Johnny McEvoy

Johnny McEvoy (born 24 April 1945) is an Irish singer and entertainer of the country and Irish genre born in Banagher, County Offaly, Ireland.

Personal life McEvoy was born in 1945, one of four children with two sisters and a brother to John and Emily McEvoy. His father was a bus driver and his mother was a housewife. McEvoy's father was not initially supportive of his musical career: "It wasn't a bad relationship. We just seemed to have no relationship... until, I became famous." His mother, by contrast, was supportive, and suggested that he record Mursheen Durkin.

During his wife's illness, he cancelled all tour, recording and travel plans. To stay occupied, he wrote a songbook recounting the songs he has sung over the years, both his own compositions and covers. His wife helped by typing out song lyrics. Odette died of ovarian cancer on 12 November 2013. He went on to write many more songs, many of which have become standards that have been recorded by other artists including "Long Before Your Time," "Michael," "Going To California," "The Ballad of John Williams," "Richman's Garden," "Never Learned To Dance," and "The Ballad of Anne Frank."

In 2010 a documentary on the life and times of Johnny McEvoy, For the Poor and for the Gentry, was televised. For the production of the documentary McEvoy re-recorded his first number one hit, most popular and biggest selling song, "Mursheen Durkin," a collaboration recording with Sharon Shannon and her Big Band. The renewal of the classic was also included on a double album and DVD "For the poor and for the Gentry - The Definitive Johnny McEvoy," which was released later that year.

Live performances Aside from an illustrious recording career, Johnny McEvoy is perhaps best known for his live performances and tours in Ireland and on the international circuit. His renown is worldwide and he has spent many years travelling and performing. In concert, he sings and plays acoustic guitar. In the 1970s, he toured with a large band, which included two other guitarists, bass, keyboard and fiddle. In later years, he was often accompanied by only one other guitarist, such as Philip O'Duffy. He typically plays a combination of his own compositions and traditional songs such as Carrickfergus, The Boston Burglar and The Leaving of Liverpool.

Discography

Albums For the Poor and the Gentry (1967) With an Eye to Your Eye (1968) All Our Wars Were Merry, All Our Songs Are Sad (1969) Johnny McEvoy (1973) Sounds Like McEvoy (1973) Where My Eileen Is Waiting (1975) Long Before Your Time (1976) Leaves in the Wind (1977) I'll Spend a Time with You (1978) 20 Greatest Hits (1979) Johnny McEvoy Goes Country (1980) Since Maggie Went Away (1985) Celebration (1995) The Legendary Johnny McEvoy (2002) Going to California (2003) 20 Collected Irish Ballads (2008) Basement Sessions (2014) Into the Cauldron (2017)

Singles

Released as "Super single" with double A