The Hennessys


The Hennessys are one of Wales' foremost traditional folk music groups.

History

In 1966, Frank Hennessy and Dave Burns, both from Cardiff's Irish community, won a talent competition organised by Cardiff City Council which persuaded them to take up music professionally shortly afterwards, adding Paul Powell on banjo and vocals. Having achieved success in the Cardiff area, they decided to spend some time travelling around Ireland, to acquire a wider musical experience. It was at this time that they were persuaded to develop a greater Welsh identity, and they started to introduce traditional Welsh language songs into their repertoire, with great success, and their career took off.
They appeared regularly on television in Wales, appeared on stage throughout the country and recorded several albums. Many of their songs like "Farewell to the Rhondda", "Tiger Bay" and the capital's anthem "Cardiff Born" have become folk standards. Other hits include "The Grangetown Whale" and "Billy the Seal".
The current line-up still includes Hennessy and fiddle player Iolo Jones.
Dave Burns, a member until his passing in 2023, was a guitar and mandolin player, and also a singer.
Frank Hennessy has been hosting his own radio programmes on BBC Radio Wales since 1984.
The current member of bass guitarist player Pino Palladino since 2024.

Discography

Frank Hennessy

  • Thoughts & Memories – 1988

    Dave Burns

  • Last Pit in the Rhondda – 1986

    The Hennessys

  • Down The Road - The Road and the Miles – 1969
  • Caneuon Cynnar / The Early Songs – 1993
  • Cardiff After Dark – 1984
  • ''Homecoming''