Top Tin Whistle Players and Their Impact to Celtic Music

Celtic music has long been loved by many, and the whistle stands out as one of its key instruments. Let's look at 7 accomplished whistle players who have made great strides with this seemingly simple instrument, influencing Celtic music and inspiring new generations of musicians with their skill and artistry.

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A tin whistle virtuoso, as a true expert in their craft, demonstrates outstanding technical skill and precision in creating captivating musical renditions. They excel in performing Irish tunes with accuracy, swiftness, and intricate ornamentation.

Get to know six of the most iconic Irish musicians—Mary Bergin, Joanie Madden, Brian Finnegan, Micho Russell and Kevin Crawford as you learn about their unique sounds and styles as they have influenced generations of Celtic music enthusiasts worldwide!

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Mary Bergin

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Born in Shankill, County Dublin, Ireland, Mary Bergin is widely acknowledged as one of the great masters of the tin whistle. Belonging to a family of musicians, she started learning to play the tin whistle at the age of nine. Her exceptional talent and skill led her to win numerous awards in Oireachtas and Fleadh Ceoil competitions, including the All-Ireland Championships at Junior and Senior levels. Mary's dedication to her craft and expertise them led her to earn the prestigious 'Traditional Musician of the Year' award in 2000.

A true testament to her virtuosity, Mary Bergin released two albums that are widely acclaimed as classics, Feadóga Stáin (1979) and Feadóga Stáin 2 (1992). These albums showcase her ability to execute Irish tunes swiftly and accurately while incorporating masterful ornamentation. She plays the whistle left-handed, with her right hand on top of the tone holes and her left hand underneath. Mary's skill in creating beautiful interpretations of music through her artistry has earned her a place among the best tin whistle virtuosos of this century.
In 1990, Mary joined forces with musicians Kathleen Loughnane and Dearbhaill Standun to form the group 'Dordan.' The trio captivated audiences with their unique blend of traditional Irish and baroque music.

Mary Bergin's achievements have made a significant impact on Irish music. Her exceptional skills with the tin whistle and her dedication have not only influenced fellow tin whistle players but also Irish music lovers. Her position as one of the instrument's most acclaimed players continues to inspire those in the musical community.

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Check out The Feadoga Stain Album by Mary Bergin. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gxrVD6

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Joanie Madden

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Born in Bronx, New York to Irish parents, Joanie Madden is a renowned Irish-American flute and whistle player. Her father, Joe Madden, was an All-Ireland Champion on the accordion and a respected Irish musician. Growing up surrounded by Irish music, Joanie took lessons with National Heritage Award Winner, Jack Coen.

Within a few short years of taking lessons, Madden's talent shone through as she won the All-Ireland Championship on both the concert flute and tin whistle. In 1984, she made history by becoming the first American to win the coveted Senior All-Ireland Championship on the whistle. Joanie is known for her playing of the Boehm system flute or silver flute, a rarity in Irish traditional music—and a testament to her skill and versatility as a musician.

Highly acclaimed by her peers, both Matt Molloy and James Galway have remarked that Madden is one of the best flutists in Irish music today. Her dedication to her craft and support of Irish-American music and culture earned her the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2011. Furthermore, Madden was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship in 2021 by the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the United States government's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.

Joanie Madden is also the leader of the all-female Irish music group, Cherish the Ladies. They have performed in the finest venues worldwide, representing the strong roots and pride of Irish-American ambassadors of Celtic music. This groundbreaking ensemble showcases the incredible talents of women in Irish music and dance, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations of female artists.

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Check out The Whistle on the Wind Album by Joannie Madden. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XvDlOT

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Brian Finnegan

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Hailing from Armagh, Northern Ireland, Brian Finnegan is a renowned Irish flute and tin whistle player. He began playing the whistle at the young age of eight and later picked up the flute at age ten as a student of the Armagh Pipers Club. His musical influences include legends such as Matt Molloy and Jean-Michel Veillon, and he developed a deep appreciation for diverse genres, including jazz and Indian music.

One of Finnegan's distinct playing styles is his way of tonguing. His technique makes him stand out in the Irish music scene. He first drew attention when he joined the band Upstairs in a Tent. In 1993, he released his second solo album, When the Party's Over.
In 1995, Finnegan formed the band Flook, initially a three-piece group touring as 'Three Nations Flutes' with fellow musicians Sarah Allen and Mike McGoldrick. Later, they added Ed Boyd on guitar, solidifying the band's lineup. Flook's captivating blend of traditional and contemporary sounds earned them the title of Best Band in the 2006 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Finnegan's solo album, The Ravishing Genius of Bones, released in 2010, is a testament to his continued growth and exploration as an artist. This album demonstrates the way in which he combines Irish musical traditions with other influences to create a wholly original sound, one that is spellbinding.

Brian Finnegan regularly tours across the United States, Latin America, and Ireland, sharing his extraordinary talent with audiences worldwide. Alongside guitarist William Coulter, Finnegan continues to enthrall listeners with his captivating performances and innovative approach to Irish music.

With his incredible skill, passion for diverse musical influences, and dedication to his craft, Brian Finnegan has firmly established himself as an influential figure in the world of Irish music. His mastery of the flute and tin whistle, combined with his unique style and exploration of various genres, will continue to inspire musicians and Irish music enthusiasts for generations to come.

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Check out the Ravishing Genius of Bones Album by Brian Finnegan. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MNc4Tc

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Micho Russell

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Born on March 25, 1915, in Doonagore, Doolin, County Clare, Ireland, Micho Russell was an extraordinary Irish musician and writer, primarily recognized for his exceptional tin whistle performances. Coming from a family with a rich musical background, his mother was a concertina player, and his father was a sean-nós singer, which helped lay the groundwork for Russell's passion and talent in traditional Irish music.
Russell started learning the tin whistle by ear at just eleven years old, showcasing his innate ability and love for the instrument. His commitment to his craft led to him winning the 1973 All-Ireland tin whistle competition, which significantly increased the demand for his mesmerizing performances.

Like Séamus Ennis, Micho Russell was also known for his spoken introductions during live performances, which featured folklore and legends. This skill in storytelling, coupled with his musical expertise, made him a treasured figure in the realm of Irish traditional music.

What set Russell apart from other musicians was his distinctive playing style. His approach to the tin whistle was minimalistic, with extended silences between notes. This seemingly straightforward technique was, in reality, incredibly challenging to replicate and exhibited Russell's profound comprehension of the music's core.

Tragically, Micho Russell passed away in a car accident on February 19, 1994, while on his way home from a gig, just before he was due to record another CD. Despite his sudden passing, his influence on Irish music remains significant.

Russell's love of traditional Irish culture was reflected not only in the music he performed, but also by his embrace of Irish heritage. His interest in preserving and promoting this part of who he was gave him an authentic voice as a representative from Ireland.

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Check out the In Our Own Dear Land Album by Micho Russell. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZrD5Df

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Kevin Crawford

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Kevin Crawford is a celebrated Irish musician known for his mastery of the flute, tin whistle, low whistle, and bodhrán. Born in Birmingham, England, to Irish parents from Milltown Malbay, County Clare, Crawford's rich heritage played a significant role in shaping his passion for traditional Irish music.

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Crawford's musical journey began in the late 1980s when he joined the English band Long Acre. He then joined the Irish quintet Moving Cloud in 1993, with whom he recorded two albums. In 1997, Crawford became part of one of Ireland's most prominent traditional bands, Lúnasa, replacing Michael McGoldrick. This move opened new avenues for his career. As the frontman for Lúnasa, Crawford captivated audiences with his exceptional flute playing during live performances. With Lúnasa, he has recorded numerous albums, further showcasing his skill and versatility as a musician. In addition to his work with the band, Crawford has also recorded solo albums and collaborated with other musicians, further enriching his musical repertoire.

In addition to his work as one of the leading Irish flute players, Kevin Crawford is committed to passing on his knowledge and passion for Irish music to the next generation. He has video courses of flute and whistle lessons through the Online Academy of Irish Music, making his expertise easily accessible to aspiring musicians worldwide.

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Check out the D Flute Album by Kevin Crawford. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XuLLpS

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Alan Doherty

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Alan Doherty is an esteemed Irish tin whistle and flute player who hails from the charming town of Tallaght, just outside Dublin. With a distinctive playing style that incorporates jazz and improvisation elements, Doherty has garnered recognition and admiration in the world of traditional Irish music.

Alan's journey in music has brought him to various parts of the world ultimately settling in Germany. He currently resides in Halle where he imparts his knowledge as a teacher. Among his remarkable achievements is his role as a lead soloist in the iconic Lord of the Rings soundtrack which is a testament to his outstanding talent.In 2001, Doherty co-founded the traditional Irish music band Gráda whose members are a mix of Irish and New Zealand musicians. Based in Dublin and Galway, Gráda have spent much of their time touring internationally earning critical acclaim along the way. Gráda's albums have earned critical acclaim and recognition from various media outlets. Their music has been appreciated and praised by several reputable publications including Irish Music, Sing Out!, The Irish Times, The Evening Herald, and The Event Guide. The band's unique sound and exceptional talent have made them a standout in the world of traditional Irish music. Although Gráda disbanded in 2011, the group's members regularly perform together as part of smaller ensembles continuing to inspire and influence musicians from all over the globe. Alan Doherty also taught tin whistles at primary schools in Dublin. His passion for nurturing the next generation of Irish musicians continues as he conducts Irish music workshops in different parts of the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring artists.

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For those interested in experiencing the full depth Celtic music influence in soundtracks, the Lord of the Rings Soundtrack album by Howard Shore brings Middle-earth to life. This collection of music not only captures the essence of the epic tale but also serves as a testament to the power of Celtic music in storytelling. You can find the album in Amazon through this link: https://amzn.to/4guwfTj

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Carmel Gunning

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An acclaimed Irish composer and musician from Sligo, Ireland, she has made a significant impact on the world of traditional Irish music. Known as one of Ireland's most accomplished tin whistle players, her talents extend beyond the whistle to singing, flute playing, guitar playing, and button accordion. Carmel's distinctive form of whistle playing and adherence to tradition can be traced back to her homeland of Geevagh in South County Sligo, where she was introduced to traditional Irish music at an early age.

This background and tradition played a crucial role in shaping Gunning's musical journey. Her father, Tom Nangle, would teach her old tunes by lilting or whistling them to her as a child. In 1969, she took her first steps into the world of performance, singing in the band "Carmel and the Chrystals." Her exceptional talents were soon recognized as she won the All-Ireland tin whistle slow airs competition at the Fleadh Cheoil in 1976.

Carmel Gunning is particularly noted for her fast-paced tin whistle style, which is common to fiddle, flute, and tin whistle players of the "South Sligo" tradition. Her ornamentation is diverse, featuring many tongued triplets that imitate the bowed embellishments popular among Sligo fiddlers. She has used her expertise in Irish music to tutor MA and BA music students at the University of Limerick, passing on the Sligo musical tradition to younger generations.

As the organizer of the Carmel Gunning School of Music, she has nurtured the talents of several students who have gone on to become successful musicians in their own right. Among her former pupils are flute and whistle master Liam Kelly of the group Dervish, Orlaith McAuliffe, Olivia McTernan, and June McCormack. Throughout her career, Carmel has performed Irish music in concerts around the world, showcasing her exceptional skills to a global audience.

In addition to her live performances, Carmel Gunning has released numerous albums and tune books, cementing her place as a prominent figure in the world of traditional Irish music. Her dedication to preserving and promoting the Sligo musical tradition has made her an influential and respected musician, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to appreciate and emulate.

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A Lasting Legacy

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In conclusion, these seven whistle virtuosos have left an indelible mark on the world of Celtic music. Each of them, with their unique styles and dedication to their craft has played a crucial role in shaping the musical landscape and inspiring future generations of musicians. Their passion for traditional Irish music, coupled with their exceptional talents and commitment to preserving and promoting their respective musical traditions, has made them pillars of the genre.

They have captured the attention of audiences around the world and played a key role in promoting and sharing the diverse traditions of Celtic music. The contributions of Mary Bergin, Joanie Madden, Brian Finnegan, Micho Russell, Kevin Crawford, Alan Doherty, and Carmel Gunning will continue to influence music enthusiasts and stand as a tribute to the impact and beauty of traditional Irish music. Through their impressive performances, recordings, and teaching, these accomplished whistle players have ensured that the melodies of Celtic music will remain alive and continue to inspire future generations.

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