Just heard the sad news that singer/song writer Christie passed away today. He may not have been directly involved in trad but his father played the accordion and he had an obvious affection for it himself. I remember a rehearsal for a Dublin NCH charity gig over a year ago where, when he'd done his sound check, he sat in the hall to listen to us (a grouping of Belfast and Dublin trad musicians trying to get it together). After we'd finished he came over and made some suggestions about repositioning our instruments and seating arrangements to achieve a better balance. We took his advice and it improved the performance no end. His own live performance was outstanding and highlighted his proficiency on guitar which might not be so obvious on recordings.
Today RTE played a sneak preview of his latest song recorded with Christy Moore and Luka Bloom a couple of weeks ago for a Crossfire charity project. This song could well be a Christmas number one if the record company can get its act together in time. It's a beautiful song about tragedy and forgiveness based on the story of Richard Moore from Derry who was blinded by a plastic bullet back in 1972 and is titled "When Will They Ever Learn?"
Sorry for the cross post jfiddlerh but you obviously type faster than me; there was nothing on Christie when I checked earlier on today but after I'd posted I spotted your entry - coincidences and all that!
I have been a fan of the late Christie Hennessy for many years. His amazing voice and talent lightened my days. I was introduced to his music by another person from Tralee and was instantly won over by the Tralee Bard!
At many of his concerts tours I went to several of the concerts and sang along happily (not always in tune!) to his songs. Some of his songs came to mean a lot to me because they seemed to speak to the soul. His turn of phrase was simple but his words spoke volumes. Christie's songs brought me through many dark days. His Song for Stephen and The Pain were/are particularly poignant.
I am so saddened by his death and I extend my condolences to his family at his passing. Missing you already Christie.
He wasn't my type of singer but he wrote and sang some lovely songs, and was a likeable guy. Having to take the boat to England at age 15, he certainly wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth. May God give him a bed in heaven.
F R.
Condolences to Christie,s family.What a great man,and artist.
I played with Christie and Kevin Burke in the early seventy,s at
The Windmill in Croydon.
Peace to his loved one,s.May God Rest his Soul
For anyone who wants to record their views on Christie, visit http://www.christiehennessy.com/condolences.php. He was indeed an exceptional human being and the sincerity and humility evident in his performances was genuine and not just an act to impress the audience as some of the cynics may have thought. Apart from his great talent, Christie belonged to that rare breed that we sometimes refer to as "one of nature's gentlemen".
Christy Hennesy RIP
Christy Hennesy RIP
Just read online that the great songmaster Christy Hennesy passed away.
http://u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=13430&pt=e
His style may not have been to everyone's taste but i believe he had a genuine ability to reach people through song.
Never personally met him but in his appearances what always struck me was the man's sheer humility.
RIP Christy.
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by jfiddlerh
Christie Hennessy - A Sad Loss
Just heard the sad news that singer/song writer Christie passed away today. He may not have been directly involved in trad but his father played the accordion and he had an obvious affection for it himself. I remember a rehearsal for a Dublin NCH charity gig over a year ago where, when he'd done his sound check, he sat in the hall to listen to us (a grouping of Belfast and Dublin trad musicians trying to get it together). After we'd finished he came over and made some suggestions about repositioning our instruments and seating arrangements to achieve a better balance. We took his advice and it improved the performance no end. His own live performance was outstanding and highlighted his proficiency on guitar which might not be so obvious on recordings.
Today RTE played a sneak preview of his latest song recorded with Christy Moore and Luka Bloom a couple of weeks ago for a Crossfire charity project. This song could well be a Christmas number one if the record company can get its act together in time. It's a beautiful song about tragedy and forgiveness based on the story of Richard Moore from Derry who was blinded by a plastic bullet back in 1972 and is titled "When Will They Ever Learn?"
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by Bannerman
Re: Christie Hennessy - A Sad Loss
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/16069
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by mcdevincabe
Re: Christie Hennessy - A Sad Loss
See also http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/features/daily-features/article2366962.ece?service=print for an interview with Christie earlier this year for the Belfast Telegraph. It gives an excellent account of his early years and in particular how he overcame the handicap of dyslexia that plagued him throughout his life.
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by Bannerman
Re: Christy Hennesy RIP
Sorry for the cross post jfiddlerh but you obviously type faster than me; there was nothing on Christie when I checked earlier on today but after I'd posted I spotted your entry - coincidences and all that!
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by Bannerman
Re: Christy Hennesy RIP
I have been a fan of the late Christie Hennessy for many years. His amazing voice and talent lightened my days. I was introduced to his music by another person from Tralee and was instantly won over by the Tralee Bard!
At many of his concerts tours I went to several of the concerts and sang along happily (not always in tune!) to his songs. Some of his songs came to mean a lot to me because they seemed to speak to the soul. His turn of phrase was simple but his words spoke volumes. Christie's songs brought me through many dark days. His Song for Stephen and The Pain were/are particularly poignant.
I am so saddened by his death and I extend my condolences to his family at his passing. Missing you already Christie.
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by flowerofthesouth
Re: Christy Hennesy RIP
He wasn't my type of singer but he wrote and sang some lovely songs, and was a likeable guy. Having to take the boat to England at age 15, he certainly wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth. May God give him a bed in heaven.
F R.
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by Free Reed
Re: Christy Hennesy RIP
What a legend loved him, from the bull ring in Tralee and all!
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by Afrocelt
Re: Christy Hennesy RIP
Condolences to Christie,s family.What a great man,and artist.
I played with Christie and Kevin Burke in the early seventy,s at
The Windmill in Croydon.
Peace to his loved one,s.May God Rest his Soul
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by gooseinthenettles
Re: Christy Hennesy RIP
For such a mild, humble man, he's left a fine legacy of songs.
Thanks Christie.
God bless and keep you.
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by RockyRoader
Re: Christy Hennesy RIP
For anyone who wants to record their views on Christie, visit http://www.christiehennessy.com/condolences.php. He was indeed an exceptional human being and the sincerity and humility evident in his performances was genuine and not just an act to impress the audience as some of the cynics may have thought. Apart from his great talent, Christie belonged to that rare breed that we sometimes refer to as "one of nature's gentlemen".
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by Bannerman