History

Celtic people - and, more specifically, Irish people - immigrated to what is now the United States as early as the 17th century, and many more came during the potato famine in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They brought their music with them, often playing or singing while they worked.

A collection of Irish American folk songs

The informal and personal nature of traditional Irish music took hold in America, telling stories that kept people's heritage alive in their hearts.