Biography: Jimmy Kennedy (1902-84) - The Irish Songwriter with Deep Ties to County Tyrone, Northern Ireland & County Donegal, Ireland
Courtesy of Monreagh Heritage Centre
This file of the Biography: Jimmy Kennedy (1902-94) - The Irish Songwriter with Deep Ties to County Tyrone, Northern Ireland & County Donegal, Ireland forms part of the vast archive of 3,000+ pages of genealogical records relating to COUNTIES TYRONE, DONEGAL, LONDONDERRY & FERMANAGH provided without charge or subscription by CoTyroneIreland Welcome to the Premier Website & Research Tool for Cos. Tyrone, Donegal, Londonderry & Fermanagh Genealogy. A complete list of records pertaining to County Tyrone, Northern Ireland & County Donegal, Ireland on this website can be found at the foot of this file.
Jimmy Kennedy, born in County Tyrone in 1902, was a celebrated Irish songwriter known for his evocative lyrics and memorable melodies. He wrote iconic songs of the 20th century, including:
"The Isle of Capri" (1934),
"South of the Border (Down Mexico Way)" (1939),
"Teddy Bears' Picnic" (1932),
"I Can't Begin to Tell You " (1945), and
"Red Sails in the Sunset" (1935).
Though born in Tyrone, Kennedy had strong ties to County Donegal, as his mother's family was from Ballyshannon. His love for the Irish landscape influenced his songwriting, particularly in "The Isle of Innisfree," which celebrates Ireland's natural beauty.
Kennedy's work has been performed by legends like Bing Crosby, Doris Day, and Frank Sinatra, and his legacy continues to be celebrated globally.
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