Joe Dougherty - Joe Dougherty Sings Irish Traditionals - Music & Performance - CD

Originally from Cleveland Ohio, Joe Dougherty has been delighting audiences across the United States for over 30 years. His vast repertoire ensures he'll fit right in wherever he's performing. From Irish pubs to country dance halls and favorite corner bars, Joe always has the right music to keep his audience engaged. Joe's wit and personality help people relax and enjoy themselves as they participate by dancing, singing, and clapping along. Joe's interest in music began at the age of six when he would jump on stage and sing during the intermissions of his uncle's Polka Band. During those brief performances, his love of performing and pleasing crowds was born. He continued to cultivate his musical interests throughout his early years and began singing in high school musicals at the age of 15. Before going off to college, Joe joined a Cleveland Ohio rock band called August Forth. Joining solely as a vocalist, he later learned guitar to accompany himself and better communicate musical ideas to his fellow musicians. He obtained a top guitar player in the Cleveland area, Jim Leinseder, as his teacher. After studying acting and agriculture at Ohio State, Joe decided to pursue his music career. He traveled to the Atlanta area and befriended musician Ricky Richards from the Georgia Satellites. If Joe wasn't playing music, he was listening to music and getting to meet some of the people who were already well known or well on their way to stardom. While living in Atlanta, Joe formed a western swing band, Joe Dougherty and the Touch of Texas. They quickly won several local radio awards, including the WPLO "Best Band of the South" which earned them a trip to Nashville and a performance at the Grand Ole Opery. Soon they started touring in Florida and later began playing all over the west including engagements in Las Vegas and Reno. Joe now makes his home in South Florida and plays across the state, from Orlando to Daytona Beach, from Key West to Miami, and of course all over Palm Beach and Broward County. He is still winning awards including Best Country Male Vocalist in Broward County in 1998, Best Vocal Duo (with Cheryl Dean) two years running, and Best Vocal Duo (with Jennifer Lee). Cheryl and Joe also won the state championship for Best Vocal Duo, and Jennifer and Joe went to Las Vegas and won the Best Vocal Duo for the Country Music Association of America. Joe can be found playing in bars and pubs across Florida and has just completed work on a live album of traditional Irish tunes. Although he often plays with other area musicians, he is quite capable of packing tremendous energy and variety into his solo shows. Joe's talents cover many genres, but one thing is certain; he's a crowd pleaser wherever he may go.