Culture
One of Ireland’s most celebrated songwriters, Johnny Duhan remembered as a “master wordsmith”
Johnny Duhan, one of the country’s most-loved singer-songwriters passed away on November 12, 2024, and will be remembered for the incredible mark he left on Ireland’s musical culture.
Tributes were paid to Limerick singer-songwriter Johnny Duhan following his tragic passing on November 12, 2024
Johnny Duhan, one of the country’s most-loved singer-songwriters passed away on November 12, 2024, and will be remembered for his poetry, music, storytelling, and the incredible mark he left on Ireland’s musical culture.
Beginning as a frontman for Granny’s Intentions as a teenager, the Limerick beat group achieved early success in Ireland and the UK; Duhan focused on his solo work when the band broke up before turning 21, allowing him to work on his folk music, poetry, and prose. Because of the late musician’s decision to work on his own personal works, audiences were treated to memorable music songs such as Just Another Town and the incredible The Voyage.
The Voyage was immortalised by Christy Moore, who paid tribute to the late musician, saying, “I knew Johnny through songs. Over 40 years ago he shared his song El Salvador with me. Then he taught me his beautiful song ‘The Voyage’ which reverberates around the world.”
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Johnny Duhan‘s brother, Eric, shared a tribute to his brother on I Love Limerick’s Facebook Group describing his brother as a man “man of convictions rather than just opinions”.
He said, “His poetry and music showed us a man who reflected deeply on the conditions we live in today. Love of family and honesty he inherited from our dad and his love of culture and music from our mother. Singing was an integral part of our growing up in our large Catholic family where the radio, books and music were primordial.
“The fact that Dad was a sailor and from a family with international military traditions coming from the interactions in Imperial India opened our minds to other places and cultures early on. His body of work will outlast all of us and will find it’s place in the rich colourful tapestry of Irish and international culture despite the fact that he never compromised himself to achieve success and spent a lifetime fighting for Irish artists and their place in the often shady world of entertainment. RIP dear brother.”
RTÉ Radio 1 broadcaster, Fiachna Ó’Braonáin posted to Twitter following the news, saying, “‘The Voyage’ belongs in the pantheon of Irish songs…
I played Johnny Duhan’s music regularly on RTE Radio 1 and his songs always received such a warm response and without fail, I received a beautifully crafted thank you note from Johnny.. every time.. A master wordsmith… Deepest sympathies to Maureen and all his beloved family…. Life is an ocean…”
Johnny Duhan leaves behind not only a family in mourning but all of those who his music and artistry have touched.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
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