| Charlie Lennon | |
| Birth Name: | Charles Oliver Lennon |
| Birth Date: | July 1938 |
| Birth Place: | Kiltyclogher, County Leitrim, Ireland |
| Death Place: | Galway, Connacht, Ireland |
| Alma Mater: | University of Liverpool |
| Years Active: | 1970s–2024 |
| Children: | 3 |
| Relatives: | Maurice Lennon (nephew) |
| Awards: | TG4 Composer of the Year (2006) |
Charles Oliver Lennon (July 1938 – 8 June 2024) was an Irish musician, fiddler, composer, and pianist.
Charles Oliver Lennon was born the youngest of four children to Jim and Sally Lennon in Kiltyclogher in July 1938.[1] [2] Lennon learned playing instruments including the fiddle and piano at a young age, and joined several céilí bands in his teenage years. He graduated from the University of Liverpool, majoring in nuclear physics.[3]
Lennon's career spanned over 50 years.[4] His compositions include The Twelve Pins, The Smiling Bride, The Road to Cashel, Lennon's No.4, The Handsome Young Maidens and The Bag of Money.[5] [6] His recordings include Lucky in Love, The Emigrant Suite, Flight from the Hungry Land, Island Wedding, Time for a Tune, Aifreann Chaomháin and Áille Na hÁille, The Dance of the Honey Bees and Dusk 'Till Dawn.[7] [8]
Lennon's book of compositions, Musical Memories, was published in 1993. Lennon was awarded the title Ard-Ollamh by the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in 2005. He was the 2006 TG4 Composer of the Year.[9] Lennon's second book of compositions, Musical Memories Volume 2, was released in 2012.[10] He was awarded the IMRO Gold Award in 2020.[11]
Lennon also taught at third level at the University of Galway. He moved to Spiddal after his retirement, where he opened a recording studio.
Lennon married sean-nós singer Síle Ní Fhlaithearta in 1966, with whom he had 3 children and 8 grandchildren.[12] [13] He was Maurice Lennon's uncle.[14]
Lennon died at the University Hospital Galway on 8 June 2024, at the age of 85.[15]