Tommy Sands | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Sands_Sheikh_Jarrah1.jpg) Tommy Sands performs in a joint Israeli-Palestinian demonstration in Sheikh Jarrah against house evictions of Palestinians by Israeli courts. | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 19 December 1945 |
| Origin | Mayobridge, County Down, Northern Ireland |
| Genres | Irish Folk, Celtic |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, radio broadcaster, political activist |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar, Whistle, Banjo, Fiddle, Bodhrán, vocals |
| Years active | 1960s-present |
| Website | www.sandfamilyfolk.com tommysands.com |
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Tommy Sands (born 19 December 1945)[1] is a Northern Irish folk singer, songwriter, radio broadcaster, and political activist. He performs with his three siblings as the Sands Family; solo as Tommy Sands; and with his son and daughter as Tommy Sands with Moya and Fionán Sands.[2] Tommy was the prime songwriter for the Sands Family, one of Ireland's most influential folk groups of the 1960s and 1970s.[3][4]
Tommy Sands hosted Country Céilí, a radio show on Downtown Radio in Newtownards for 37 years from 1976.[3][5]
His song "There Were Roses" has been described as "certainly one of the best songs ever written about the "Irish Problem"".[6]
In May 2002 he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Nevada, Reno, for his outstanding work as musician and ambassador for peace and understanding. May 18 of each year has been proclaimed Tommy Sands Day in Reno.[6]
- ^ 'International Who's Who in Popular Music 2002', by Eur
- ^ The American Folklife Centre – Tommy Sands
- ^ a b Answers.com Tommy Sands biography
- ^ Tommy Sands.com
- ^ "Legendary musician Tommy Sands: It was the first time I'd been in an ambulance, that mini-stroke was certainly a wake up call". Belfasttelegraph.co.uk. 16 November 2017.
- ^ a b Dna Users, Biography of Tommy Sands Archived 22 February 2013 at archive.today