The Boston Irish music community lost one of its most popular and colorful characters yesterday. Joe Joyce, accordionist, singer and storyteller supreme, died after having taken ill during the Catskill Irish Arts Week.
Joe, forever known by the sobriquet "The People's Choice," had been one of the mainstays of Boston Irish dance hall era but certainly no relic. He popped up at sessions, parties and festivals regularly and was more than happy to sit in, play, sing a song or two (or more) and -- most of all -- talk. Best of all, he and his daughter Catherine -- talented on numerous instruments and a terrific singer as well -- had formed a band and played often.
Best to his family and everyone else who was close to Joe.
I just heard the sad news this morning. What a nice man. I saw him up at the Irish Arts week and he was in great form. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to chat with him as I was running around at the time. My prayers go out to his wonderful family.
Very sorry to hear it. I thought I recognized him in the Catskills last week, even though I only met him once about three years ago. It was the one and only time I went to the session at the Greenbriar in Brighton. Joe was very friendly and welcoming toward this beginner on the accordion.
I was stunned to hear of Joe's passing. I enjoyed sitting by him at the Greenbriar sessions. He was very welcoming when I first started going, always including everyone in the room. Between sets, he'd break out with the Boston College theme song, or "Southie Is My Home Town", and have the whole pub join in. He leaves some very big shoes to fill. Rest in peace, Joe.
I enjoyed his music greatly and loved the way he was with people. I'm proud to know he was my great uncle and am greatfull for the time I spent with him. And to the rest of the family I miss and love you all so much. Love Ryan Hurley the son of sharon Hurley.
Joe Joyce "The People's Choice"
Joe Joyce "The People's Choice"
The Boston Irish music community lost one of its most popular and colorful characters yesterday. Joe Joyce, accordionist, singer and storyteller supreme, died after having taken ill during the Catskill Irish Arts Week.
Joe, forever known by the sobriquet "The People's Choice," had been one of the mainstays of Boston Irish dance hall era but certainly no relic. He popped up at sessions, parties and festivals regularly and was more than happy to sit in, play, sing a song or two (or more) and -- most of all -- talk. Best of all, he and his daughter Catherine -- talented on numerous instruments and a terrific singer as well -- had formed a band and played often.
Best to his family and everyone else who was close to Joe.
# Posted on July 23rd 2007 by sts
Re: Joe Joyce "The People's Choice"
I just heard the sad news this morning. What a nice man. I saw him up at the Irish Arts week and he was in great form. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to chat with him as I was running around at the time. My prayers go out to his wonderful family.
# Posted on July 23rd 2007 by fiddlefamily
Re: Joe Joyce "The People's Choice"
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=117368732
# Posted on July 23rd 2007 by Georgi
Re: Joe Joyce "The People's Choice"
Very sorry to hear it. I thought I recognized him in the Catskills last week, even though I only met him once about three years ago. It was the one and only time I went to the session at the Greenbriar in Brighton. Joe was very friendly and welcoming toward this beginner on the accordion.
# Posted on July 24th 2007 by GaryAMartin
Re: Joe Joyce "The People's Choice"
Dammit. Bye, Joe.
# Posted on July 26th 2007 by fiddlesoup
Re: Joe Joyce "The People's Choice"
I was stunned to hear of Joe's passing. I enjoyed sitting by him at the Greenbriar sessions. He was very welcoming when I first started going, always including everyone in the room. Between sets, he'd break out with the Boston College theme song, or "Southie Is My Home Town", and have the whole pub join in. He leaves some very big shoes to fill. Rest in peace, Joe.
# Posted on July 26th 2007 by Greg the Piano Tuner
Re: Joe Joyce "The People's Choice"
Thank you all for your support and good wishes.
If you have any stories about Joe, please send them along to me, I'd love to hear them!
- Catherine
# Posted on September 13th 2007 by CJ_6261
Re: Joe Joyce "The People's Choice"
I enjoyed his music greatly and loved the way he was with people. I'm proud to know he was my great uncle and am greatfull for the time I spent with him. And to the rest of the family I miss and love you all so much. Love Ryan Hurley the son of sharon Hurley.
# Posted on March 15th 2012 by ryan hurley