Watch The Story of the Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem

The Story of the Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem is a documentary film that tells the story of one of Ireland's most famous traditional folk bands. The Clancy Brothers, consisting of Paddy, Tom, Bobby, and Liam, along with their friend and collaborator Tommy Makem, caused a revolution in Irish music in the 1960s, bringing traditional Irish songs to the mainstream in Ireland and the United States.

The film is a celebration of the lives and careers of these legendary musicians, tracing their humble beginnings in County Tipperary to their rise to fame on both sides of the Atlantic. The documentary features archival footage of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem from their early days performing in small pubs to their later performances in front of massive crowds at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.

Interspersed with the archival footage are interviews with surviving members of the group, their family members, music critics, and other musicians who were influenced by the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. These interviews provide insights into the group's creative process, their influence on Irish music, and the personal relationships between the members.

The film also explores the group's interactions with other famous musicians and celebrities of the time, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger, who were also instrumental in bringing traditional folk music to a wider audience in the 1960s.

In addition to their music, the documentary also covers some of the political and social issues of the time that the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem addressed in their songs, such as the Irish Troubles and the fight for civil rights in the United States. These issues were important themes in the group's music, and the documentary provides context for why these issues were so important to them.

Overall, The Story of the Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem is an entertaining and informative tribute to a group of musicians who revolutionized Irish music and left an indelible mark on the music world. The film highlights their passion for traditional Irish songs, their experimentation with new sounds, and their dedication to bringing Irish music to a wider audience. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Irish music, folk music, or music history in general.