Release Date: Friday 24th August
Biography
Christened by The New York Times as “Irish America’s Favorite Son”, Andy Cooney has taken the Irish-American music scene by storm. His outstanding voice and dynamic stage presence makes him a favorite with audiences as he renders songs ranging from all-time favorites like “Galway Bay” and “Danny Boy” to his hit records “The Irish Wedding Song”, “Boston Rose” and “Shannon River”. Andy’s talent and versatility provide the ability to deliver a song directly to the hearts of his listeners.

One of nine children born into a deep-rooted Irish American family, Andy Cooney has been singing Irish songs literally all his life, beginning at an early age with his grandfather. As a young lad of five, he sang at family and church gatherings. His professional career began at the young age of 17, when he began appearing in many of the well-known Irish establishments in the New York area entertaining audiences with his piano playing and singing. In 1986, at age 19, the well-known Irish bandleader, Paddy Noonan, asked Andy to tour with his show. For the next several years Andy toured with Paddy Noonan gaining national exposure for his talent and winning a place in the hearts of all those who heard him from coast to coast. In 1994, Andy struck out on his own and hasn’t looked back.

Today, Andy has gathered around him the finest group of musicians on the Irish music scene touring all over the US throughout the year. For two seasons of the year, Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day, Andy adds to his troupe by inviting other talented entertainers to join him. Some of these legendary Irish performers include Noel V. Ginnity, George Casey, Cahal Dunne, Mac & O, Deirdre Reilly and Dermot O’Brien to name a few. This is a high-energy show that showcases the finest in Irish music, comedy and dance.

Andy has recorded many albums, and has always associated himself with the finest musicians on the Irish recording scene such as Joanie Madden, Seamus Egan, Eileen Ivers, Des Moore and also recorded an album with the world-famous Phil Coulter entitled “Home Away >From Home”.

As a seasoned stage veteran, Andy really hits the mark with his first PBS special, “An Evening of Irish Classics”, recently filmed at the Renaissance Center in Dickson, TN. Irish ballads are known for their unique way of putting life to song and Andy is known for bringing Irish ballads to life. His accomplished band of fine musicians from Ireland and America are joined on stage by the renowned Nashville String Machine, and of course world class Irish dancers add a magical touch. This is Andy’s first live recording and he performs all his hits: Galway Shawl, My Kathleen, Boston Rose, Rattlin’ Bog, Daughter of Mine and The Irish Wedding Song, along with nine other songs.

Andy is a musician, songwriter, vocalist and true entertainer. Dubbed “An American Gift to Ireland’s Heritage” (Jim Mahoney, The Daily News) he is currently making his mark not only on the Irish/Irish-American front but also within the world of Country Music, a natural link since so much of Country has Irish roots. Andy has worked with a number of Country Music’s finest including The Oak Ridge Boys, The Statlers, Larry Gatlin, and Charlie Daniels.

The name Andy Cooney has also been associated with “The Cruise of Irish Stars”. Andy put this Cruise together in 1995. Every year it has become more and more popular. “The Cruise of Irish Stars” draws almost 1500 Irish Music fans from Ireland and all over the United States. Over the years some of Andy’s guests have included Noel V. Ginnity, the star of Doyle’s Irish Cabaret , Tony Kenny, the star of Jury’s Irish Cabaret, Dermot O’Brien, Deirdre Reilly, legendary Irish balladeer Johnny McEvoy and the great Ronan Tynan.

Quite handsome with a disarming boyish charm, Andy is known to be a true professional bringing the best of Irish entertainment wherever he tours. Andy Cooney maintains a mailing list of over 20,000 fans and his website is frequently visited daily. Andy and his band receive the highest reviews wherever they have performed. Whether playing before a packed theater or at a family gathering, his feelings are the same, “… I still feel as though I’m singing for my family… only the room is a little bigger”.

“Isle Of Hope Isle Of Tears” will be available in stores, online from www.irishmusicshop.ie and to download from iTunes, Napster, HMV Digital and many more.

For interview and comment please contact Alan Hennessy // alan@crashedmusic.com // 01-8881188