John Kelly: Irish Recording Company 78 rpm Disc

By Jeff Ksiazek

Published October 14, 2019

This 78rpm disc from the David Giovannoni Collection is a test pressing from Bill Stapleton's Irish Recording Company of West Clare's John Kelly. The pianist is likely Eileen Lane, Stapleton's wife. It was probably recorded between 1949 and 1955. John Kelly was a significant figure of Irish traditional music in the twentieth century, playing fiddle and concertina, as well as collecting and recording tunes from the likes of Johnny Doran and John Doherty. The recording features two reels, The Bunch of Keys and Lord McDonald's.

Many thanks to Aoife and John Kelly, Jr. for granting us permission to make this recording available. Check out the John Kelly Capel Street website for more amazing resources documenting his life and music: http://johnkellycapelstreet.ie/

This recording is from the David Giovannoni Collection, Object ID: DG 78 00-180.