Charles Oliver Lennon (24 July 1938 â 8 June 2024) was an Irish musician, fiddler, composer, and pianist.
Charles Oliver Lennon was born the youngest of four children to Jim and Sally Lennon in Kiltyclogher, County Leitrim, on 24 July 1938. Lennon learned playing instruments including the fiddle and piano at a young age, and joined several céilàbands in his teenage years. He graduated from the University of Liverpool, majoring in nuclear physics.
Lennon's career spanned over 50 years. His compositions include The Twelve Pins, Kilty Town, The Moving Pint, Planxty Joe Burke, Ladiesâ 2nd Choice, Christmas in Spiddal, The Smiling Bride, The Road to Cashel, Lennon's No.4, The Handsome Young Maidens, The Bag of Money and Sound Man ÃÂamonn. His recordings include Lucky in Love, The Emigrant Suite, Seeking Sanctuary Suite, Flight from the Hungry Land, Island Wedding, Time for a Tune, Aifreann Chaomháin, ÃÂille Na hÃÂille, The Dance of the Honey Bees, Dusk 'Till Dawn and The Famine Suite.
Lennon's book of compositions, Musical Memories, was published in 1993. Lennon was awarded the title Ard-Ollamh by the Comhaltas CeoltóiràÃÂireann in 2005. He was the 2006 TG4 Composer of the Year. Lennon's second book of compositions, Musical Memories Volume 2, was published in 2012. He was awarded the IMRO Gold Award in 2020.
Lennon also taught at third level at the University of Galway. He moved to Spiddal after his retirement, where he opened a recording studio.
Lennon married sean-nós singer SÃÂle NàFhlaithearta in 1966, with whom he had 3 children and 8 grandchildren. He was Maurice Lennon's uncle.
Lennon died at the University Hospital Galway on 8 June 2024, aged 85.