Canadian Celtic icon John McDermott is best known for his version of “Danny Boy,” but he is celebrating 20 years in the music business with several projects. 
In addition to sharing his love for traditional Celtic music, he loves his fans and is always eager to help out his various charities like McDermott House, which creates an innovative, warm, home like environment for Canadian veterans, military, first responders and community patients in the palliative Care unit of Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in his home of Toronto.
He is touring with guitarist Jason Fell and lap steel guitarist Christie Guch.
His career took off after, while working in the circulation department of the Toronto Sun, he recorded an album of Irish and Scottish ballads for his parents 50th anniversary.
He recorded 12 tracks, one for each of the 12 McDermott children (he is the ninth of the dozen), then added one more version of “Danny Boy” the way his father liked to hear it sung — a cappella.
It took off and he soon ended up signed to EMI records and opening for groups like the Chieftains.
“My first fiddle player was Ashley MacIsaac. He was only 18, then I hired Natalie McMaster,” he said.
“ I’ve had 20 years of music, so I’m doing a little reflection,” he continued adding he just released a DVD and box set and documentary covering the highlights of his career which he plans to release in the fall.
He was immediately drawn to traditional Scottish and Celtic music because of the poetry.
“I think they were some of the great poets. The lyrics are familiar as are the melodies. That’s why they are so familiar,” he said.
He is recording another new record in April— a collection of popular hymns which he plans to release in the fall.
“ They cross all faiths and eras,” he said adding the 12 song collection includes traditional hymns as well as more modern hymns.
“It will be a very soothing record. It is just me and my piano,” he said.
“That is the purest form,” he said.
“It’s something I have been talking about doing for three years,” he said adding he examined 150-200 hymns for the CD.
He loves his fans and his charities, McDermott House,which in collaboration with True Patriot Love, are holding a draw for a five day trip to Europe to explore Canadian Military history at the beaches of Normandy, the monument of Vimy Ridge and other historical sites with Rick Hillyer as a guide. You can enter through his website http://mcdermotthousecanada.org
“ I have a soft spot for veterans, because several of my relatives are veterans,” he said. His sister passed away in 2000 and his mother passed away in hospice care at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.
Canadian Celtic icon John McDermott plays the Yates Memorial Centre, March 30 at 7:30 p.m
Tickets cost $52.50.
