Ruth Keggin

Ruth Keggin Gell is a Manx Gaelic singer-songwriter.

Early life and education Keggin was born in Port Erin, Isle of Man. She holds degrees from the University of York and the University of Cambridge.

Career In 2011, as a member of Nish As Rish, Keggin won in the Best Newcomers category at the 2011 Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany, France.

Keggin was awarded a grant by Culture Vannin to produce her 2014 debut solo album, Sheear ("Westward"), a collection of traditional and contemporary Manx songs praised as "bringing new life into the language with her music." Keggin's album has held popularity in the Celtic genre, becoming album of the week on Celtic Music Radio and listed as number one in Japan’s ‘Top 10’.

Keggin released her second solo album, Turrys ("Journey"), in 2016. Critic Neil McFadyen, writing for the journal Folk Radio UK, praised the album and called her voice "clear, precise and a joy to hear."

In September 2020 Keggin became the Manx Language Development Officer for Culture Vannin, a foundation established by the government of the Isle of Man to promote Manx culture.

Current and former collaborators

Erlend Apneseth - hardanger fiddle Tom Callister - fiddle David Kilgallon Vanessa McWilliam - double bass Margit Myhr - voice, hardanger fiddle Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin - Irish flautist and sean-nós singer David Pearce - guitar Rachel Hair - harp

Discography Title ReleaseSheear (‘Westward’) 2014Turrys 2016