Jim Ryan

The following four programmes on John McCormack, written and presented by Jim Ryan, were broadcast on Community Radio Youghal in 2014. Jim, a member of the John McCormack Society, has long been an admirer of the singer’s artistry. Growing up in Ballymacarbry, County Waterford, he heard much of and about McCormack. Many a fledgeling singer whose ambition outran his talents was asked: “Who do you think you are? John MacCormack!”. Jim applauds Jeremy Meehan’s foresight and herculean work in launching a subscription campaign to facilitate Ward Marston’s digital restoration of McCormack’s “Odeon Recordings” (1906 – 1909) and his “The Electrical Recordings” (1925 – 1942). Its completeness and superb sound quality give us unprecedented access to John’s recorded legacy, and demonstrate what a giant among ‘the greats’ he was.

Jim loves Opera and Classical music; (Mozart is his musical God!). “John MacCormack has been a great joy in my life. I am happy to have included many comments by leading authorities on singing who illuminate aspects of his greatness. And the singing is simply glorious”, Jim says.