Anthony
John Clarke was born in Belfast on 18th October 1956. He started
songwriting at the age of nine inspired by the sixties but it was
only when he left Ireland and came to England that he pursued his
passion for writing with any vigour. Lacking belief in his work he
languished in the shadow of others for too long but the creator of
"Irish Eyes" and the beautiful "Seven In Ireland"
was destined to make a mark on the British contemporary music scene.
Living in Liverpool and being managed superbly by Sheelagh McGovern
for many years afforded Anthony John the opportunity of performing
his songs far and wide. Seven tours of the East Coast of the USA
ensured him a small but loyal following there which remains loyal to
him to this day. Bookings at clubs up and down the UK and recent
developments including the vocal collaboration with Elizabeth van de
Waal increased his popularity and made him an established folk name.
There
are very few places in the UK and Ireland that Anthony John has not
played. His supporters are loyal and many, and the tributes he
receives from his peers bear witness to the talent and hard work of
one of the folk scene's nicest guys. He retains his reputation as one
of the top songwriters on the scene and his hard work and dedication
to his craft are a credit to him. For him, songwriting is indeed a
craft.
"The
songwriter has a responsibility. It's not enough to put a tune to
some words or some words to a tune. The song is a vehicle for a
notion that the writer has about something. If it wasn't, then the
song would have no beginning, middle or end. It's not complicated.
The notion is what starts the process and the completed song is the
fruition. It invites others into the notion, the idea, the feeling,
the celebration, the private moment. And if you can provide a laugh
or two along the way it gets my vote."
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