Songs of My Heart / John McCormack

Classic Irsish voice, and I won the bet.

As he lost some of his physical ability he gained in artistic ability. The sound of a master singer at the end of his career.

I have several John McCormack CD's and, in IMHO, this one is the best.

John McCormack (1884- 1945) sang opera music, but was loved for popular songs and Irish ballads. These were the early days of recorded music, the earliest song from 1908 "I Hear You Calling Me". The remaining 22 songs were from 1930- 1941. These include McCormack's two favourites, "The Garden Where the Praties (Potatoes) Grow" and "The Star of the County Down." Still popular today are "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair" and "The Londonderry Air". The clear Irish diction and ability to tell a story was unsurpassed. Despite the recording surface noise and limited frequency range, there is enough fidelity to impress listeners today.

Over the years, the appealing voice of John McCormack has found its way to appreciative listeners. As with many classics, his renditions have been issued in many formats and with variable clarity. This is a fine selection and very good sound. For those who resonate to local songs--Tosti, Neapolitan, Foster--this is an excellent disk.

I bought this CD for an ailing relative in a nursing home....these songs were played on my grandfather's gramophone which is no longer functional. I wanted a way to bring these songs back to life ...so I was delighted to find John McCormack on CD.The quality is obviously not digital but that actually adds to the charm...the slight hiss of the gramophone record can be heard but it's not overpowering.I wouldn't say this is in my line of taste, music-wise ...but I find myself putting on the CD pretty regularly "for auld langs syne"An excellent gift for anyone with Irish roots!

Brings me back to Ireland!

Have bought this as a Christmas present for my mother-in-law. She remembers her Dad singing along to John McCormack, so I am sure this will bring back happy memories.

It's got the lot.