"Wearing of the Green", John McCormack with orchestra

[petekernow1]

How could anyone dislike this - even if the song is pure (and very skilful) political propaganda? But then it is sung by the greatest singer of all time! My discography gives 2 recordings of this song, much earlier than stated, in 1904 and 1912. The earlier one may well have been a cylinder originally. The Count obviously backed off from songs like this/Croppy Boy/Boys of Wexford/God save Ireland as his career took off internationally. But what a voice!!

[Dannys998877]

He really throws himself into Wearing of the Green. How on earth could Victor identify John McCormack as an "English Tenor?" I've never heard him sing the English ("Danny Boy") lyrics of Londonderry Air. I've only heard his own "O Mary Dear" lyrics. But he was probably OK with the English. After all, some of his greatest operatic triumphs were at Covent Garden.

[agatematt]

Legend has it that one morning in a hotel dining room, John McCormick saw Enrico Caruso having breakfast and walked up to his table and greeted him with: "So, how is the world's greatest tenor this morning?" Without even looking up, Caruso replied "How would I know? I'm not John McCormick!" Caruso was right!

[happygael]

Thanks for posting Fuzzbear.

Propblast thanks for the history. I served with the 69th back when the world was young. Tahnks for those words tinsista. I guess thanks to everybody and God Bless

[Propblast6]

The 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment is still in business "Faugh an Beallach". England ignorance and oppresion has been America's blessing.

[freebeerfordworkers]

@Propblast6 Ignorance is not confined to England this was the march of my city regiment the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Armies do not worry too much about these things the Scots and Welch regiments also march to anti-English tunes. Did you know that sole act of the Napper Tandy mentioned in the song was to land in the West of Ireland after the 1798 rebellion was over and get so drunk he had to be carried back to the ship?

[Propblast6]

The Irish brought "Garry Owen" to America which has terrorized her enemies ever since. Especially when the Yankee Cavalry is turned loose. Bufford's Cavalry Brigade and the Irish Brigade bought time for the Union to survive. The Regimental legend is that at Appomattox Court House at the Surrender of the Southern Army George Custer was told by a West Point classmate "The Only reason we lost is you all had a hell of a lot more Irishers than we did and they ain't got no quite in em"

[sandyrow100]

@Propblast6 interesting but odd point, one would have thought Irishmen could at least understand if not sympathise with people who are disenchanted with their rulers and wanted independence. Not unlike Irishmen who wanted independence from England

[fuzzbear6240]

Tinsista, (Sorry for the delay in responding.) Thank you yet again. That is a lovely verse-thank you for sharing it. Remember history and work for a better future!

Regards, J.

[c1ineurekaca]

I'm sorry I was not able to embed your video on my "blob" or make a clicakable link but I was able to post the address which can be pasted. You can see it by accessing my profile (I think). Top o' the heap o' good luck to ye.

[fuzzbear6240]

Christine, Thank you for that! I often have trouble figuring out how to embed and post links myself. I can't wait for the day when we can just talk to our computers in plain English! :-)

Happy St. Patrick's Day. May the road rise to meet you......

Regards, J.

[Bustereebob]

Thank you. I need windshield wipers on my eyes.

[fuzzbear6240]

Bustereebob, Thank you. I'm very glad you enjoyed McCormack's great performance. It's one of my personal favorites.

Regards, J.

[shawndalakiddio]

McCormack is wonderful. I love this song, aswell. Have you ever heard the more recent recordings where an early accoustic phonograph was placed in the middle of a concert hall and then a recording was made of the hall, itself. It sounded like McCormack was on stage. Very realistic. Such a peaceful sound!

[fuzzbear6240]

Shawndalakiddio, No I haven't heard of that recording-sounds like quite an interesting idea. I'll have to keep an eye out for it. 'Glad you enjoyed the clip, thanks for the kind words. Regards, J.

[sky272003]

I wish you all new the true history of this song and how much it caused MacCormack, Ireland was going through bad times and this did not help his UK audience but he never relented and continued with his beliefs

[fuzzbear6240]

Sky272003, Your passion is to be commended! McCormack Is to lauded for performing songs that would alienate a good percentage portion of his audience. I think I alluded to it a bit in the descriptive on the right. I do hope you're enjoying these clips. Regards, J.

[meltzerboy]

One does not have to be Irish to be thrilled by this performance. McCormack has a unique combination of beautiful tone, brilliant technique, excellent breath control, crystalline diction, and interpretive skill. These features are present in most of his recordings. Thanks for sharing.

[fuzzbear6240]

Meltzerboy, Yes McCormack is a pure joy to listen to. On top of his technical prowess you can hear his soul-it's treasure! Regards, J.

[sirleppy]

Go raibh mile maith agat, an absolutely beuatiful song and a fantastic singer. Makes the hair stand on the back of my neck.

[fuzzbear6240]

Sirleppy, So glad you enjoyed it. McCormack was the greatest! This is one of my all time favorites. Have you listened to his 'A Nation Once Again'? I've posted that as well. Thanks for the positive comment. Regards, J.

[susull29]

anybody got this song sung by miss peggy lee?

[jambre1]

Back in 1987,after my grandmother(born/raised in Co. Tipperary) passed away, my brothers were emptying her house out( I was out at sea in the USN at the time),and there were some 'albums' full of John McC 78's- they didn't know what to do with them, so out they went in the trash-what a tragedy!

[fuzzbear6240]

Jambre1, That's a shame, but take heart, there are still plenty of McCormack records around. I remember as a kid seeing 78s tossed out all the time. I hope this at least brought back a few warm and happy memories. Regards, J.

[lorgain2]

That is how it was in those far off schoolboy days with my father playing the old gramophone, McCormack was king then, well, in Ireland.

[fuzzbear6240]

Lorgain2, He still is! ;-) Regards, J.

[dregmaster]

awesome stuff. piece of history you got there eh? cheers. ta.

[fuzzbear6240]

Yes it is. Very glad you enjoyed it. Regards, J.