John Reilly (singer)

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John (Jacko) Reilly, (b. c1926 - d.1969) was a traditional Irish singer and source of songs most of which he had learned from his parents.

He was a settled Irish Traveller who lived in Boyle, Co Roscommon, and is thought have hailed from Carrick-on-Shannon in Co Leitrim. He was a profound influence on many popular folk and traditional singers and was often frequented by song collectors from Ireland such as Tom Munnelly. He collected the ballad "The Well Below the Valley" (Child #21), which had not been collected for a century and a half. Irish folk singer Christy Moore recorded the ballad with Planxty after hearing it through Tom.

Christy also learned the songs 'The Raggle Taggle Gypsy', 'Lord Baker' and 'Tippin' It Up to Nancy' from him directly or indirectly. Christy wrote of him: "He was a generous and gentle man, totally bemused and very tickled when his singing gained the attention of the folklorists." ^[1]

During 2004's "Live at Vicar Street" recorded by newly reformed Irish folk act Planxty, Christy Moore mentions hearing him sing for the first time and calls it a "life changing" experience, going on to dedicate the song "As I Roved Out" to his memory. Christy now admits that he did not in fact learn the song from him though. ^[2]

John Reilly died of pneumonia in 1969, aged 44.