Fans bids farewell to legendary singer and renowned poet, both 85
- Replies 4
The literary and music worlds have lost two of their most cherished figures, with the passing of a Northern Irish poet and a legendary Irish singer and saxophonist, both at 85.
The poet, known for his eloquent exploration of life, loss, and the beauty of the natural world, leaves behind a legacy that will continue to resonate with readers for generations.
Similarly, the musician, celebrated for his vibrant stage presence and mastery of the saxophone, clarinet, and vocals, marks the end of an era in traditional Irish showband music.
Michael Longley, often referred to as a 'custodian of griefs and wonders' by his peer and fellow poet Seamus Heaney, passed away in hospital due to complications following a hip operation.
His contribution to poetry was immense, earning him the prestigious T.S. Eliot Prize in 2000 for his collection The Weather in Japan, among numerous other accolades.
Longley's editor, Robin Robertson, expressed the honour of working with such a talent, noting that Longley's poems often arrived 'close to perfect.'
‘It’s an honour to work with him…not that I had to work very hard, as every poem was close to perfect.’ Robert Robinson said.
Robertson also highlighted Longley's place in the 'great Northern Irish poetry triumvirate' alongside Seamus Heaney and Derek Mahon.
These poets, part of a vibrant and diverse group of young Irish writers, met in the early 1960s in the 'Belfast Group' and went on to achieve international acclaim.
Claire Hanna, MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, shared her heartbreak over Longley's passing.
She praised him as a 'prince of language' who transcended narrow identities.
‘He transcended narrow categories of “Irish” & “British” and was a beautiful person—kind, generous, open, humorous,’ she added.
Born in Belfast in 1939, Longley's journey into poetry began at Trinity College Dublin, where he studied classics and was bitten by the 'poetry bug.'
His dedication to the craft was evident in his meticulous approach to writing, often spending hours refining his work into its final, polished form.
Longley's career was not limited to writing poetry; he also served as the combined arts director for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for many years.
His most famous poem, Ceasefire, written in 1994, was a poignant call for peace during the Troubles in Northern Ireland and coincided with the announcement of a ceasefire the day after its publication.
Longley received numerous prizes and accolades throughout his life, including the Whitbread Prize in 1991 for his collection Gorse Fires, a CBE in 2010, and the Feltrinelli International Poetry Prize for a lifetime achievement in 2022.
In 2017, he was awarded the PEN Pinter Prize, with the chair of judges, poet Don Paterson, praising Longley's work for its humanity, humility, and compassion.
Longley's personal life was intertwined with his poetic one; he married the critic and academic Edna Longley, who had given him his first review in a student newspaper.
Their partnership was mutual respect and collaboration, with Edna often providing valuable feedback on his poems.
His most recent collection, The Candlelight Master, published in 2022, was described as 'teemingly alive' by reviewers.
Longley's work, characterised by its lyrical fluency and emotional depth, profoundly impacts the world of poetry.
Michael Longley is survived by his wife, Edna and their three children.
As we mourn the loss of this master poet, we also celebrate the rich tapestry of words he has left us, a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, born on 17 December, Paddy Cole's journey into the world of music began at the tender age of 12 when he first graced the stage.
His career took off in the 1960s with the Capitol Showband, and he quickly became a household name in Ireland.
His father, a postman who played in dance bands to supplement his income, introduced young Paddy to the world of show business, setting him on a path to stardom.
Cole's talent and charisma led him to Las Vegas in the early 1970s, where he joined The Big Eight Showband, a group of Irish musicians who brought a piece of their homeland to the glitzy stages of America.
Despite his international success, Cole remained deeply connected to his roots, owning a restaurant in his hometown of Castleblayney with his wife, Helen.
However, he lived in Dublin at the time of his death.
In 2022, Paddy Cole was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer, a disease that often goes unnoticed until it is too late.
Despite the grim prognosis, Cole maintained a positive outlook, as he shared with RSVP: 'My health is up and down. I have some good days, some bad days, but I'm keeping the best side out as best I can.'
His son Pat confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement celebrating his father's legacy:
'The music world mourns the loss of the legendary Paddy Cole, a beloved entertainer who brought joy to thousands with his vibrant personality and infectious music.
His music transcended generations, creating memories that will forever be cherished.'
The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, also paid tribute to Cole.
‘The loss of Paddy Cole is the loss of one of the founding icons of the great period of the Irish showbands.’ he said.
‘From the Capitol Showband to the great brass sound, what Paddy Cole did for music and for jazz will be remembered across generations.’
‘The significance of the showband era is perhaps one of the insufficiently recognised aspects of Irish music history.'
Paddy Cole's passing is a loss for the music community and a reminder of our mortality and the importance of health awareness.
Let's honour his memory by cherishing the music he left behind and by taking care of ourselves and our loved ones.
Credit: YouTube
As we bid farewell to Michael Longley and Paddy Cole, we remember their extraordinary contributions to literature and music.
Longley’s poetic mastery and Cole’s unforgettable performances have left an indelible mark on their respective fields.
May their legacies live on through their work, and may they both rest in peace.
The poet, known for his eloquent exploration of life, loss, and the beauty of the natural world, leaves behind a legacy that will continue to resonate with readers for generations.
Similarly, the musician, celebrated for his vibrant stage presence and mastery of the saxophone, clarinet, and vocals, marks the end of an era in traditional Irish showband music.
Michael Longley, often referred to as a 'custodian of griefs and wonders' by his peer and fellow poet Seamus Heaney, passed away in hospital due to complications following a hip operation.
His contribution to poetry was immense, earning him the prestigious T.S. Eliot Prize in 2000 for his collection The Weather in Japan, among numerous other accolades.
Longley's editor, Robin Robertson, expressed the honour of working with such a talent, noting that Longley's poems often arrived 'close to perfect.'
The literary world mourns the passing of Michael Longley, distinguished Northern Irish poet and T.S. Eliot Prize winner. Credit: Facebook
‘It’s an honour to work with him…not that I had to work very hard, as every poem was close to perfect.’ Robert Robinson said.
Robertson also highlighted Longley's place in the 'great Northern Irish poetry triumvirate' alongside Seamus Heaney and Derek Mahon.
These poets, part of a vibrant and diverse group of young Irish writers, met in the early 1960s in the 'Belfast Group' and went on to achieve international acclaim.
Claire Hanna, MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, shared her heartbreak over Longley's passing.
She praised him as a 'prince of language' who transcended narrow identities.
‘He transcended narrow categories of “Irish” & “British” and was a beautiful person—kind, generous, open, humorous,’ she added.
Born in Belfast in 1939, Longley's journey into poetry began at Trinity College Dublin, where he studied classics and was bitten by the 'poetry bug.'
His dedication to the craft was evident in his meticulous approach to writing, often spending hours refining his work into its final, polished form.
Longley's career was not limited to writing poetry; he also served as the combined arts director for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for many years.
His most famous poem, Ceasefire, written in 1994, was a poignant call for peace during the Troubles in Northern Ireland and coincided with the announcement of a ceasefire the day after its publication.
Longley received numerous prizes and accolades throughout his life, including the Whitbread Prize in 1991 for his collection Gorse Fires, a CBE in 2010, and the Feltrinelli International Poetry Prize for a lifetime achievement in 2022.
In 2017, he was awarded the PEN Pinter Prize, with the chair of judges, poet Don Paterson, praising Longley's work for its humanity, humility, and compassion.
Longley's personal life was intertwined with his poetic one; he married the critic and academic Edna Longley, who had given him his first review in a student newspaper.
Their partnership was mutual respect and collaboration, with Edna often providing valuable feedback on his poems.
His most recent collection, The Candlelight Master, published in 2022, was described as 'teemingly alive' by reviewers.
Longley's work, characterised by its lyrical fluency and emotional depth, profoundly impacts the world of poetry.
Michael Longley is survived by his wife, Edna and their three children.
As we mourn the loss of this master poet, we also celebrate the rich tapestry of words he has left us, a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, born on 17 December, Paddy Cole's journey into the world of music began at the tender age of 12 when he first graced the stage.
His career took off in the 1960s with the Capitol Showband, and he quickly became a household name in Ireland.
His father, a postman who played in dance bands to supplement his income, introduced young Paddy to the world of show business, setting him on a path to stardom.
The music industry remembers the legendary Irish singer and saxophonist Paddy Cole for his iconic performances with the Capitol Showband. Credit: Facebook
Cole's talent and charisma led him to Las Vegas in the early 1970s, where he joined The Big Eight Showband, a group of Irish musicians who brought a piece of their homeland to the glitzy stages of America.
Despite his international success, Cole remained deeply connected to his roots, owning a restaurant in his hometown of Castleblayney with his wife, Helen.
However, he lived in Dublin at the time of his death.
In 2022, Paddy Cole was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer, a disease that often goes unnoticed until it is too late.
Despite the grim prognosis, Cole maintained a positive outlook, as he shared with RSVP: 'My health is up and down. I have some good days, some bad days, but I'm keeping the best side out as best I can.'
His son Pat confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement celebrating his father's legacy:
'The music world mourns the loss of the legendary Paddy Cole, a beloved entertainer who brought joy to thousands with his vibrant personality and infectious music.
His music transcended generations, creating memories that will forever be cherished.'
The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, also paid tribute to Cole.
‘The loss of Paddy Cole is the loss of one of the founding icons of the great period of the Irish showbands.’ he said.
‘From the Capitol Showband to the great brass sound, what Paddy Cole did for music and for jazz will be remembered across generations.’
‘The significance of the showband era is perhaps one of the insufficiently recognised aspects of Irish music history.'
Paddy Cole's passing is a loss for the music community and a reminder of our mortality and the importance of health awareness.
Let's honour his memory by cherishing the music he left behind and by taking care of ourselves and our loved ones.
Credit: YouTube
Longley’s poetic mastery and Cole’s unforgettable performances have left an indelible mark on their respective fields.
May their legacies live on through their work, and may they both rest in peace.
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