Joe Heaney, born Seosamh Ó hÉanaí on October 15, 1919, in Carna, County Galway, Ireland, was a pivotal figure in preserving and propagating traditional Irish sean-nós singing—an intricate, ornamented, and highly expressive form of vocal music, sung unaccompanied and in the Irish Gaelic language. Joe Heaney's profound connection to his Celtic heritage and his extensive repertoire of both Gaelic and English songs made him a central figure in the folk music landscape, not only in Ireland but also internationally.

Throughout his life, Heaney garnered respect and admiration for his mastery of sean-nós and his commitment to the tradition. After emigrating from Ireland to the UK and later to the United States, he continued to share his rich vocal heritage through teaching and performance, influencing a generation of musicians and music enthusiasts. His albums, such as "Irish Traditional Songs in Gaelic & English," "The Road From Connemara," and "Say a Song: Joe Heaney in the Pacific Northwest - Irish Songs in the Old Style," are treasured recordings that capture the essence of his art. They offer listeners a profound insight into the depth and beauty of Irish traditional music. Joe Heaney passed away in Seattle, Washington, on May 1, 1984, but his legacy lives on, immortalized through his music and the many lives he touched.

Genres

Irish Folk

Sean-nos Singing

Traditional Irish Singing

Latest Release

Irish Traditional Songs in Gaelic & English

Joe Heaney

Album - 11 Tracks - Released December 29, 2016