The McPeake Family

Ireland boasts the McPeake Family among its premier musical dynasties. After siblings Frank III, Francis, James, and Udel debuted their vibrant renditions of traditional folk songs over thirty-five years ago, the group persists in disseminating the sounds of their native land. Frank III, the last surviving original member, issued the recording Back to the Source in 1998 under the family name. His uilleann pipes, five-string banjo, and vocals feature prominently on this release, which also incorporates contributions from wife Paula along with younger son Francis IV handling pipes, whistle, and vocals. Numerous performers such as the Byrds, Ewan MacColl, and Martin Carthy have interpreted the family's signature tune "Wild Mountain Thyme."