It was by happenstance that the General and I became familiar with Celtic Thunder, the Irish singing group, through a PBS performance on television. Interestingly, it was their first broadcast performance. The year was 2007. We were drawn to the music like a hummingbird seeking nectar. In terms of age ranges, the oldest member of the group was George Donaldson (age 40), and the youngest member, Damian McGinty, was only fourteen.
My favorite solo artist would be difficult to choose. They were all exceptional. However, the most powerfully impactful song was one sung by George Donaldson. It was almost as though the song was autobiographical. It was the song about a man who lost his father.
The lyrics seemed to be a perfect fit for the man expressing his heart and soul through music. Donaldson's facial expressions, his countenance, and the sense of emotion coming through his voice made the song seem personal and private.
It had only been a couple of months since my dad died, and the lyrics tugged at my heartstrings, filling my eyes with tears. The thoughts being expressed accurately identified my thoughts and emotions. I suspect, many of you would have thought the same. The story Donaldson sang was, "The Old Man." I think of the song and listen to it every Father's Day.
George Donaldson was a self-taught musician who grew up in Scotland. Interestingly, he was one of nine children. In addition to being a solo artist, he also played the guitar and flute. Prior to being selected to perform with the Celtic Thunder, Donaldson had already established himself in a successful singing career. He had a lifelong passion for Celtic music, which was inspired by his late father. It is said that he often told others that one of the greatest thrills of his life was the day he performed for his dad and 65,000 other fans at Celtic Park for the 2000 Season Opening Match.
George Donaldson was the only married member of the group. He had a wife and one daughter. He died very unexpectedly from a heart attack at the age of forty-six.
It is said that whenever George met fans while out on tour or on a promo trip, they would often have a story about how his songs resonated with them, reminding them of a special person or time in their life, an instance or a regret.
He had a great love and affection for meeting people all around the world. He loved to find out what their life stories were, he thoroughly enjoyed talking with them and believed there was a song in everybody that he met. That was part of George's magic – his ability to touch others through his music and his performances. No matter what he was performing, George's talent, warmth and love of music always shone through.
If today, you celebrate Father's Day and are separated from you father because he is on the other side of eternity, I suspect the words of "The Old Man" will resonate with you.
Of course, I'd never refer to my dad as "the old man", but the content of the song is not one of disrespect. In fact, it beautifully expresses a connection that equips one to move forward with love that is unbroken.
All My Best!
Don
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