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John Kennedy  (Co. Antrim)

(Photo: Dave Humphreys)

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John Kennedy was born in the townland of the Craigs in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland on 31st August 1928. His mother was a very fine singer as was his grandmother and it was from her that he learned his first two traditional songs at the age of eight. In the area around the small town of Cullybackey the rivers  tumbles down the hill side into near by Lough Neagh providing power for the flax and other mills. The people who lived there were obsessed with music and song and it continued in both the home and in the factory. Not only does John have a wide and varied repertoire of songs he is also a masterful fife and whistle player and many of his tunes are from the strong tradition of Orange marching bands.

John Kennedy can be heard on: VT137CD