Discover the Best Celtic Folk Music Artists

From the best Celtic folk music artists to the most popular, this list has them all! Discover the best in Celtic folk music today.

Celtic Folk Music Basics

Celtic folk music is a genre of folk music that developed in Atlantic Canada. It is a mixture of Celtic and North American influences. Celtic folk music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the fiddle, bagpipe, and accordion, and by its focus on the folk culture of the Celtic nations.

What is Celtic Folk Music?

Celtic folk music is a type of music that has its origins in the cultures of the Celtic people. This includes both traditional music that has been passed down orally, as well as more modern music that has been influenced by Celtic folk traditions. Celtic folk music is often categorized by its use of traditional instruments, as well as its focus on storytelling and balladry. It is a genre that has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, due in part to the success of artists like Loreena McKennitt and The Chieftains.

The Origins of Celtic Folk Music

Celtic folk music has its roots in the music of the Celtic people, who originate from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, and Cornwall. Celtic music is known for its lively rhythms and catchy melodies, and it has been used in many different genres over the years. Some of the most popular Celtic folk bands include The Dubliners, The Pogues, and Flogging Molly.

If you’re interested in learning more about Celtic folk music, or if you’re just looking for some great bands to listen to, check out our list of the best Celtic folk bands below.

Best Celtic Folk Music Artists

Celtic folk music has a rich history dating back centuries. The genre is known for its unique blend of traditional folk music with elements of Celtic culture. There are many talented Celtic folk music artists out there, but who are the best? Here are our top picks.

The Chieftains

The Chieftains are a Scottish-Irish band formed in Dublin, Ireland in November 1962, by Paddy Moloney, Sean Potts and Michael Tubridy. The band’s lineup has undergone numerous changes over the years, with Moloney and Tubridy being the only original members still remaining. In 1973, they were appointed as “traditional ambassadors to the world” by the Irish government. Although The Chieftains’ repertoire includes many types of music from various countries and regions, they are perhaps best known for their Irish folk music. They have won six Grammy Awards and their first album, The Chieftains 1 (1963), is credited with popularizing Celtic folk music in the United States.

The Dubliners

One of the most influential Irish folk bands, The Dubliners helped revive the genre in the 1960s. Formed in 1962, the group originally consisted of Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, Ronnie Drew, Ciarán Bourke and Keith Lynch. In 1967, John Sheahan joined The Dubliners, replacing Lynch. The band became well-known for their lively stage shows and signature tunes like “The Wild Rover” and “Whiskey in the Jar.” Over the years, The Dubliners have undergone several lineup changes, with Kelly, McKenna, Sheahan and Drew being the only original members still in the group. In 2012, Bourke died suddenly from a brain hemorrhage.

The Dubliners have released over 30 albums and have been awarded seven gold discs. They were inducted into the Irish Music Hall of Fame in 2013.

Sinead O’Connor

Sinead O’Connor is an Irish artist who rose to prominence in the late 1980s with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra. O’Connor’s popularity was initially welded to her public image as a rebellious artist and outspoken critic of the Catholic Church. This image was later shattered by a very public battle with mental health issues, which led to a series of outspoken and often contradictory statements made by the singer that damaged her reputation. In recent years, O’Connor has made a musical comeback with several critically acclaimed albums, including 2014’s I’m Not Bossy, I’m the Boss, which earned her a Grammy Award nomination for Best Folk Album.

Celtic Folk Music Today

There are many different Celtic folk music artists making music today. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best artists and bands that are keeping Celtic music alive and well. Whether you are looking for traditional songs or something with a modern twist, there is sure to be an artist on this list that you will enjoy.

The Celtic Folk Music Revival

The Celtic Folk Music Revival was a movement that sought to revive interest in the traditional folk music of the Celtic nations. The revival began in the 1940s and gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s with the advent of new technology that made it easier to record and distribute folk music. In the 1970s and 1980s, the revival spawned a subgenre of Celtic-influenced rock music, which became known as Celtic rock.

The revival has its roots in a 19th-century movement led by antiquarians and folklorists such as Francis James Child, James Orchard Halliwell, Lucy Broadwood, and Horace Waller. They collected and published large numbers of traditional songs from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. This work laid the foundations for future generations of folk musicians to build on.

In the early 20th century, there was a renewed interest in traditional folk music in Europe, which was partly inspired by nationalist movements. This led to an increase in public performances of Celtic folk music, as well as the recording and publication of more songs.

The first half of the 20th century saw significant changes in the social status of many Celtic nations, as they achieved greater political autonomy or even independence. This increased pride in Celtic culture, and helped to spur on the revival.

The second half of the 20th century was when the revival really gained momentum. New technology made it easier to record and distribute folk music, while mass media helped to raise awareness of it. Increasing numbers of people began to take an interest in their local Celtic traditions.

This culminated in the formation of many successful bands who blended traditional folk music with other genres such as rock, pop, and even classical music. Some of these bands were particularly successful in bringing Celtic music to a wider audience; for example, Irish bands such as The Dubliners and The Clancy Brothers enjoyed great popularity in both Ireland and America during the 1960s Folk Revival.

Today, the Celtic Folk Music Revival is still going strong. Thanks to modern technology, it is now easier than ever before for people to access this rich cultural tradition. Whether you want to listen to traditional songs or modern interpretations thereof, there is a wealth of Celtic Folk Music out there waiting to be discovered!

Celtic Folk Music Festivals

Celtic folk music has been around for centuries, and today it is enjoyed by people all over the world. If you’re a fan of Celtic folk music, then you’ll be happy to know that there are many Celtic folk music festivals held every year.

These festivals are a great way to experience Celtic folk music firsthand. You’ll be able to hear many different artists perform, and you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase CDs and other merchandise.

If you’re interested in attending a Celtic folk music festival, then you should start planning now. These festivals are very popular, and they often sell out well in advance. To find out more about Celtic folk music festivals, check out the links below.