Mary Dillon

Mary Dillon is a renowned singer from Derry, Northern Ireland, known for her work with the Irish traditional music group Déanta and her solo career, which has been influenced by The Chieftains, The Bothy Band, and Planxty. Her music often features collaborations with other notable artists, such as Karan Casey, Solas, and Lunasa. Mary Dillon's unique voice has been compared to that of Maura O'Connell, Cheryl Wheeler, and Nanci Griffith, and she has performed at various festivals, including the Cambridge Folk Festival and the Philadelphia Folk Festival.

● Early Life and Education

Mary Dillon was born and raised in Derry, where she was exposed to Irish traditional music from a young age, listening to artists like The Dubliners, The Clancy Brothers, and The Fureys. She began singing in local Irish language choirs and competing in Fleadh Cheoil competitions, where she was inspired by performers like Seán Ó Riada and The Chieftains. Dillon's early education took place at St. Columb's College in Derry, and she later attended University College Dublin, where she studied Irish language and literature and was influenced by the works of W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, and Samuel Beckett. During her time in Dublin, she became involved in the city's vibrant traditional music scene, frequenting venues like The Brazen Head and O'Donoghue's Pub, where she met musicians like Christy Moore, Andy Irvine, and Donal Lunny.

● Career

Mary Dillon's music career began in the 1990s, when she joined the Irish traditional music group Déanta, which also featured musicians like Eoghan O'Brien and Deirdre Havlin. The group released several albums, including Déanta and Ready for the Storm, which featured guest appearances by artists like Altan and The Waterboys. After Déanta disbanded, Dillon pursued a solo career, releasing her debut album, Eva Cassidy, which included covers of songs by Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Leonard Cohen. She has since released several more albums, including The Red Crow, which featured collaborations with Liam Ó Maonlaí and Glen Hansard, and North, which included guest appearances by Snow Patrol and Foy Vance. Dillon's music has been praised by critics from The Irish Times, The Guardian, and Folk Roots, and she has performed at festivals like Glastonbury Festival and Celtic Connections.

● Discography

Mary Dillon's discography includes several albums with Déanta, as well as her solo releases, which have been praised by critics from BBC Radio 2 and RTÉ Radio 1. Her albums often feature a mix of traditional and contemporary songs, with guest appearances by artists like Paul Brady, Sharon Shannon, and The Unthanks. Some of her notable albums include The Red Crow, which was produced by John Reynolds and featured collaborations with Camille O'Sullivan and Julie Feeney, and North, which was produced by Neil Davidge and included guest appearances by Iain Archer and Duke Special. Dillon's music has been released on labels like Rough Trade Records and Real World Records, and she has been compared to other female singers like Joan Baez, Judy Collins, and Emmylou Harris.

● Awards and Recognition

Mary Dillon has received several awards and nominations for her music, including a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nomination for Best Traditional Track and a Irish Music Magazine award for Best Female Vocalist. She has also been praised by critics from The Sunday Times and The Scotsman, and has performed at high-profile events like the BBC Proms in the Park and the London Irish Festival. Dillon's music has been featured on various compilations, including The Rough Guide to Irish Music and The Cambridge Folk Festival album, and she has been named as one of the Irish Times's "Top 10 Irish Female Singers" alongside artists like Sinead O'Connor and Enya.

● Personal Life

Mary Dillon currently resides in Derry, where she is involved in various music projects and initiatives, including the Derry International Music Festival and the Nerve Centre. She has been married to musician Éamon Murray since 2005, and the couple has two children together. Dillon is also a patron of several charities, including the Irish Refugee Council and the Simon Community, and has performed at benefit concerts for organizations like Oxfam Ireland and Concern Worldwide. In her free time, she enjoys hiking in the Sperrin Mountains and attending festivals like the Fleadh Nua and the Cork Folk Festival.