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===Off to Dublin in the Green===
===Off to Dublin in the Green===
A song entitled "We're Off To Dublin In The Green" was used by an [[Carling]] Breweries Ltd in an international television advertising campaign.<ref name=citizen /> The song is an [[Irish Republican Army|I.R.A.]] marching song dating back to approximately 1916.<ref name=citizen /> Using the soundrack from the commercial,<ref>{{cite news |title=Beer Ad Folk Song Rates as Hit Tune |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UWJkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gnwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1006,1611844&dq=abbey-tavern-singers&hl=en |newspaper=The Calgary Herald |date=September 24, 1966 |page=11 |accessdate=June 27, 2013}}</ref> the song was released on Canada's ARC Records and became extremely popular in Canada, reaching #2 on Canada's [[CHUM chart]]s<ref name =jam /> and selling close to 150,000 copies in Canada within the first year of release.<ref name="news.google">{{cite news |title=Famed group at Cleary|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=szM_AAAAIBAJ&sjid=WlEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5647,1705870&dq=abbey-tavern-singers&hl=en |newspaper=The Windsor Star |date=February 4, 1967 |page=35|accessdate=June 25, 2013}}</ref> It was a surprise hit, partly because of the poor sound quality of the soundrack, partly because of the song's ties to the IRA, and partly because of its association with an alcoholic beverage<ref name=ssp1>{{cite news |title=Beer commercial popular song |first=Heather |last=Mitchell |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vDZgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=328NAAAAIBAJ&pg=7126,1958969&dq=abbey-tavern-singers&hl=en |newspaper=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix |date=September 15, 1966 |page=21 |accessdate=June 27, 2013}}</ref> It was also released in the United States, on [[Hanna-Barbera#Television cartoons|Hanna-Barbera Records]]<ref name=nipper>{{cite web |url=http://www.globaldogproductions.info/h/hanna-barbera.html|title=45 Discography for Hanna-Barbera Records |date=2005 |website= |publisher=Global Dog Productions |accessdate=June 24, 2013}}</ref> where it charted on Billboard's Hot 100, peaking at #94 staying for two weeks<ref>{{cite book |last=Whitburn |first=Joel |authorlink=Joel Whitburn |title=Top Pop Singles 1955-1999|year=2000 |publisher=Record Research, Inc. |location=Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin |isbn=0-89820-139-X |page=3}}</ref> and on the "Easy Listening" charts at number 40.<ref>{{cite book |last=Whitburn |first=Joel |authorlink=Joel Whitburn |title=Joel Whitburn Presents Billboard Top Adult Songs 1961-2006|year=2007 |publisher=Record Research Incorporated |isbn=0898201691 |page=3}}</ref> Not wanting to take sides politically, the B-side was a song of the [[Orange Order|Orangement]], "Captain of the Gallant Forty Twa,"<ref name=ssp1 /> which was also featured in beer commercials.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://books.google.com/books?id=SxIEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32&dq=%22Abbey+Tavern+Singers%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GmbIUau5DZKy9gSfxoGoDw&ved=0CD0Q6AEwBDg8#v=onepage&q=%22Abbey%20Tavern%20Singers%22&f=false |title= From the Music Capitals of the World|work=Billboard |date= July 16, 1966|page= 32}}</ref> [[Carling Black Label]] reported increased market share following the release of the advertising campaign and the song's subsequent popularity.<ref name=ssp1 /> Because it was the best selling Irish record in Canada, Mrs. Scott-Lennon was presented with a Trophee International Midem.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://books.google.com/books?id=wQoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA44&dq=%22Abbey+Tavern+Singers%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=p2TIUfX4Guen0AHQiIDACw&ved=0CEwQ6AEwCDge#v=onepage&q=%22Abbey%20Tavern%20Singers%22&f=false |title= From the Music Capitals of the World|work=Billboard |date= February 24, 1968|page= 44}}</ref>
A song entitled "We're Off To Dublin In The Green" was used by an [[Carling]] Breweries Ltd in an international television advertising campaign.<ref name=citizen /> The song is an [[Irish Republican Army|I.R.A.]] marching song dating back to approximately 1916.<ref name=citizen /> Using the soundrack from the commercial,<ref>{{cite news |title=Beer Ad Folk Song Rates as Hit Tune |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UWJkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gnwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1006,1611844&dq=abbey-tavern-singers&hl=en |newspaper=The Calgary Herald |date=September 24, 1966 |page=11 |accessdate=June 27, 2013}}</ref> the song was released on Canada's ARC Records and became extremely popular in Canada, reaching #2 on Canada's [[CHUM chart]]s<ref name =jam /> and selling close to 150,000 copies in Canada within the first year of release.<ref name="news.google">{{cite news |title=Famed group at Cleary|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=szM_AAAAIBAJ&sjid=WlEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5647,1705870&dq=abbey-tavern-singers&hl=en |newspaper=The Windsor Star |date=February 4, 1967 |page=35|accessdate=June 25, 2013}}</ref> It was a surprise hit, partly because of the poor sound quality of the soundrack, partly because of the song's ties to the IRA, and partly because of its association with an alcoholic beverage<ref name=ssp1>{{cite news |title=Beer commercial popular song |first=Heather |last=Mitchell |url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vDZgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=328NAAAAIBAJ&pg=7126,1958969&dq=abbey-tavern-singers&hl=en |newspaper=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix |date=September 15, 1966 |page=21 |accessdate=June 27, 2013}}</ref> It was also released in the United States, on [[Hanna-Barbera#Television cartoons|Hanna-Barbera Records]]<ref name=nipper>{{cite web |url=http://www.globaldogproductions.info/h/hanna-barbera.html|title=45 Discography for Hanna-Barbera Records |date=2005 |website= |publisher=Global Dog Productions |accessdate=June 24, 2013}}</ref> where it charted on Billboard's Hot 100, peaking at #94 staying for two weeks<ref>{{cite book |last=Whitburn |first=Joel |authorlink=Joel Whitburn |title=Top Pop Singles 1955-1999|year=2000 |publisher=Record Research, Inc. |location=Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin |isbn=0-89820-139-X |page=3}}</ref> and on the "Easy Listening" charts at #40.<ref>{{cite book |last=Whitburn |first=Joel |authorlink=Joel Whitburn |title=Joel Whitburn Presents Billboard Top Adult Songs 1961-2006|year=2007 |publisher=Record Research Incorporated |isbn=0898201691 |page=3}}</ref> Not wanting to take sides politically, the B-side was a song of the [[Orange Order|Orangement]], "Captain of the Gallant Forty Twa,"<ref name=ssp1 /> which was also featured in beer commercials.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://books.google.com/books?id=SxIEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32&dq=%22Abbey+Tavern+Singers%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GmbIUau5DZKy9gSfxoGoDw&ved=0CD0Q6AEwBDg8#v=onepage&q=%22Abbey%20Tavern%20Singers%22&f=false |title= From the Music Capitals of the World|work=Billboard |date= July 16, 1966|page= 32}}</ref> [[Carling Black Label]] reported increased market share following the release of the advertising campaign and the song's subsequent popularity.<ref name=ssp1 /> Because it was the best selling Irish record in Canada, Mrs. Scott-Lennon was presented with a Trophee International Midem.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://books.google.com/books?id=wQoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA44&dq=%22Abbey+Tavern+Singers%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=p2TIUfX4Guen0AHQiIDACw&ved=0CEwQ6AEwCDge#v=onepage&q=%22Abbey%20Tavern%20Singers%22&f=false |title= From the Music Capitals of the World|work=Billboard |date= February 24, 1968|page= 44}}</ref>

===Popularity and international touring===
===Popularity and international touring===
In response to the popularity of "Off to Dublin", Albums were also released, containing material recorded entirely at the Abbey Tavern in Ireland.<ref name=jam /> The group stayed on the ARC label for Canadian albums, but oddly were placed with [[Berry Gordy]]'s [[Motown|V.I.P. Records]] in the United States.<ref name=bsn>{{cite web |url=http://www.bsnpubs.com/motown/vip/vip.html|title=V.I.P. Album Discography |last1=Edwards|first1=David|last2=Callahan |first2=Mike |date=July 30, 2012 |website=Both Sides Now Album Discographies |publisher=BSN Publications |accessdate=June 24, 2013}}</ref> Demand for live appearances became so strong in North America that a tour was conducted there in 1967.<ref name=jam /> These concerts maintained the informal atmosphere of the tavern performances.<ref name=citizen /> This tour was lengthy, so their third Canadian album "Abbey Tavern Singers on Tour" was recorded in a Canadian studio instead of at the Abbey Tavern.<ref name=jam />
In response to the popularity of "Off to Dublin", Albums were also released, containing material recorded entirely at the Abbey Tavern in Ireland.<ref name=jam /> The group stayed on the ARC label for Canadian albums, but oddly were placed with [[Berry Gordy]]'s [[Motown|V.I.P. Records]] in the United States.<ref name=bsn>{{cite web |url=http://www.bsnpubs.com/motown/vip/vip.html|title=V.I.P. Album Discography |last1=Edwards|first1=David|last2=Callahan |first2=Mike |date=July 30, 2012 |website=Both Sides Now Album Discographies |publisher=BSN Publications |accessdate=June 24, 2013}}</ref> Demand for live appearances became so strong in North America that a tour was conducted there in 1967.<ref name=jam /> These concerts maintained the informal atmosphere of the tavern performances.<ref name=citizen /> This tour was lengthy, so their third Canadian album "Abbey Tavern Singers on Tour" was recorded in a Canadian studio instead of at the Abbey Tavern.<ref name=jam />

Revision as of 18:56, 27 June 2013

The Abbey Tavern Singers are an Irish vocal group who had a major hit in Canada and a minor hit in the United States in 1966 with "We're Off To Dublin In The Green."

History

Beginnings

The group's history begins in 1962 near the ruins of Howth Abbey,[1] when it was founded by Abbey Tavern owner Minnie Scott-Lennon, who decided to add a sing-along music attraction to her establishment.[2] The idea was immediately successful,[2] and as group became locally popular an album was released on PYE Records in 1965.[3]

Off to Dublin in the Green

A song entitled "We're Off To Dublin In The Green" was used by an Carling Breweries Ltd in an international television advertising campaign.[2] The song is an I.R.A. marching song dating back to approximately 1916.[2] Using the soundrack from the commercial,[4] the song was released on Canada's ARC Records and became extremely popular in Canada, reaching #2 on Canada's CHUM charts[3] and selling close to 150,000 copies in Canada within the first year of release.[5] It was a surprise hit, partly because of the poor sound quality of the soundrack, partly because of the song's ties to the IRA, and partly because of its association with an alcoholic beverage[6] It was also released in the United States, on Hanna-Barbera Records[7] where it charted on Billboard's Hot 100, peaking at #94 staying for two weeks[8] and on the "Easy Listening" charts at #40.[9] Not wanting to take sides politically, the B-side was a song of the Orangement, "Captain of the Gallant Forty Twa,"[6] which was also featured in beer commercials.[10] Carling Black Label reported increased market share following the release of the advertising campaign and the song's subsequent popularity.[6] Because it was the best selling Irish record in Canada, Mrs. Scott-Lennon was presented with a Trophee International Midem.[11]

Popularity and international touring

In response to the popularity of "Off to Dublin", Albums were also released, containing material recorded entirely at the Abbey Tavern in Ireland.[3] The group stayed on the ARC label for Canadian albums, but oddly were placed with Berry Gordy's V.I.P. Records in the United States.[12] Demand for live appearances became so strong in North America that a tour was conducted there in 1967.[3] These concerts maintained the informal atmosphere of the tavern performances.[2] This tour was lengthy, so their third Canadian album "Abbey Tavern Singers on Tour" was recorded in a Canadian studio instead of at the Abbey Tavern.[3]

Return to the Abbey Tavern

When the folk-music craze died out, the Abbey Tavern Singers eventually quit their touring, and again became the house attraction at their namesake tavern.[3] On an intermittent basis they continued to travel internationally for special occasions such as St. Patrick's Day.[13] The group's successors still perform at the Abbey Tavern in Dublin.[14]

Performance style

At the peak of their popularity, the group was classified as folk music[5]The Abbey Tavern Singers intended to create a relaxed, informal atmosphere reminiscent of the original tavern performances. In the middle of a concert stage, this did not always come off as well has hoped.[15] Partly this was because the Singers had not developed a stage act, and were known to appear disinterested when not participating in a given number.[16] While their performances of some songs such as "This Land Is Your Land" were noted for their energy, performances of other songs were panned as maudlin.[15] The group was positively cited for their lack of gimmicks when performing.[17] Although the group name indicated a vocal ensemble, they were praised for their instrumental work in concerts.[16] At one time this included the only full-time Irish spoon player, PJ Downes, who exclusively used Irish nickel-silver spoons for performing,[1] and was known to place tours on hold if the right spoons were unavailable to himCite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).

Influence and legacy

ARC Records made special trips to Ireland in hopes of discovering new Irish talent in hopes of duplicating the success of the Abbey Tavern Singers.[18] The popularity of "We're Off To Dublin In The Green" inspired several cover versions, not all of which were appreciated by the Abbey Tavern Singers.[19]

Members

  • Ann Byrne - vocals[15]
  • Paddy Joseph "PJ" Downes - spoons[15]
  • Seamus Gallagher - fiddle[3]
  • Michael MacAoghain - fiddle[16]
  • Margaret Monks - vocals[3]
  • Tess Nolan - vocals[3]
  • John O'Brien - guitar[3]
  • Michael O'Connell - vocals[3]
  • Joe O'Leary - fiddle[3]
  • Brian O'Rourke - banjo[3]
  • Bill Powers - banjo; mandolin[3]
  • Tommy Rick - Illin pipes[3]
  • Mary Sheehan - vocals[15]

Discography

Singles

Canada

  • ARC 1144 - 1966: Off To Dublin In The Green/The Captain Of The Gallant Forty Twa'[3]
  • ARC 1152 - 1966: Whack Fol De Diddle Dee/The Orange And The Green[3]
  • ARC 1165 - 1966: The Wild Rovers/The Orange And The Green [3]

United States

  • Hanna-Barbera 488 and 498 - 1966: Off To Dublin In The Green/A Gallant Forty Twa'[7]

Albums

  • 1965 - The Rafters Ring at The Abbey Tavern - PYE Records (UK)[3]
  • 1966 - We're Off To Dublin In The Green - ARC Records (Canada)[3]; V.I.P Records (United States)[12]; Reissued 1968 in Ireland on Spin Records[20]
  • 1967 - You Don't Have To Be Irish... - ARC Records (Canada)[3]
  • 1968 - The Abbey Tavern Singers On Tour - ARC Records (Canada)[3]; Reissued 1970 in Ireland on Spin Records[20]
  • 1969 - Traditional Music And Song - Abbey Tavern Records (Ireland)[3]
  • 1970 - Traditional Ballads - Abbey Tavern Records (Ireland)[3]

References

  1. ^ a b "Tavern singers to give concert". Star-Phoenix (Saskatoon). September 16, 1968. p. 8. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Irish group evokes tavern mood". Ottawa Citizen. November 1, 1968. p. 22. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x "Abbey Tavern Singers, The". Jam! Showbiz. canoe.ca. November 26, 2004. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  4. ^ "Beer Ad Folk Song Rates as Hit Tune". The Calgary Herald. September 24, 1966. p. 11. Retrieved June 27, 2013.
  5. ^ a b "Famed group at Cleary". The Windsor Star. February 4, 1967. p. 35. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  6. ^ a b c Mitchell, Heather (September 15, 1966). "Beer commercial popular song". Saskatoon Star-Phoenix. p. 21. Retrieved June 27, 2013.
  7. ^ a b "45 Discography for Hanna-Barbera Records". Global Dog Productions. 2005. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  8. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2000). Top Pop Singles 1955-1999. Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin: Record Research, Inc. p. 3. ISBN 0-89820-139-X.
  9. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2007). Joel Whitburn Presents Billboard Top Adult Songs 1961-2006. Record Research Incorporated. p. 3. ISBN 0898201691.
  10. ^ "From the Music Capitals of the World". Billboard. July 16, 1966. p. 32.
  11. ^ "From the Music Capitals of the World". Billboard. February 24, 1968. p. 44.
  12. ^ a b Edwards, David; Callahan, Mike (July 30, 2012). "V.I.P. Album Discography". Both Sides Now Album Discographies. BSN Publications. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  13. ^ "Bit of the blarney". The Miami News. March 11, 1981. p. C1. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  14. ^ "Traditional Music, Song & Dance". Abbey Tavern. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  15. ^ a b c d e Ashley, Audrey M. (November 8, 1968). "Abbey Tavern Singers miss informal pub atmosphere". Ottawa Citizen. p. 28. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  16. ^ a b c Percival, Ron (September 24, 1968). "Tavern Singers Dissapointing". The Calgary Herald. p. 8. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  17. ^ Campbell, Ken (February 8, 1967). "Abbey Singers stir Irish pride". The Windsor Star. p. 22. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  18. ^ "From the Music Capitals of the World". Billboard. May 13, 1967. p. 58.
  19. ^ Goyette, Linda (2011). The Story That Brought Me Here: To Alberta From Everywhere. Brindle and Glass. pp. 141–142. ISBN 1926972287. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  20. ^ a b "Spin Records". irishrock.org. February 4, 2013. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
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