Michael “Jesse” Owens (1935–2025) was a beloved Irish ballad singer, guitarist, humorist, and storyteller whose career spanned over six decades.
Born Michael Francis Owens in Dublin, he was the eldest of six children. His father, a Dublin policeman, gave him the nickname “Jesse” after the American Olympic track star—a name that stuck as he grew into a life defined by rhythm, not running.
At 16, Jesse received his first guitar from his mother, unknowingly setting the stage for a lifetime in music. By 18, he had joined the Dublin Fire Brigade, quickly earning a reputation as the “singing fireman.” His musical talents led him to Irish television, where he performed regularly with Anne Byrne and starred in several shows during the 1960s—including the CBS special "The Saint and the Shamrock," where he narrated a story about Ireland, its music, and Saint Patrick.
Over the years, he would appear on television programs around the world, reaching audiences far beyond Ireland. Jesse also built a successful modeling career as a Ford Model, appearing in campaigns featured in Vogue, The New York Times, and numerous commercials for brands like Guinness, Mobil Oil, and Budweiser.
In 1966, a trip to New York changed his life. At the John Barleycorn Pub, he suggested adding live Irish music—an idea that launched New York’s first nightly Irish singing pub. Jesse moved to the US soon after and became the Barleycorn’s resident performer alongside accordionist Paddy Noonan. He lived at the Lambs Club, where he was inducted by Bert Lahr, best known as the Cowardly Lion from "The Wizard of Oz."
In 1967, Jesse returned to Ireland and partnered with All-Ireland accordionist James Keane. Together, they toured the US for over a decade, performing at festivals, concerts, private events, and even birthday parties for Jack, Bobby, and Ted Kennedy. They were mainstays at the Barleycorn and Flanagan’s on First Avenue.
Jesse graced some of the world’s most iconic venues, including Carnegie Hall (seven times), Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden (twice), and US military bases in Frankfurt, Augsburg, and Straubing, lifting spirits and sharing Irish tradition with servicemen and women abroad.
In 1976, he became a partner at Jim Brady’s Pub near Wall Street, where he performed and managed for over 30 years. He later played for nearly two decades with fiddle player John Reynolds and a rotating cast of musicians, including 15 summers of Sunday afternoon shows at the Warren Hotel in Spring Lake, NJ—a beloved tradition that drew thousands and lasted until the hotel’s closure in 2001.
Jesse also led legendary pub tours to Ireland, helping thousands of Americans reconnect with their heritage through music, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Known not just for his voice but for his wit, his warmth, and his one-of-a-kind humor, he had the rare ability to make any room feel like a living room.
His contributions were widely recognized: in 1999, he was honored by fellow musicians for preserving Irish music in New York. In 2005, he received a proclamation from the City of New York and was named “Man of the Year” by the United Restaurant and Tavern Owners Association (URTO).
Although he retired from performing in his later years, Jesse’s influence continued to ripple across generations. Irish folk icon Christy Moore credited Jesse as an early inspiration in his autobiography—a testament to the impact he made on Ireland’s musical landscape.
Jesse passed away on April 3, 2025. Though his voice has gone quiet, his legacy—of music, laughter, and unshakable pride in Irish culture—will echo for generations. He was married to his beloved wife Mary Anne until her passing in 2024. He is survived by his children—Kim, Michael, and Brian—and will be remembered for the joy he brought to so many through his songs, stories, and countless one-liners.
A wake for Michael 'Jesse' Owens will be held from 2 - 5 pm and 7 - 9 pm on Tuesday, April 8 at Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing NY 11358.
A funeral will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, April 9 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 5th Ave between 50th/51st Street, New York, NY 10022.
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