Joe Feeney
August 15, 1931 – April 16, 2008
Joe Feeney began singing at a very young age while growing up in Nebraska. After graduating from high school, he began entering singing contests where he did quite well and even appeared on Arlene Francis’ Talent Patrol program. It was in 1956 that his boss at a Omaha radio station sent his tapes to the offices of Lawrence Welk. Welk offered him a job on his show. Feeney’s run on the show continued until it ended production in 1982. His renditions of Irish classics were among the favorites of Welk’s audiences. Feeney served in the US Army during the Korean War and had the honor of not only singing for five US Presidents, but for Pope Paul VI. Feeney died as a result of emphysema in April 16, 2008 even though he never smoked. It is thought that he may have come down with the illness from the many years of performing at smoke-filled venues. One of his ten children is Chris Feeney, who sings in the LA Opera company.
The great Joe Feeney was My reason for watching Lawrence Welk all those years. What incredible talent! Galway Bay….I could listen to him sing that song all night!! We lost a great Irish tenor when Joe stopped singing.