RYAN’S FANCY By Ryan

The band  Ryan’s Fancy was a group of musician’s that were three Irish emigrants to Canada, that rose out of the folk music scene of the late 1960's. Denis Ryan, Fergus O’Byrne, and Dermot O’Reilly, had met and played together as members of various musical backgrounds such as Sullivan’s Gypsies and Sons Of Erin before finally becoming the trio in 1971 of Ryan’s Fancy. After relocating from Toronto to St. John’s to attend university the group became popular on the local music scene and regular performers at the Strand Lounge. Shortly after meeting CBC television producer Jack Kellum the group became stars of there own national TV series and traveled throughout Atlantic Canada highlighting the areas rich cultural and musical heritage. In 1983 after many successful recordings and a long run on television the three members of Ryan’s Fancy decided to disband in favour of individual pursuits but their effect on the Atlantic Canadian music scene resounds strong to this day. The current popularity of East Coast music owes a lot to the achievements of Ryan’s Fancy. In 2001 The group made a selection of songs recorded specifically for their television programSullivan’s GypsiesSons Of Erin  on a CD entitled Songs From The Shows, an excellent reminder of this wonderful band.

The members-Fergus O’ Byrne  Born in Dublin, Ireland Fergus immigrated to Canada in 1967 where he became a founding member of the Irish folk band Ryan’s Fancy. In 1971 the band moved to St. John’s Newfoundland and for the next fourteen years toured extensively throughout North America and Ireland. Ryan’s Fancy recorded thirteen albums and their popular television show was broadcast on the CBC national network for five years. He has since followed a busy solo and freelance career, touring throughout Canada the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong  In February 2004, Fergus, as part of Ryan’s Fancy, Fergus was awarded the ECMA Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes an individual or group who has had a profound and lasting effect on the Atlantic Canadian music industry. In April 2005, along with Jim Payne, he was the recipient of the inaugural Arts In Education Award by the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council.

The members-Dermot O’Reilly  In 1983, after the group "Ryan's Fancy" disbanded, Dermot continued to perform as a solo artist in concerts. He also set out to develop an audiovisual production featuring slides, narration and live music. This show was designed for presentation in a high school gym or concert hall setting to junior and senior high school students.  After traveling throughout Newfoundland, Labrador and Cape Breton with the school show for a number of years, Dermot turned his attention to Video and Television Production through his company Piperstock Productions Limited. As well as industrial and public service videos, he also produced a number of musical documentaries, two of which "Rigs, Jigs And Songs From The Heart" and "Cain's Legacy" are currently in distribution as videocassettes  Dermot died on February due to heart attack.He was 64 when he died.

The members-Denis Ryan  Denis Ryan was born in Ireland but left and ended up joining Ryan’s Fancy. In 1983, the three members of Ryan's Fancy decided to pursue separate careers. Denis, who makes his home in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has since been working in the investment business. He is involved with numerous community projects including serving as the national chairman of the fundraising committee of the D'Arcy McGee Chair of Irish Studies at St. Mary's University. Denis is the founder of NovaScotian Crystal, located on the Halifax waterfront. It is the only mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal company in North America  This is a picture of the band.

songs  Ryan’s Fancy sung both folk songs and there own songs.  Cut and paste the address below to hear “Now I’m 64” 

Ryan’s Fancy Albums  Curragh's Minstrels, Rocks And Whiskey  An Irish Night At The Black Knight Lounge  Dark Island  Brand New Songs  Looking Back  Newfoundland Drinking Songs  Times To Remember  Ryan's Fancy Live

Album’s continued  A Time With Ryan's Fancy  Sea People Dance Around This One  Irish Love Songs  Songs From The Shows

Their Most Popular Songs  Dark Island, Streets of London, The cross of Spancil Hill, I'm a rover; Candlelight and wine, West country lady, Come along, Go to sea no more, and Come to the bower  Whiskey in The Jar  The Rocky Road To Dublin  Now I'm Sixty Four

Summary  I really enjoyed learning more about Ryan’s Fancy. I picked them because my name is in the title of the band and I picked Now I’m Sixty Four for an example of their songs because I am learning to play it on piano.  By Ryan Tuck