40 Years of Irish Music, Stories & Tradition | Joanie Madden, Cherish the Ladies

For over 40 years, Joanie Madden has led Cherish the Ladies from small pub sessions to the world’s biggest stages, helping bring Irish culture, storytelling, music, and heritage to audiences across the globe. In this episode of The Irish Snug Podcast, Joanie shares an incredible journey filled with unforgettable stories, hard-earned lessons, deep family roots, and the passion that has driven her remarkable career for over four decades.From growing up in Woodlawn in the Bronx as the daughter of All-Ireland champion accordion player Joe Madden, to becoming one of the most influential whistle and flute players in Irish music history, Joanie shares incredible stories from her journey through the world of Irish music.In this episode, Joanie talks about:• learning the whistle as a young girl in New York• competing in Ireland at just 13 years old• founding Cherish the Ladies and breaking barriers for women in Irish music• touring the world for over 40 years• friendships with Liam Clancy, Tommy Makem, and even meeting Bob Dylan• emotional stories about Irish immigration and her mother’s sacrifices• the origins of some of her most beloved tunes including “The Cat’s Meow” and “Longing for Home”• life during COVID and the future of live Irish music• unforgettable sessions in Ireland and Japan• and why Irish music continues to connect people all over the worldThis episode is full of laughter, emotion, history, and incredible storytelling — exactly what The Irish Snug Podcast is all about.☘️ If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, like, and share to help keep Irish stories, music, and traditions alive.⸻TIMESTAMPS• [0:00:02] Introduction to Joanie Madden and Irish traditional music• [0:01:21] Growing up in Woodlawn, the Bronx, and her Irish immigrant parents• [0:03:06] Learning tin whistle from Jack Coen and playing with her father’s band• [0:04:44] First trip to Ireland and competing at Fleadh Cheoil• [0:06:17] WFUV radio and the importance of Irish music broadcasting• [0:07:25] FDNY memories and music after 9/11• [0:11:39] Leaving college to become a full-time musician• [0:12:28] The founding story of Cherish the Ladies• [0:13:33] Proving doubters wrong and achieving worldwide success• [0:15:00] Writing “The Cat’s Meow” at 14 years old• [0:17:15] Composing tunes and life on the road• [0:19:21] The emotional story behind “Longing for Home”• [0:23:03] “The Christmas Letter” and preserving Irish immigrant stories• [0:25:06] Performing in Ireland as an Irish American• [0:27:19] Irish cruises, festivals, and becoming a music ambassador• [0:29:22] Memories of 9/11 and connections to FDNY families• [0:31:04] Lessons learned from Liam Clancy and the Clancy Brothers• [0:35:45] Meeting Bob Dylan at Tommy Makem’s Pavilion• [0:39:18] COVID shutdowns and the future of live music• [0:42:41] Magical Irish music sessions around the world• [0:43:07] Playing traditional Irish music in Japan• [0:45:44] Joanie performs live on tin whistle• [0:47:47] Closing thoughts and farewell⸻Follow and support Joanie Madden & Cherish the Ladies:• Tours, cruises, festivals, and music releases• Traditional Irish music and cultural events worldwideWebsites:https://cherishtheladies.com/https://joaniemaddencruise.com/Follow the Irish Snug Podcast:http://TheIrishSnugPodcast.com#IrishMusic #JoanieMadden #CherishTheLadies #TinWhistle #IrishCultureSend us Fan MailSupport the show