The Man Who Led NYC’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade for 33 Years | Joe Brady

🎙️ In this episode of the Irish Snug Podcast, we sit down with legendary bagpiper Joe Brady —a cornerstone of Irish-American piping and a key figure in New York City’s rich musical and firefighting traditions.Joe shares his journey from learning the pipes as a young boy in the Bronx to becoming an elite open-level piper by age 17. He reflects on decades of experience with the FDNY Pipe Band, founding the FBI Pipe Band, and his remarkable 33-year run leading the iconic Fighting 69th Regiment up Fifth Avenue in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade.We dive deep into: • The legacy of Irish piping in New York • The history and honor of the Fighting 69th • Performing with world-renowned groups like The Chieftains and The High Kings • Playing at historic events, including for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey • The rise and fall of the Hunter Mountain Celtic FestivalThis episode is packed with unforgettable stories, humor, and insight into a lifetime dedicated to music, tradition, and service.👉 Whether you're a bagpiper, firefighter, or fan of Irish culture, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.🔥 Episode Highlights • [00:00:02] Introduction to the podcast and Joe Brady • [00:00:16] Early days with the FDNY Pipe Band • [00:01:38] Becoming an open piper at 17 • [00:02:22] Leading the Fighting 69th for 33 years • [00:03:10] Joe Brady Sr. and Irish roots • [00:05:44] First trip to Ireland at 17 • [00:07:26] Winning a drum major competition in Kilkenny • [00:08:59] Stories about his father • [00:11:24] Learning the pipes as a kid • [00:13:30] Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band & flying to practice • [00:15:50] Founding the FBI Pipe Band • [00:19:10] Joining the Fighting 69th • [00:20:46] First NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade • [00:22:30] Marching up Fifth Avenue • [00:24:03] Playing the entire parade route nonstop • [00:25:10] History of the Fighting 69th • [00:26:49] Teaching the FDNY Pipe Band • [00:29:51] Training FDNY drum major Liam Flaherty • [00:33:04] Playing with The Chieftains & The High Kings • [00:34:18] Performing for General Martin Dempsey • [00:35:25] “The Parting Glass” performance story • [00:37:20] Behind the scenes at The Jay Leno Show • [00:43:14] Hunter Mountain Celtic Festival origins • [00:44:53] Massed bands marching down the mountain • [00:46:17] End of the festival and legacyIf you enjoyed this episode, please hit the SUBSCRIBE button and the bell icon so you never miss a story from the Snug. Sláinte!Follow The Irish Snug Podcast:Website: 👉 YouTube: 👉 Spotify:👉 Apple Podcasts:👉 Facebook: 👉Instagram: 👉#Bagpipes #Fighting69th #StPatricksDay #FDNY #JoeBradySend us Fan MailSupport the show