Moore, Christy (1945– )

Irish folk singer. His first solo album, Prosperous (1972), is regarded as ground breaking in the history of Irish song and the folk revival, departing from the performance style of previous ballad bands such as the Clancy Brothers and the Dubliners. He was a co-founder of the bands Planxty (1971) and Moving Hearts (1981), two of the most influential groups in Irish contemporary music, but is best known as a solo performer. His live appearances combine folk guitar and hand-played bodhrán with powerful political and social messages contained in covers, traditional, and self-penned songs.

Born in Dublin, Moore began as a solo singer, working the folk clubs and pubs between spells of manual labouring and bank work in both the Republic of Ireland and England. His songs confront controversial issues such as nuclear power and the political situation in Northern Ireland (and elsewhere), but are also tinged with surreal humour. His last recording, Traveller, was released in 1999 but ill health forced him to retire from performance soon afterwards. Other important recordings include Ride On (1984).