The Johnstons

In late-1960s Dublin the Johnstons first attracted widespread attention. Luci, Adrienne, and Michael Johnston founded the ensemble, which centered on close-harmony vocals backed by guitar. Michael’s exit prompted the arrival of Mick Moloney, whose contributions encompassed vocals, mandolin, and banjo, and Paul Brady, responsible for vocals and guitar. The resulting four-piece achieved major success throughout Ireland, undertook worldwide tours, and thereby initiated the professional trajectories of both Moloney and Brady. Across their recorded output, innovative reworkings of traditional songs stand alongside fairly conventional interpretations of American folk-pop material.