Today is
Saint Patrick’s Day, a holiday that, while rooted in Irish history, is celebrated with far more enthusiasm in the United States than in Ireland itself. Originally a religious feast day honoring
Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, it has transformed in America into a vibrant celebration of Irish heritage—though much of what people associate with the holiday is more
Irish-American than truly Irish.
From New York City’s massive parade (dating back to 1762) to Chicago’s tradition of dyeing the river green, the American version of Saint Patrick’s Day is largely an invention of Irish immigrants seeking to celebrate their identity in a new land. But just as the holiday itself has been reshaped in America, so too has the music we think of as "Irish."
Jigs, Reels, and the Myth of Irish Dance Music
When Americans think of Irish music, they often picture fast-paced jigs and reels played on fiddles, tin whistles, and bodhráns. But these dance forms did not originate in Ireland.
- Jigs came from England.
- Reels were borrowed from Scotland.
- Hornpipes, which became a foundation of Old-Time and Country music, also originated in England.
While these styles were absorbed into Irish traditional music over time, they were not native to Ireland. The truly Irish musical tradition is "Sean Nós" (literally "old style"), which is highly ornamented, unaccompanied singing with deep historical roots. However, Sean Nós did not play a role in shaping American music.
Scots-Irish and English Music: The Foundation of American Folk, Country, and Rock and Roll
It wasn’t Irish music that formed the foundation of American folk, country, and eventually rock and roll—it was the Scots-Irish and English musical traditions brought to the Appalachian region in the 18th and 19th centuries.
How Did This Happen?
- Scots-Irish fiddle music blended with English ballads, creating the rhythmic and melodic structures that would define Appalachian folk.
- African musical traditions, particularly rhythm and the banjo (which originated in West Africa), fused with these influences to create Old-Time music.
- Old-Time music evolved into Bluegrass and later Country music, characterized by fast tempos, fiddle breakdowns, and rhythmic drive.
- Early Rock and Roll musicians, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Buddy Holly, were deeply influenced by the rhythmic and melodic traditions of Scots-Irish and English folk music—not Irish Sean Nós.
The Americanization of Irish Culture
Saint Patrick’s Day in the U.S. reflects a broader trend of cultural adaptation. Just as jigs and reels became "Irish" despite their non-Irish origins, and Scots-Irish music became the backbone of American folk and country, the holiday itself evolved into something uniquely American.
While the green beer and parades might not be authentically Irish, they do reflect the resilience and influence of Irish-American identity. And while Irish music itself didn't shape rock and roll, the Scots-Irish and English traditions absolutely did—a testament to how music, like culture, evolves and blends across time and place.
So, whether you're raising a pint, listening to some fiddle tunes, or just enjoying the festivities, take a moment to appreciate the deeper history behind Saint Patrick’s Day—and the Scots-Irish musical legacy that continues to shape American music today.
