Artist:Johnny McEvoy
Song:Mursheen Durkin
Album:The Very Best of Johnny McEvoy: 50 Legendary Recordings
Johnny McEvoy has been a legend of Irish folk music since he topped the Irish charts with his 1966 recording of the traditional song Mursheen Durkin. He also writes songs but he is mainly known for performing traditional songs. He was born Apr. 29, 1945 in Banagher, County Offaly, Ireland. McEvoy was attending art school when he formed The Ramblers Two with fellow student Michael Crotty. Their big break came when they opened for The Rolling Stones at The Adelphi Cinema in Dublin. They were offered a record deal by Pye Records. But Crotty decided not to continue. So when McEvoy recorded the 1966 single Mursheen Durkin, he was billed as The Rambler. After the record topped the Irish charts for three weeks, Pye let McEvoy use his real name. McEvoy recorded Mursheen Durkin after his mother suggested it. Mursheen Durkin is about an Irishman who goes to California looking for gold. Plenty of singers have recorded the song but McEvoy's version is the best known. You can get it on this 3CD comp. McEvoy topped the Irish charts several times. He also toured the world and played New York's Carnegie Hall. McEvoy recorded for Hawk in the 70s, MCA in the 80s and Dolphin in the 90s. He seems to record for his own label these days. He released an album last month and is currently on tour. Here's Johnny McEvoy performing Mursheen Durkin at The National Stadium in Dublin 1983.
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