Rory Furlong

Born in Dublin, My father Rory was brother to Brendan, Dominic and Brian Behan, My gran was the famous "Mother of all the Behans" Kathleen. Whose brother Peadar Kearney" wrote the Irish National Anthem. so I was born to be a singer and writer. my fathers house was a veritible who's who of the music and literary world when I was growing up. Regular visitors to the house included The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, The Dubliners, Gore Vidal, Dominic and Brendan Behan, Paddy Kavanagh, Flann O Briane, etc. In the early 60s was a founder member of "The Gallows tree" with Colin Beggan and Paddy Power. Moved to Wales in the 70s and began a solo career Playing all the major venues in the country. With Ned Clamp started the legendary "Infirmary Folk Club" in Cardiff, a venue still remembered to this day as on of the best in the land. Ned and I then went o to present a folk show on C.B.C Cardiff entitled "A Poke in the Ear" Was a founder member of "Willow" with Ned Clamp, Tim and Ruth Southern and Paul (Baz) Gamble Later became founder member of Irish trad band "Cara" With Pam Buttwell, Richie Blackmore and Jimmy (The Banjo) Barkoe. recorded our one and as it turned out , only album "The First at Last" Ran "The Star Folk Club" in Cardiff for songwriter Mick Johnson and soon we became a songwriting partnership, as well as good friends. Our most popular song was " The Woman at home" which has been recorded by several artists.Joined Gerry Nash's "The Rowdy Dow" and when Gerry was drawn back to his native Limerick home founded a new incarnation called "The Rowdies" with Danny and Bernie Kilbride, John Lenny, Pete Driscoll and John Turner albums include "Bastards" "Spitting Blood" all songs written by Johnson Furlong. Spend time in Ireland working with Liam Clancy.Began a musical biography of my uncle Brendan Behan called "Both the Days" with Mick Johnson. A journey that still continues today. nearly finished now. made my first solo album after a 10 yr lay off ( family committments, a wife and 2 beautiful girls) called "Innocent Soul" recorded at "Kenny's kafe studio" and engineered by Kenny Tonkin. all self penned songs. The beautiful and talented Welsh songstress Heather Jones has recently made Innocent Soul the title track on her new albumCompered The Pontardawe International Folk Festival for the past 3 years but unable to attend this years bash due to illness. Lastest album is called "The White Line" which I wrote after a long conversation with Irish songwriter Eleonor Mc Avoy. At present working on a new album at my home studio A strange throat afflication has prevented me from gigging for the last ten months so no listings at present