Collection consists of CD copies of a radio documentary on traditional singing entitled 'Herosongs: Where History and Song Meet'. The 8-part series was originally broadcast on RTÉ Radio One in July 2013. It is spread across four CDs, with additional material on the fifth CD.
Series comprises commercial and non-commercial audio material on vinyl, reel-to-reel tape, tape cassettes, DAT tapes. This audio material reflects Derek Bell’s music interests, his solo music career as well as his career with The Chieftains. Many of his published albums are in this series, along with pre-publication and demo copies of the same albums. There are recordings of interviews with Bell both on radio and television and video footage of various television appearances. There are also audio recordings of a number of Bell’s solo performances as well as performances with The Chieftains. Two documentaries made by Alan Tongue about Derek Bell in 1977 and 1988 are also in this series. Bell’s interest in mysticism and ethnic music is reflected throughout his audio collection.
Series comprises commericial and non-commercial audio recordings. The non-commercial material includes a recording of Connie Connell, playing the fiddle, a recording of performances by Christine Byrne, Kilcar Choir and other unidentified singers, and a recording of performances by Bela McGurk and John Loughran on fiddle.