Michael Coleman

Michael Coleman (1891 – January 4, 1945) was an Irish fiddler.

Early years

Michael Coleman was born in Knockgrania, in the rural Killavil district, near Ballymote, County Sligo, Ireland. His father, James Coleman, was from Banada in Roscommon County, and a respected flute player. Michael was the seventh child of James and Beatrice, and the surviving half of a pair of twins.

As a child he learned step dancing and fiddle playing, and performed at local houses. His elder brother Jim had a high reputation but was never recorded. In his formative years Michael was influenced by Uilleann pipers (a type of bagpipe), including Johnny Gorman. Coleman was also influenced by the playing of James Scott Skinner.

He left school in 1908, at the age of 17. He won competition prizes in 1909 and 1910. In 1914 he moved to Manchester to join his brother, but returned after a few months.

Emigration to the United States

In 1914, at the age of twenty-three, Coleman sailed to America with his friend John Hunt. He joined the Keith Theatres vaudeville circuit, and played at many venues. In 1917, he settled in New York City, and married Marie Fanning, originally from County Monaghan, Ireland. They had one child, Mary.

Between 1921 and 1936 he recorded roughly eighty 78-rpm records for many record labels, including: Shannon, Vocalion Records, Columbia Records, Okeh Records, New Republic, Pathe, O'Beirne de Witt, Victor Records, Brunswick Records, and Decca Records. Some of these were re-issued under the Intrepid, Coral Records, and Ace of Hearts labels. He was mainly accompanied by pianists, but on some recordings he used guitarists.

He was the most famous exponent of the Sligo style, both at technical and expressive levels. The Sligo fiddle style is highly decorative, using many triplets. James Morrison is another exponent of this style. Michael's records reached County Sligo, and influenced a new generation. He died in New York City, and is buried in St. Raymond's Cemetery, in the Bronx.

Legacy

Flute-player Séamus Tansey, accordionist Joe Burke and tin whistle player Carmel Gunning were all clearly influenced by Coleman.

In 1974, a monument was erected by the Coleman Traditional Society. It is close to his birthplace, on the Tubbercurry to Gurteen road. Nearby is the Coleman Heritage Centre, a music archive and a replica of the house where he lived. The monument bears this inscription:

"Michael Coleman. Master of the fiddle. Saviour of Irish traditional music. Born near this spot in 1891. Died in exile 1945."

Discography

• Irish Jigs and Reels - Coral LP CRL 57369
• The Enduring Magic (2004)
• Michael Coleman 1889–1945
• (Various Artists) Past Masters of Irish Fiddle Music

External links

• Comhaltas Archive
• Michael Coleman Heritage Centre