Remembering Irish folk singer Danny Doyle with some of his most popular songs

Danny Doyle, singer of ‘The Rare Auld Times,’ passed away in the US

Irish folk singer Danny Doyle passed away on August 6 at the age of 79. 

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The Irish balladeer is remembered for such songs as ‘In The Rare Auld Times,’ ‘Step It Out Mary,’ and ‘Whiskey on a Sunday,' among many others.

Born and raised in Dublin, Doyle only attended school until he was 14 years old. He was introduced to the traditional Irish music scene when he started working odd jobs at Dublin’s Pike Theater. He eventually left Dublin to explore more rural parts of Ireland, further immersing himself in the traditional Irish music scene.

In 1978, Doyle famously knocked ABBA and their song ‘Take a Chance on Me’ off the #1 spot on the Irish charts with his song ‘In The Rare Auld Times,’ which was written by Pete St. John for the group The Dublin City Ramblers.

In 1983, Doyle left Ireland to settle in the United States. He performed in some of the world’s most popular venues, including New York City’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Albert Hall.

Throughout his career, Doyle recorded a staggering 25 albums. One of his most famous, ‘Emigrant Eyes,’ was recorded with his sister Geraldine who had gone on to become a comedian in Australia.

Though he had already retired, Doyle performed most recently in 2010 at the Milwaukee Irish Festival.

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Tributes have since poured in across social media remembering the beloved singer.

The Irish Rovers tweeted that they've lost "one of the greats in the Irish folk music world:"

We lost one of the greats in the Irish folk music world. An old friend of the Rovers, a true troubadour, a beautiful voice, a gentleman and a gentle man, Danny Doyle. Our hearts are with Taffy and the family. You will be missed old friend.#DannyDoyle pic.twitter.com/Vqr1qHDoTT

— The Irish Rovers (@TheIrishRovers) August 7, 2019

Irish American musician Joanie Madden remembers Doyle as an "incredible showman, a poet and definitely a character:"

Irish singer and musician Gabriel Donohue shared a touching tribute on Facebook:

Musician Gerry Timlin said he was "saddened to hear of the passing" of his friend:

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Here are some of Danny Doyle’s most famous songs:

Whiskey on a Sunday

A Daisy a Day

Step it Out Mary

In The Rare Auld Times

What's your favorite Danny Doyle song? Let us know in the comments.