John McKenna is regarded as one of the most influential flute players of the 20th century. Born in a small cottage in the townland of Tents, Tarmon near Drumkeerin in 1880, McKenna emigrated to New York and became a prolific recording artist during the 1920s and 30s. These 78 recordings inspired musicians back home and around the world and continue to do so today
McKenna’s Accordion
The Local Studies section of Leitrim Library is honoured to house McKenna’s accordion which was presented to Leitrim County Council in 1995 by McKenna’s niece Mary Ellen Wynne from Arigna.
She was born in the same house as her famous uncle and remembers him on his one and only visit back to Ireland in 1938, where he played the accordion in his old homestead.
John McKenna – “The Long Note”
This edition of “The Long Note” presented by Jackie Small is dedicated to the music of John McKenna, born 6th January 1880, Tents. Tinte, Cois Struttain, Co. Leitrim
“The Long Note” presented by Jackie Small
Programme is dedicated to the music of John McKenna, Born 6th January, 1880, Tents. Tinte, Cois Struttain, Co. Leitrim
CONTENT
John McKenna playing the flute – REEL: Colonel Frazier
A brief account of McKenna’s background
More of the background of McKenna and introduces an interview with Mary Flynn (name somewhat indistinguishable and may not be correct) from Drumkeerin who had a store of memories of the people from the area. She gives her uncle’s account of McKenna’s first job in the Arigna Mines.
Mary Flynn In an interview with the presenter.
Interview with Frank Flynn. McKenna played at his father’s wedding. He gives an indication of how McKenna learned his music.
McKenna’s marriage on 13th September 1909 after which he and his wife first lived in Scotland and then immigrated to America around 1911.
REELS: “Down the Meadow” and “The House on the Hill”
He goes on to give a synopsis of McKenna’s years in America. He introduces a detailed and moving recollection of the McKenna household given by his daughter, Catherine, which she sent to Joe Mooney, Drumshanbo.
Speaking about McKenna in America – his music, his family life and his time in the Fire Department.
JIG: “Leitrim Town” also know as “Up Leitrim” and “Clancy’s Dream”.
Interview with Tommy Gilmartin, Tarmon – a friend of McKenna’s
REEL: “Lucky in Love”
REEL: “Back in the Garden” – also known as “Touch Me If You Dare”
Talks about the record company “The New Republic” and the a recording with James Morrison.
REELS: “The Tailor’s Thimble” and “The Red Haired Lass”. Frank Flynn says this recording was played so often it was nearly “worn through”.
Arthur McGrail, Knockacullen, Aughacashel, Co. Leitrim – Interview
POLKA: My Love is but a Lassie
Mary and Tommy Flynn continue
Talks about McKenna collaborating with musicians from his own area when he was in America and how he recorded with a banjo and flute player, Michael Gaffney from Arigna
REEL: “Early Breakfast”
Tommy Gilmartin met McKenna with Tommy Liddy in the early hours at Kingsbridge and how they had a great session/party in Liddy’s house in Vernon Ave., Clontarf. It was the Liddy’s who arranged for McKenna’s homecoming.
McKenna playing and lilting – REELS: “The Sailor on the Rock”. He goes on to play a tune with a local name “The Corry Boys” somewhat similar to “The Hare’s Paw”
Tommy Flynn talks about the title of the tune “The Corry Boys” and why McKenna gave this title to the tune.
two hornpipes “The Buck From the Mountain” and “The Greencastle”. It seems, from listening to Tommy Flynn, McKenna called them “McPartland’s Style” and “??? Valley. (Tommy could be referring to the next tune i.e “The Duke of Leinster’s Wife”)
“The Duke of Leinster’s Wife” or “The Lady’s Pantalettes”
Mentions a comical name McKenna had on a jig “Fire Away Ya Devil Ya” which is then played
Speaking with Arthur Boyle about the John McKenna Society
Joe Mooney speaks
BARNDANCE: “The Ballroom Favourite” and “The Mighty Mouse” or “Michael Gaffney’s”
POLKAS: “Up and Away” and “The Merry Girl” released on The Decca Label in 1934
John McKenna Traditional Irish Music Society
A monument to McKenna’s music legacy was erected in Tarmon, near his birthplace in 1980. Shortly after that, the John McKenna Music Festival was founded, which takes place every year in Drumkeeran.
More Information on McKenna
For further background information on McKenna, check out
or
And for a further insight into his life from information gleaned from interviews recorded in 1982 with Mary Flynn, Joseph Mooney, Tommy Gilmartin, Arthur McGrail, Frank Flynn, Joe Liddy, Paddy McGowan, and Hughie Gillespie.
And there are plenty of opportunities to tune into McKenna’s recordings online.
Here’s “Clancy’s Jig” and “Leitrim Town” courtesy of the Ward Irish Music Archives
Ward Irish Music Archives – Jigs
And a couple more, including “The Corry Boys” and “The Buck from the Mountain”
Irish Traditional Music Archives
The Irish Traditional Music Archives paid tribute to McKenna and other emigrants who contributed to the Irish traditional music scene in NewYork in their “From the Bridge” project.
McKenna’s Legacy
McKenna’s style and his tunes are still influential in today’s traditional music scene. Local expert, the driving force behind the John McKenna festival and talented flute player, Seán Gilrane is seen and heard here introducing another legendary flute player, Liam Kelly, who is playing McKenna’s flute and speaks of an imminent launch of a CD of McKenna’s music.
And here’s some footage from the Joe Mooney Summer School’s annual trip to the McKenna homestead, courtesy of Leitrim Library’s Local Studies section.
And the link brings you to an archived article from The Leitrim Observer which shows how McKenna’s music was and still is being interpreted by other musicians
