This talk will explore the close relationship between genealogy, music and song. The genealogy and history of songs and music can be very similar to researching one's family tree, with different elements traceable back to earlier versions or generations. This is particularly the case with emigrant communities who retained much of their native cultural identities through the songs and music they brought with them to new lands, especially in the United States and Canada. Country and western music, and indeed Rock'n'Roll owe much of their roots to Irish and Scottish immigrants. The use of ballads, songs and music as genealogical sources will also be discussed, as an additional but little used source for family history.
Dr Declan Brady, MA, BScGenealogis
