By THOMAS R. KRESSLER
Democrat Staff Writer
DOVER — Tommy Makem, legendary Irish musician and one of Dover's most beloved residents, died Wednesday night following a gallant struggle with lung cancer. He was 74.
Though he is known throughout the world as the "Godfather of Irish Music," to his family and those who knew him well, Makem was also a wise and generous man who will be missed dearly.
"Just about everyone who's ever met him said he was the kindest man they ever met and they were right," said his son, Conor, this morning. "He was always generous and he never looked for any kind of repayment."
On an international level, Makem is perhaps best known for his work with celebrated Irish band The Clancy Brothers And Tommy Makem, who saw wide success in the 1960s. The group released dozens of albums and performed all over the world, including at famous venues like New York's Carnegie Hall and London's Royal Albert Hall.
Bolstered by live television performances on every major network, including a spot on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1961, The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem are often credited with popularizing traditional Irish Music in the United States.
"Tommy was a man of high integrity, honesty, and, at the end, courage," wrote friend and longtime musical partner Liam Clancy on his website Wednesday. "His death has left a void that cannot be filled. A great entertainer has left us."
Even while ill, Makem, who was diagnosed with cancer last May, kept an astoundingly positive attitude. He continued to perform, alone or with his sons' group the Makem and Spain Brothers, in a string of shows last year that included opening night of the Cocheco Arts Festival summer music series, a concert at the Rochester Opera House in November, and a short run of Christmas shows in Canada in December.
Makem performed at the Statehouse this year for Gov. John Lynch's inaugural celebration and had shows lined up through October.
"It was known that he was not well, yet he played with typical passion and wit, evoking tears of joy and sadness from those assembled," Lynch said today. "With a strong voice and even stronger spirit, Tommy inspired millions."
Becoming a world-famous musician was something of an accident for Makem. When he came to the United States in 1955, Makem was hoping to become an actor, but turned to music a few years later around the time the folk revival hit. Makem and the Clancy Brothers were getting more offers to sing than they were to act, so the four decided to try performing music and see what happened.
"We said we'd try it for six months, and it turned into close to 50 years," Makem told Foster's in an interview last year.
In 1969, Makem parted ways with the Clancy Brothers to pursue a solo career. He was reunited with Liam Clancy in 1975 and the two performed together until 1988. Makem had performed solo since then, beguiling audiences with his deep baritone voice, masterful banjo playing, tin whistle, poetry, and storytelling. Songs like Four Green Fields, Gentle Annie, and Red is the Rose are among some of his best known.
While Makem, along with the Clancy Brothers, saw great success in the United States, he remains iconic overseas, particularly in his native Ireland.
His accolades include three honorary doctorate degrees, a lifetime achievement award from The World Folk Music Association, and his face on a commemorative stamp celebrating Irish music issued last year by the Irish government. Just last month, an ailing Makem received an honorary doctoral degree from the University of Ulster, in Belfast, and was able to visit his native County Armagh.
Though in poor health, Makem was determined to get to Ireland.
"He's one of the strongest-willed persons I ever met," Conor said.
Having an international artist of such acclaim in Dover was not overlooked. Makem was a familiar face at local events and festivals and has been honored numerous times over the years by local organizations. This past St. Patrick's Day, Makem was honored in front of Dover City Hall by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He also headlined the short-lived but well-loved Seacoast Irish Festival three years in a row.
Makem's roots in Dover date back many years, when the first Irish immigrants, skilled in weaving and textiles, arrived in the Garrison City to find work in the mills. A strong network of relatives greeted Makem when he arrived in the U.S. and provided him with a place to stay while he saved money in anticipation of a move to New York City.
"I had more cousins and aunts and uncles in Dover than I had in Ireland," he told Foster's in an interview last year.
Makem's ancestors were the same people who helped build St. Mary's Church, which became the first Catholic parish in New Hampshire when it was established more than 175 years ago. In honor of the church's anniversary in 2005, Makem composed a "Mass for the Immigrants", one of his most touching pieces that continues to be performed by local choirs.
"He had a great faith," said Rev. Fritz Cerullo, of St. Mary Church. "Not just in God, though that's important, but he had faith in himself and in other people."
In March, a BBC Northern Ireland film crew came to Dover to film a documentary focusing on Makem's life in the United States. The film explored close ties between Makem's hometown of Keady, located in the County Armagh, and Dover.
They filmed the St. Thomas Aquinas choir performing Makem's "Mass for the Immigrants" inside St. Mary Church, while Makem, gaunt from his struggle with cancer, sat alone in the pews and moved his head rhythmically with the words. Makem had just gotten over a bout with pneumonia, but shrugged the illness off.
"You fight every day," he said at the time, downplaying his failing health. "There's no let-up."
Arrangements have not yet been made but the service will be held sometime next week, Conor said, adding that will allow people from overseas time to travel to New Hampshire.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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