Dónal Lunny’s legacy will be his openness to new ways of interpreting old music
Renowned Irish musician Dónal Lunny has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in traditional Irish music. A founding member of bands like The Bothy Band and Planxty, he was instrumental in integrating the Greek bouzouki into the Irish folk sound.
Why it matters
Lunny's work fundamentally reshaped the sound and global perception of Irish traditional music over the last six decades.
There is one figure who has been central to the vibrant, innovative spirit that suffuses Irish traditional music and that is Dónal Lunny , who died on Friday after a lengthy illness. He was at the beating heart of The Bothy Band, Planxty and Moving Hearts, three of the most seminal bands to ever play a traditional tune. His quiet, unassuming presence (and wry wit) have been woven through the fabric of our music for more than six decades, and his passing leaves an immense void that will be felt not just in Ireland but internationally.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Dónal Lunny, Trailblazer of Traditional Irish Music, Dies at Age 79
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in