Letters, original and photocopied newspaper clippings, an order of service, and magazine articles relating to the death of Derek Bell and the various memorial services and tributes which occurred. Includes letter from President Mary McAleese to Derek Bell’s widow, Stefanie Bell, sympathising with her on the death of her husband. McAleese writes that ‘Derek’s great love of both traditional and classical music was truly remarkable and inspired audiences throughout the world. His contribution to music appreciation has been immense.’ (21 Oct 2002); order of service for ‘A service of thanksgiving for the life of Derek Bell, MBE 1935-2002’ St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast (1 Nov 2002); letter from Peter Browne, Producer RTÉ Radio 1 to Stefanie Bell about a ‘documentary and memorial concert for Derek’ which was broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 on the 1 January 2004 (26 Jan 2004); letter from Liam and Frances Ó Conchubhair to Stefanie Bell enclosing an article in Irish about Derek Bell from the magazine An tUltach, Feabhra 2003, also included is a translation of the article (3 Jun 2003); letters from Brenda Dwyer, Stamp Design and Production, An Post, Dublin 1 to Stefanie Bell informing Bell of ‘a series of stamps celebrating Irish Music and the contribution of artists and performers, such as The Chieftains’ (7 Nov 2006) included with the letter are samples of the stamps and stamp products from the series; and a letter from Declan McGovern, BBC Northern Ireland, Belfast to Stephanie Bell informing her of a ‘BBC documentary on The Chieftains’ which is being made to ‘celebrate 45 years’ of the group (14 Nov 2007).
Audiovisual recordings of the Inishowen International Folk Song and Ballad Seminar (IIFSBS) and events organised by the Inishowen Traditional Singers' Circle, 2003-2004.
Commercial and non-commercial CDs. Includes recordings of The Chieftains albums and concerts; solo recordings of Derek Bell; recordings of his compositions including The violet flame symphony and ‘Come on, Northern Ireland’; recordings of radio interviews with Derek Bell; recordings of radio programmes about Derek Bell; and a small number of other musicians’ CDs including Raga Omar Khannam, Secret Garden and Béla Fleck.
Audiovisual recordings of singing sessions, and recordings of individual singers made in public and private venues, organised by Inishowen Traditional Singers' Circle, in Inishowen, Co. Donegal, 1996-2003. Occasionally also includes music and dance.
Original typed and photocopied letters, faxes and contracts from various solicitors and copyright agencies to Derek Bell. All material relates to The Chieftains. Includes two letters which relate to the registering of musical works with the Performing Right Society (PRS), London, England and the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), Dublin. Includes letter from Greg Meagher, PRS, London, England to Derek Bell about registering Derek Bell and Paddy Moloney’s arrangement of ‘The Coolin and Sean Coolin’ with PRS (25 July 1988); also includes letter from Andy Godfrey, Chrysalis Music, Bramley Road, London, England writing on behalf of IMRO to Derek Bell, Bangor and Seán Potts, Dublin ‘regarding some confusion over the song ‘Lonesome’. Two entries exist in the IMRO database for the song ‘one shows Seán Potts as sole arranger and the other shows Seán Potts and Derek Bell as joint arrangers’. Godfrey wants to know ‘which of the two is correct’. (15 July ?)
Original certificates for various nominations and awards received by The Chieftains. Includes Grammy certificates awarded by The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences to The Chieftains for the following nominations: the ‘Best ethnic or traditional folk recording, The grey fox album (1983); ‘Best traditional folk recording, Celtic wedding album (1987); ‘Best country instrumental performance ‘Cotton-eyed Joe’ (track from Another country ) (1992); ‘Best pop instrumental performance, ‘Tahitian skies’ (track from Another country )’ (1992); ‘Best country vocal collaboration ‘Killybegs’ (track from Another country )’ (1992); ‘Best traditional folk album, An Irish evening live at the Grand Opera House, Belfast ’ (1992); ‘Best contemporary folk album, Another country ’ (1992); ‘Best contemporary folk album, The long black veil (1995); ‘Best pop collaboration with vocals ‘Have I told you lately that I love you?’ (1995); ‘Best pop instrumental performance ‘An gaoth aneas’ (1997); ‘Best pop collaboration with vocals ‘Shenandoah’ (with Van Morrison) (1998); ‘Best traditional folk album Long journey home ’ (1998); ‘Best country instrumental performance ‘Sally Goodin’ (with Earl Scruggs)’ (2002); ‘Best contemporary folk album Down the old plank road ’ (2002).
