The McPeake Family

The McPeake Family is one of Ireland’s great musical clans. More than three and a half decades since siblings Frank III, Francis, James, and Udel first brought their energetic interpretations of traditional folk songs to the public stage, the McPeake Family continues to spread the music of their homeland. The sole remaining founding member, Frank III, recorded an album, Back to the Source, under the band’s name, in 1998. In addition to featuring his uilleann pipes and five-string banjo playing and singing, the album included his wife, Paula, and their younger son, Francis IV, on pipes, whistle, and vocals. The McPeake Family’s best-known song, “Wild Mountain Thyme,” has been covered by a lengthy list of artists including the Byrds, Ewan MacColl, and Martin Carthy. ~ Craig Harris