The 10 most important Feadog Whistles performers in Irish traditional music – Part 2

by Joao Ferreira

Today I will keep writing about traditional Irish culture. More specifically about traditional Irish musicians, who made the Feadog tin whistles the pencil to write one of the richest cultures throughout the world.

I will finish to outline the 10 most important Feadog tin whistles players in Ireland and why they were so remarkable to the country. Last week I listed the first 5 performers, here I will write about the last 5 musicians. It is a good opportunity to get inspired and pick one of these ten to have as your own reference.

6 – Andrea Jane Corr 

Andrea is an Irish musician, songwriter and actress. Andrea debuted in 1990 as the lead singer of the Celtic folk rock and pop rock group The Corrs along with her three elder siblings Caroline, Sharon and Jim.  Her family was raised in Dundalk, Ireland. With the encouragement of her parents, Andrea took up the tin whistle and was taught the piano by her father.

Remarkable Composition: “Shame on You”

7 – Joanie Madden

Joanie is an Irish-American whistle player of Irish traditional music. She is best known as leader of the all-female group Cherish the Ladies, but has also recorded and performed with numerous other musicians, and as a solo artist. Madden was born in the Bronx to Irish immigrants. Her father, Joe, was an All-Ireland Champion on the accordion and a well-known and respected Irish musician who was inducted into the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Mid-Atlantic Region Hall of Fame in 1992.

Remarkable Composition: “Blind Mary”

8 – Micho Russel

Micho was an Irish musician and author best known for his expert tin whistle performance. He also played the simple-system flute and was a collector of traditional music and folklore. He was born in Doonagore, Doolin, County Clare, Ireland. Micho came from a musically renowned family. He taught himself to play the tin whistle by ear starting at age eleven.

Remarkable Composition: “Micho Russell’s Reel”

9 – Vinnie Kilduff

Vinnie is a Grammy award-winning multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, primarily known for his work with U2, The Waterboys, Clannad and Sinéad O’Connor. He plays tin whistle, uilleann pipes, guitar, mandolin, piano, harmonica, bodhrán and flute. He is described as one of Ireland’s best known contemporary tin whistle players. He was born in Knock, County Mayo, Ireland. In 1981 Vinnie was asked by U2 to play uilleann pipes and bodhrán on their album October and to guest with them at their concert in Slane Castle that year.

Remarkable Composition: “Tomorrow”

10 – Brian Finnegan

Brian is an Irish tin whistle player from Armagh. Finnegan began playing whistle at age 8 and flute at age 10 as a student of the Armagh Pipers Club under the tuition of the Vallely family. He first came to public attention with the Irish group Upstairs in a Tent.

I believe after these 10 inspiring musicians you`ve got interested to start and learn how to play our Feadog Whistles. Browse our website and look for the one that fits your needs. If you are already a player becomes our fan visiting our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to be aware of tips and further information.