continue as a quartet. They released one album together titled Welcome to Our House under Audio Fidelity Records. Later that year, internal disagreements prompted Bobby to leave; he cited challenges in maintaining equal footing with Liam as a contributing factor.

English folk musician Louis Killen joined in 1971, bringing expertise on banjo, concertina, and spoons. The group issued two studio albums on Audio Fidelity—Save the Land and Show Me the Way—exploring a modernized sound that incorporated pop selections such as Elton John's "Country Comfort". Their final release for Audio Fidelity was the traditional live album Live on St. Patrick's Day, recorded during a 1972 Hartford performance and released in 1973.

By the early 1970s, touring was scaled back to approximately five months per year as members pursued individual interests. Paddy returned to Ireland in 1968; Tom resumed his acting career, relocating to Los Angeles in 1975 and appearing in films like The Killer Elite and Swashbuckler. Liam sought autonomy from his brothers’ influence—particularly Paddy and Tom—and moved to Calgary in 1972 to develop a solo career alongside occasional group appearances. Despite increasing distance among them, they recorded one additional album with Killen for Vanguard Records, titled The Clancy Brothers' Greatest Hits, and participated in Canadian television specials.

In early 1976, a scheduling conflict between an Australian tour and Tom’s television commitments led to Liam’s permanent departure after a heated dispute. The subsequent death of their sister Cait Clancy O'Connell further affected family relations. Louis Killen also exited the group, prompting Paddy and Tom to take a break.

During this hiatus, Paddy concentrated on managing his dairy and cattle farm in Tipperary. Tom advanced his acting career with roles on television series including Little House on the Prairie and Charlie's Angels. Liam encountered financial hardships but revitalized his career in Calgary through concerts and hosting a music talk show that featured Tommy Makem as a guest. This collaboration resulted in forming Makem and Clancy, who achieved success over thirteen years with numerous albums, tours, and an American television series before disbanding in 1988.

Robbie O'Connell becomes a member

Following a hiatus in 1976, Paddy and Tom decided to reactivate the Clancy Brothers, extending an invitation to Bobby Clancy to rejoin. With Tom dedicating time to his career in Hollywood and Paddy managing his farm, they chose to undertake part-time tours across the United States. Cait's son, Robbie O'Connell, who was gaining recognition as a musician in both the US and Ireland and co-managed Cait's inn alongside Bobby, was invited to assume Liam's position. Robbie contributed on guitar and mandolin, while Bobby played banjo, guitar, harmonica, and bodhrán, with Paddy continuing as lead harmonica player.

Beginning in 1977, the Clancy Brothers together with Robbie O'Connell scheduled tours lasting three months each year—specifically in March, August, and November. Tom would arrive shortly before these tours to rehearse primarily their 1960s repertoire along with new additions. Robbie brought original pieces such as "Bobby's Britches," "Ferrybank Piper," and "You're Not Irish," alongside songs like "Dear Boss" and "There Were Roses." Bobby introduced fresh material including "Love of the North" and "Song for Ireland." Their performances in the US attracted sizable audiences at venues like Carnegie Hall, where critics acknowledged Robbie’s innovative contributions.

Over time, Paddy and Tom incorporated additional songs into their setlist. Eric Bogle’s "The Green Fields of France" became a regular feature following its popularity through the Furey Brothers. Tom added selections such as "Logger Lover." The group also revitalized classics including "She Didn't Dance," "As I Roved Out," "Beer, Beer, Beer," and the "Rebellion 1916 Medley." These were included on their first album in nine years, titled The Clancy Brothers with Robbie O'Connell Live! (1982).

During the summer of 1983, they produced a 20-minute special for BBC Northern Ireland called Songs of the Sea, filmed in their native Irish town. The program showcased maritime songs performed aboard local fishing vessels. Directed by David Donaghy, plans to distribute it on videocassette ultimately did not come to fruition.

Reunion

In 1984, under the guidance of manager Maurice Cassidy, Paddy and Tom Clancy reunited with Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem for a documentary project and a concert held at New York’s Lincoln Center. Their 90-minute premiere on Ireland's Late Late Show aired on 28 April and preceded filming that documented their travels through Carrick-on-Suir, Keady, Greenwich Village, and a rehearsal at Tommy Makem's Irish Pavilion. The concert took place on 20 May at the sold-out Avery Fisher Hall, seating 3,000 attendees; it was recorded and released as Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem Reunion. Following this event, they embarked on a tour across Ireland, England, and the United States from late 1984 through autumn 1985. Subsequently, Makem and Clancy as well as the Clancy Brothers with Robbie O'Connell resumed performing separately.

Late 1980s through 1990s

In 1988, the Clancy Brothers lineup featuring Paddy, Tom, Bobby, and Robbie O'Connell issued a live album titled Tunes 'n' Tales of Ireland, recorded at St. Anselm College. Despite its poor mixing quality drawing criticism even from group members themselves, this album marked Tom Clancy’s final recording session.

Tom received a diagnosis of stomach cancer in May 1990 and passed away that November at age 66. Liam Clancy stepped in as a permanent replacement, leading to heightened activity including multiple appearances on Regis and Kathie Lee (in 1991, 1993, and 1995), participation in the 30th Anniversary Bob Dylan concert at Madison Square Garden in 1992—an event watched by millions worldwide—and launching Irish Festival Cruises beginning in 1991—annual folk music cruises in the Caribbean—as well as continued tours of Ireland featuring Robbie O'Connell.

Motivated by their involvement in the Dylan tribute concert, the ensemble released Older But No Wiser (1995), their first studio album in over twenty years. This collection featured entirely new compositions except for "When the Ship Comes In". It remains the sole studio album by the lineup of Paddy, Bobby, Liam Clancy, and Robbie O'Connell.

Disputes over finances related to Irish Festival Cruises prompted Liam Clancy and Robbie O'Connell to depart from the group and form a duo. Prior to disbanding entirely, they conducted a Farewell Tour across Ireland and America during February–March 1996. Their concert in Clonmel was televised and issued as The Clancy Brothers and Robbie O'Connell: Farewell to Ireland. This release also marked recording debuts for members of the next generation: Dónal Clancy (Liam’s son) provided backing vocals on the studio album tracks while Finbarr Clancy (Bobby’s son) performed live during the concert to support his father amid health challenges. Finbarr had previously stood in for Bobby during heart surgery but did not participate in the American leg of the tour.

Subsequent formations

Following the group's separation, Paddy and Bobby carried on touring under the name the Clancy Brothers, officially incorporating Bobby's son Finbarr into the lineup. Early in 1997, they expanded to include Eddie Dillon, a Boston-based musician and notably the only American to join the ensemble, for a thirteen-city tour. This lineup was billed as the Clancy Brothers and Eddie Dillon.

Meanwhile, Liam Clancy teamed up with Robbie O'Connell as a duo before adding Liam's son Dónal, creating the trio Clancy, O'Connell & Clancy. They produced two albums: their self-titled debut in 1997 and The Wild and Wasteful Ocean in 1998, which focused on maritime-themed songs. Robbie O'Connell has expressed that their first album remains his favorite work. By 1999, due to members living in different locations, they ceased full-time touring but occasionally reunited for performances.

Passing of Paddy and Bobby Clancy

In 1998, Paddy Clancy received diagnoses of a brain tumor and terminal lung cancer. Although the tumor was successfully removed, he passed away on 11 November 1998 at the age of 76. Shortly before his death, Bobby arranged a reconciliation between Paddy and Liam after two years apart; the brothers shared a final performance together at a local pub. Liam, Robbie, and Dónal interrupted their US tour to attend Paddy’s funeral, which was also attended by longtime collaborator Tommy Makem.

After Paddy’s passing, Bobby, Finbarr, and Eddie Dillon continued touring as The Clancys and Eddie Dillon, issuing live recordings in October 1998 (Clancy Sing-a-Long Songs) and again in March 2001 during Bobby's last tour. Diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 1999, Bobby eventually had to perform seated due to difficulty breathing.

The twentieth anniversary of Milwaukee Irish Fest in 2000 featured a rare full-family stage appearance including Robbie O'Connell, Dónal, Liam, Bobby, Finbarr, Aoife Clancy, and Eddie Dillon—marking the final occasion all Clancy Brothers appeared together publicly.

By March 2002, Bobby’s health had deteriorated to the point where he could no longer sing; Finbarr and Eddie performed as a duo during that brief tour. Bobby made his last public appearance in February 2002 on CBS promoting Liam's autobiography. He died on 6 September 2002 at age 75, survived by his wife Moira, three daughters, and son Finbarr.

Later life of Liam Clancy

As the sole surviving Clancy brother, Liam continued performing solo into the new millennium. In 2002, Doubleday released his autobiography titled Mountain of the Women: Memoirs of an Irish Troubadour, detailing his early life and the group's origins. He appeared on television in both Ireland and America to promote the memoir. After a brief pause from performing, he resumed touring in 2005 with his "Seventy Years On" show and participated in Irish Legends concerts at Dublin’s Gaiety Theater alongside Ronnie Drew and Paddy Reilly of The Dubliners.

In March 2006, Conor Murray authored the first comprehensive biography of the group: The Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem & Robbie O'Connell: The Men Behind the Sweaters, covering their story from Paddy Clancy's birth in 1922 through to 2006. That same year saw the release of an Irish television documentary titled The Legend of Liam Clancy as well as a concert special featuring Tommy Makem alongside his sons’ band The Makem and Spain Brothers.

Between 2005 and 2009, Liam collaborated with Kevin Evans from Evans and Doherty. His final album, The Wheels of Life (2008), included contributions from notable artists such as Donovan, Mary Black, Gemma Hayes, and Tom Paxton.

Tommy Makem passed away on 1 August 2007 at age 74 after a battle with lung cancer. Liam Clancy died two years later on 4 December 2009 due to pulmonary fibrosis—the same condition that claimed his brother Bobby—at age 74 in Cork, Ireland. He left behind his wife and seven children.

American Folk Revival

During the early 1960s, the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem emerged as central figures in the American folk revival, profoundly shaping its trajectory. By December 1964, Billboard Magazine placed them as the eleventh highest-selling folk artists in the United States, ranking alongside notable contemporaries such as Peter, Paul and Mary, Bob Dylan, and Pete Seeger.

Paddy Clancy’s Tradition Records was instrumental in introducing prominent folk musicians to a wider audience. Among its releases was Odetta's first LP, Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues, an album that notably inspired Bob Dylan to delve into folk music. The commercial achievements of these records supported additional productions and facilitated Odetta's signing with Vanguard Records.

Tradition Records also documented influential folk performers including Jean Ritchie, Ed McCurdy, Ewan MacColl, Paul Clayton, and John Jacob Niles. Carolyn Hester gained public acclaim through her Tradition album, which led to a contract with Columbia Records. Additionally, the label issued the sole album featuring folk archivist Alan Lomax as a vocalist.

In 1959, Paddy Clancy and Tommy Makem were among the inaugural artists to perform at the esteemed Newport Folk Festival. Throughout the 1960s, the group returned repeatedly to this festival, which played a crucial role in launching careers of major folk icons such as Joan Baez and Bob Dylan.

Impact on Bob Dylan

The Clancy Brothers, who were peers and acquaintances of Bob Dylan during the early 1960s in Greenwich Village, had a considerable effect on his songwriting approach. Dylan admired their Irish rebel ballads like "Roddy McCorley" for their compelling melodies, themes, and narrative style, which motivated him to craft American folk songs with similar storytelling depth.

In 1962, Dylan performed "Rambling, Gambling Willie," a newly written song set to the melody of the Clancys' "Brennan On The Moor." He also adapted several of their tunes for his own compositions, including "The Leaving of Liverpool" for "Farewell To You My Own True Love," "The Parting Glass" for "Restless Farewell," and "The Patriot Game" for "With God on Our Side."

In a 1984 interview with U2's Bono, Dylan acknowledged the Clancy Brothers as a significant influence on his music, highlighting Liam Clancy as his preferred ballad singer. He reiterated this admiration in the film The Story of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.

Dylan’s esteem for them led to their invitation to perform at his 30th anniversary concert held at Madison Square Garden, followed by hosting the after-party at Tommy Makem's Irish Pavilion. During this event, Liam Clancy suggested recording an album featuring Dylan’s songs arranged in traditional Irish style. Dylan enthusiastically embraced this idea, calling Liam "my fucking hero." Although a complete album did not come to fruition, two of Dylan’s songs were included on the Clancys' final record, Older But No Wiser, with another appearing on their 1997 release Clancy, O'Connell, and Clancy.

Irish Folk Revival

Irish-American writer Frank McCourt remarked in 1999 that the Clancy Brothers were trailblazers who brought Irish folk music to an international audience, paving the way for groups like the Dubliners and the Wolfe Tones. Eddie Furey from The Fureys credited them with creating opportunities for subsequent generations of Irish folk musicians. Ronnie Drew of the Dubliners acknowledged their significant contribution to broadening the Irish folk music landscape.

In the documentary Bringing It All Back Home: The Influence of Irish Music in America, musicians such as Christy Moore, Paul Brady, and Bono commended the Clancy Brothers for inspiring their engagement with and impact on Irish folk traditions.

Continuing the Tradition

The musical heritage of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem lives on through groups such as Makem and Spain and The Clancy Legacy, which includes Robbie O'Connell, Aoife Clancy (daughter of Bobby Clancy), and Dónal Clancy (son of Liam Clancy). In 2013, Dónal introduced his debut solo folk album.

Finbarr Clancy, son of Bobby, is a member of the well-known Irish folk ensemble The High Kings. Aoife Clancy, who formerly performed with Cherish the Ladies, now pursues a solo career, accompanying herself on guitar. She was featured on the WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour in 2003, where she discussed her musical journey. Another of Bobby’s daughters, Roisin, occasionally performs alongside her husband, Welsh vocalist Ryland Teifi.

In 2006, An Post released postage stamps depicting the iconic lineup of Bobby, Paddy, Liam, and Tommy Makem.

Since 2008, Carrick-on-Suir has been the venue for the annual Clancy Brothers Festival, dedicated to celebrating their enduring influence.

In 2010, a theatrical production titled "'Fine Girl Ye Are' – The Legendary Story of The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem," narrated by RTÉ Producer Cathal McCabe and featuring The Kilkennys, toured throughout Ireland.

The 2013 film Inside Llewyn Davis, directed by the Coen Brothers, contains a performance evocative of The Clancy Brothers and portrays characters inspired by figures from the 1961 Greenwich Village folk music scene.

In 2018, an Aran sweater worn by the group was displayed at New York’s Museum of Modern Art as one of the 111 most iconic fashion items of the past century.

Timeline of group membership

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 bar:Liam      from:30/06/1990 till:30/04/1996 color:blue
 bar:Makem     from:01/01/1956 till:30/04/1969 color:green
 bar:Makem     from:01/05/1984 till:30/10/1985 color:green
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 bar:Bobby     from:01/03/1977 till:01/05/1984 color:orange
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Collaborations with Tommy Makem

Tradition Records

• The Lark in the Morning (1955) – Tradition LP/Rykodisc CD (featuring only Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem)
• The Rising of the Moon (also known as Irish Songs of Rebellion) (1956, reissued in 1959)
• Come Fill Your Glass with Us (alternatively titled Irish Songs of Drinking and Blackguarding) (1959)
• The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem (1961)

Columbia Records

• A Spontaneous Performance Recording (1961)
• Hearty and Hellish! A Live Nightclub Performance (1962)
• The Boys Won't Leave the Girls Alone (1962) – issued in two stereo versions, one including alternate takes of four tracks
• In Person at Carnegie Hall (1963) – reached US No. 50; available on Columbia CD
• The First Hurrah! (1964) – peaked at US No. 91
• Recorded Live in Ireland (1965)
• Isn't It Grand Boys (1966) – attained UK No. 22
• Freedom's Sons (1966)
• The Irish Uprising (1966)
• In Concert (1967) – also on Columbia CD
• Home, Boys, Home (1968)
• Sing of the Sea (1968)
• The Bold Fenian Men (1969)
• Reunion (1984) – released on Blackbird LP/Shanachie CD
• Luck of the Irish (1992) – a Columbia/Sony compilation featuring the new track "Wars of Germany" alongside three updated versions of earlier songs
• The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration (1992) – includes performances by Bob Dylan and various guest artists
• Irish Drinking Songs (1993) – features previously unreleased material from Carnegie Hall
• Ain't It Grand Boys (1995) – contains unreleased recordings from the 1960s period
• Carnegie Hall 1962 (2009)

The Clancy Brothers lineup: Liam, Tom, Pat, Bobby

With Finbar & Eddie Furey

• Christmas – Columbia LP/CD (1969)
• Flowers in the Valley – Columbia LP (1970)

Audio Fidelity Records

• Welcome to Our House (1970)

Lou Killen, Paddy, Liam, Tom Clancy

Audio Fidelity Records

• Show Me The Way (1972)
• Save the Land! (1972)
• Live on St. Patrick's Day (1973)

Vanguard Records

• Clancy Brothers Greatest Hits (1973) – released on Vanguard LP/CD
• Later reissued as 'Best of the Vanguard Years' including bonus tracks from the 1982 album Live! featuring Bobby Clancy and Robbie O'Connell.

Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem collaborations

Blackbird and Shanachie Records

• Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy (1976)
• The Makem & Clancy Concert (1977)
• Two for the Early Dew (1978)
• The Makem and Clancy Collection (1980) – compilation incorporating singles
• Live at the National Concert Hall (1983)
• We've Come A Long Way (1986)

Bob Dylan appearances

• The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration – features Pat, Liam & Bobby Clancy performing "When The Ship Comes In" alongside Tommy Makem and Robbie O'Connell

The Clancy Brothers trio: Tom, Pat, Bobby, with Robbie O'Connell

• Live – Vanguard Records (1982)
• "Tunes and Tales of Ireland" – Folk Era Records (1988)

The Clancy Brothers (Liam, Pat, Bobby) and Robbie O'Connell

• Older But No Wiser – Vanguard (1995)

Clancy, O'Connell & Clancy

Helvic Records

• Clancy, O'Connell & Clancy (1997)
• The Wild And Wasteful Ocean (1998)

Tommy Makem

• Ancient Pulsing – Poetry With Music
• The Bard of Armagh
• An Evening With Tommy Makem
• Ever The Winds
• Farewell To Nova Scotia
• In The Dark Green Wood – Columbia Records
• In The Dark Green Woods – Polydor Records
• Live at the Irish Pavilion
• Lonesome Waters
• Love Is Lord of All
• Recorded Live – A Roomful of Song
• Rolling Home
• Songbag
• Songs of Tommy Makem
• The Song Tradition
• Tommy Makem Sings Tommy Makem
• Tommy Makem And Friends in Concert

Liam Clancy

• Liam Clancy Vanguard (1965)
• The Mountain of the Women: Memoirs of an Irish Troubadour – audiobook
• The Dutchman
• Irish Troubadour
• Liam Clancy's Favourites
• The Wheels of Life

Bobby Clancy

• So Early in the Morning – Tradition LP (1962)
• Good Times When Bobby Clancy Sings – Talbot LP (1974)
• Irish Folk Festival Live 1974 – Intercord LP/CD (Bobby appears on four songs)
• Make Me A Cup – ARK CD (1999)
• The Quiet Land – ARK CD (2000)

Robbie O'Connell

• Close to the Bone
• Love of the Land
• Never Learned to Dance
• Humorous Songs – Live
• Recollections – compilation of previous four albums

Clancy, Evans & Doherty

• Shine on Brighter (featuring Liam Clancy) – Popular CD (1996)

Peg and Bobby Clancy

• Songs From Ireland – Tradition LP (1963)

Video Footage

Acting

• Treasure Island – The Golden Age of TV Drama

Filmed performances

• The Best of 'Hootenanny'
• Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest: The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem
• Ballad Session: Bobby Clancy
• The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem: Reunion Concert at the Ulster Hall, Belfast
• Liam Clancy – In Close Up, vol. 1 and 2
• Bob Dylan: The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration (one song)
• Lifelines: The Clancy Brothers
• The Clancy Brothers & Robbie O'Connell – Farewell to Ireland
• Live from the Bitter End (Liam Clancy)
• Come West along the Road, vol. 2: Irish Traditional Music Treasures from RTÉ TV Archives, 1960s–1980s (Bobby & Peggy Clancy)

Documentary appearances

• The Story of the Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem
• Bringing It All Back Home
• No Direction Home: Bob Dylan
• Folk Hibernia
• The Legend of Liam Clancy
• The Yellow Bittern: The Life and Times of Liam Clancy

External links

• The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem – Biography and Discographies at the Balladeers