Sharon Shannon

A widely respected and deeply talented Irish musician, Sharon Shannon became known for broadening the horizons of traditional music in the 1980s and '90s. Thoroughly versed in Irish music, she has not been afraid to mix her playing on accordion and fiddle with all manner of different styles -- from reggae to country. Growing up in North County Clare, long a hotbed of traditional music, she was encouraged by local music teacher Frank Custy -- her siblings Garry and Mary both played, too. By the time she was eight, Shannon was already performing in local group Disirt Tola, who r...