Tommy Makem, that wonderful Irish singer, songwriter and storyteller, died last night at the age of 74. According to the Boston Globe:

DOVER, N.H. --Acclaimed Irish singer, songwriter and storyteller Tommy Makem has died of cancer, ending a worldwide entertainment career that spanned more than five decades. He was 74.

"It is with great sadness that I have to report Tommy Makem passed away tonight after a long bout with lung cancer," said a message posted on his web site Wednesday night. Makem died in Dover, where he lived.

Makem grew to international fame while performing with the band The Clancy Brothers And Tommy Makem in the late 1950s and 1960s.

President Mary McAleese of Ireland led the tributes, saying Makem brought happiness and joy to fans all over the world.

Tommy, along with the Clancy Brothers, was my introduction to traditional Irish music. I've had the rare privilege of seeing him perform live several times, and he was even better in person than on a recording.