Black 47
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Black 47 is an American-Celtic rock band made up of Irish expatriates, formed in New York City by Larry Kirwan and Chris Byrne in 1989. Their name is derived from the worst year of the Irish Potato Famine, 1847.
The band had a shaky start, since it consistently failed to live up to stereotypical expectations of what music an Irish band should play and how they should behave. It burst into prominence in 1993 with the hit single Funky Céilí and is also known for the song Maria's Wedding, both humorous songs from their album Fire of Freedom.
Black 47 is an irreverent band, a political band (hence their name), a band with a feisty, militant attitude, and a band that has been influenced by a broad variety of sources, including rock, classical Irish and Celtic music, rap, reggae, hip-hop, African and Latin roots. Over time, they have found an audience, especially in the New York City area, and while they have never become wildly popular, the group has managed to carve a loyal niche for themselves among listeners with less rigid expectations from their Irish bands.
Discography
- 1991 - Black '47
- 1992 - Black '47 EP
- 1993 - Fire of Freedom
- 1994 - Home of the Brave
- 1996 - Green Suede Shoes
- 1999 - Live in New York City
- 2000 - Trouble in the Land
- 2001 - On Fire
- 2004 - New York Town
- 2005 - Elvis Murphys' Green Suede Shoes
External links
- Black 47 band website (http://www.black47.com/)