Top Celtic Music Artists: From Enya to The Pogues

Celtic music covers a broad area. It ranges from Enya's quiet songs to loud tracks by The Pogues. Our list looks at the artists who helped build this style. This guide introduces the famous names of Celtic music.

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The article presents top Celtic music artists: Flogging Molly, Afro Celt Sound System, The Irish Rovers, Clannad, The Corrs, The Chieftains, Celtic Woman, Enya, Sinead O'Connor, The Pogues, Lúnasa, and The Dubliners.

Learn more about these famous Celtic music artists in our full guide. We have much more to say about how they changed the style and what they made. Read below to find the stories and history of these famous figures.

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Flogging Molly

Flogging Molly started in Los Angeles in 1994. They are an American Celtic punk band with seven members. Irish singer Dave King leads the group. He used to play in the hard rock band Fastway. The band runs their own label called Borstal Beat Records. They found ideas in artists like The Dubliners, The Pogues, Horslips, Johnny Cash, and The Clash. Their 2004 album Within a Mile of Home honors the late Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer from The Clash.

Flogging Molly plays a mix of sounds. They have high energy Celtic punk songs like "Salty Dog," "Cruel Mistress," and "Seven Deadly Sins." They also have slower tracks like "Far Away Boys," "The Son Never Shines (On Closed Doors)," "Life in a Tenement Square," and "Float." King writes about Irish history, money issues, politics, love, and death. He often mentions the Catholic Church. Songs like "What's Left of the Flag" and "The Likes of You Again" are for King's father who died when King was a child.

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Check out The Drunken Lullabies Album by Flogging Molly. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TOg0qu

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Afro Celt Sound System

Simon Emmerson started the Afro Celt Sound System in 1995. This group mixes electronic beats with Gaelic and West African sounds. They often invite different guest artists to play with them. This adds many cultural sounds to their work. In 2003, they changed their name to Afrocelts for a short time. Later, they went back to their old name to keep their place in the music scene clear.

People like their music because it mixes different styles. They work with Peter Gabriel's Real World Records and sell many albums there. Their deal included releasing five albums. This ended with Volume 5: Anatomic. They are known for lively shows. They often play at WOMAD festivals all over the globe.

The band earned a Grammy nomination in 2000 for Best World Music. At that time, the group had eight members from six countries including the UK, Senegal, Guinea, Ireland, France, and Kenya. McNally said the group believes music can connect cultures. It breaks down walls between styles. This makes any place feel like home and changes how they see things.

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Check out the Capture Album by Afro Celt Sound System. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zEfDrW

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The Irish Rovers

The Irish Rovers formed in Toronto in 1963. They took their name from the folk song "The Irish Rover." They helped make Irish music popular in North America. The group got famous through their music and their international TV show. This helped people everywhere enjoy Irish tunes. Some of their best songs are "The Unicorn," "Drunken Sailor," and "Wasn't That a Party." They also play traditional songs like "The Orange and the Green" and "The Black Velvet Band."

The group has had different members over the years. Will Millar, Jimmy Ferguson, George Millar, and Joe Millar led the start. Later years included John Reynolds and Ian Millar. Wilcil McDowell plays the accordion, which has shaped their sound for over fifty years. In the early 1980s, the band called themselves The Rovers for a short time. They played country rock and had hits like "Wasn't That a Party" and "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer." By the late 1980s, they went back to their original style and name.

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Check out The Best of the Irish Rovers Album. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Y2kFI0

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Clannad

Clannad started in Gweedore, County Donegal, in 1970. The group includes Irish siblings Ciarán, Pól, and Moya Brennan along with their uncles Noel and Pádraig Duggan. They started as a traditional Irish folk group called Clann as Dobhar. They played acoustic songs with Irish lyrics. Their style grew over time. They added English songs, singing harmonies, electronic sounds, and ideas from rock, Celtic, new age, smooth jazz, and Gregorian chants.

In the early 1970s, Clannad focused on their Irish background. They made traditional tunes like "Dúlamán," "Teidhir Abhaile Riú," and "Coinleach Glas An Fhómhair" popular. In 1982, they changed their style. They created a sound that changed new age and Celtic music. Songs like "Theme from Harry's Game" and "Newgrange" interested people everywhere. The sound was something no one had heard before.

Many people say Clannad started the Celtic music style. They hold attention with their special harmonies. They put electronic and pop sounds in their songs and had hits around the world. Even with these changes, they stayed close to their Gaelic background. They mix their specific sound into traditional Irish songs.

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Check out the In a Lifetime Deluxe Bookpack by Clannad. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the box set on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3N5XHJU

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The Corrs

The Corrs come from Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland. They mix pop rock with traditional Irish music. The group consists of four siblings: Andrea, Sharon, Caroline, and Jim Corr. They use many instruments. These include drums, violin, guitar, tin whistle, mandolin, and the bodhrán to support their singing.

They have released seven studio albums and many singles. They have sold 40 million albums worldwide. Their biggest album was Talk on Corners. It went multi Platinum in Australia and was the top selling album of the year in the UK. In Blue reached number one in seventeen countries. It also got two Grammy Award nominations.

Caroline Corr said their sound mixes modern beats with electronic ideas and acoustic Irish instruments. This shows who they are. Their early albums like Forgiven, Not Forgotten and Talk on Corners mix pop rock with folk rock. They use guitars more and stay true to their Irish music background.

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Check out The Unplugged album by the Corrs. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eKXMOZ

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The Chieftains

The Chieftains formed in Dublin in 1962. Paddy Moloney, Seán Potts, and Michael Tubridy started the band. They helped bring traditional Irish music to people everywhere. Their sound focuses on the uilleann pipes. They are a big name in this style. They won six Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award. The Irish government named them Ireland's Musical Ambassadors in 1989.

They took their name from a book by John Montague called Death of a Chieftain. Early help from Garech Browne and Claddagh Records made them famous internationally. They worked with artists from many styles. Their album Irish Heartbeat with Van Morrison grew their fame. They have worked for decades with musicians like Luciano Pavarotti, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Sinéad O'Connor, and Roger Daltrey.

The Chieftains celebrated 50 years in 2012. They released Voice of Ages. T Bone Burnett produced this project. It featured artists like Bon Iver, Paolo Nutini, and The Decemberists. It also had a track with astronaut Catherine Coleman playing the flute from space. People continue to celebrate their work. This shows their long lasting place in Irish folk music.

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Check out The Chronicles: 60 Years of The Chieftains album by The Chieftains. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TQZmGP

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Celtic Woman

Celtic Woman is an all female Irish group. They formed for one show in Dublin in 2004. They started touring the world after PBS broadcast their show. They have released over 20 albums and sold more than nine million records. The group started with Chloë Agnew, Órla Fallon, Lisa Kelly, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, and Máiréad Nesbitt. The members have changed over time. As of mid 2023, the group includes Mairéad Carlin, Tara McNeill, Muirgen O'Mahony, and Emma Warren. People call them "Riverdance for the voice." They mix singing with violin. They won an EBBA Award in 2007. In 2017, their album Celtic Woman: Destiny got a Grammy nomination.

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Check out Celtic Woman: A New Journey--Live at Slane Castle DVD by Celtic Woman. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zssD3R

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Enya

Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin is known as Enya. She was born on May 17, 1961. She is a famous Irish musician and singer. She is the best selling Irish solo act. Only the band U2 has sold more music from Ireland. She grew up in Gweedore where people speak Irish. Enya started her career in 1980 with her family group Clannad. She went solo in 1982. She worked with producer Nicky Ryan and his partner Roma. Enya mixes layered vocals with keyboards. She uses ideas from Celtic, classical, and other styles.

Her voice type is mezzo soprano. Her music comes from classical music, hymns, and traditional Irish tunes. She likes the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff. Enya stays away from public attention even though she is famous. She believes her music should speak for itself. She cares about her art and wants privacy in a world that loves fame.

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Check out The Watermark album by Enya. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4em2GC8

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Sinéad O'Connor

Sinéad O'Connor was a famous Irish singer and activist. She had a special voice. Born on December 8, 1966, she became famous with her first album The Lion and the Cobra in 1987. Her 1990 album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got was a huge hit. The song "Nothing Compares 2 U" went to number one around the world. She had many Gold albums in the UK, Australia, and Ireland. She also worked on movie soundtracks and charity events. She wrote a book called Rememberings in 2021.

Sadly, Sinéad O'Connor died on July 26, 2023. She was found in her London home at age 56. People all over the world were sad. Officials said she died of natural causes. This marked the end of her time, but she left behind a strong history of honest and emotional music.

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Check out the Sean-Nos Nua album by Sinéad O'Connor. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZJqw6j

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The Pogues

The Pogues built their name on loud and wild live shows. They started playing in local places before they joined The Clash on their 1984 tour. This tour made them much more famous. As they became popular, they changed their name to The Pogues to deal with some rules.

Their sound changed over time. It did not stop at their punk and Celtic beginnings. As the group grew, they added jazz, flamenco, and Middle Eastern sounds to their music. This showed they could play many styles and had a wide range of musical ideas.

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Check out the If I Should Fall from Grace with God by The Pogues. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eJD3uz

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Lúnasa

Lúnasa focuses on traditional Irish music. They started in 1997. The band is named after an old harvest festival called Lughnasadh. Sean Smyth and John McSherry formed the group. They worked with Steve Cooney to help sell Smyth's album The Blue Fiddle. They asked Mike McGoldrick to join them. At first, they played as a group of four. Cooney left the band as they started to get popular.

Lúnasa is famous for playing both old and new Irish songs. Their skilled playing has won them listeners all over the world. They play in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. This lets them share Irish music with many people. They also help keep the style fresh in Ireland. Their albums show their success. They mix history with modern styles. This proves Lúnasa is important to Irish music.

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Check out the Merry Sisters of Fate album by Lúnasa. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BmIjGd

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The Dubliners

The group formed in Dublin in 1962. They were first called the Ronnie Drew Ballad Group. Later, they changed their name to The Dubliners. Their members changed many times over fifty years. The main reason for their success was the singing of Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew. They played lively Irish folk songs and street ballads. They also played complex instrumental tracks. People all over the world liked their music.

The Dubliners were very famous in Europe. They did not get as big in the United States as The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Still, they changed the music scene for many Irish bands. Newer groups like The Pogues, Dropkick Murphys, and Flogging Molly followed their lead. In Ireland, their versions of songs are often seen as the best ones. The Dubliners celebrated 50 years of music in 2012. They are one of the most lasting acts in Irish music history.

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Check out the Spirit of the Irish: Ultimate Collection album by The Dubliners. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to the album on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4enjSXJ

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Final Thoughts

The growth of Irish folk music comes from these key artists. Each one helped keep the style alive and move it forward. Bands like The Dubliners built the base. They became popular with traditional Irish folk songs and street ballads. Their work set the rules for Irish music. You can hear their effect in the bands that came after them.

Later artists like The Pogues mixed punk with folk music. Lúnasa focused on playing instruments to show what they could do. These groups played a main role in spreading Irish music internationally. They changed how it grew by giving ideas to new artists. They also made the genre appeal to more people.

These bands showed that Irish music stays popular through their tours and albums. They secured its place in the world. They kept the old ways alive but added new things. This makes sure Irish music matters to people today. As music changes, the work of these first bands will likely show up in the music of the next generation.

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For a more thorough introduction to Celtic Music, the NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Celtic Music furnishes an A-to-Z glossary of musical terminology, lists of essential CDs, a history of the art form and its profound influence on modern music, and profiles of notable musicians. Find out more through this link on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gpW5rL