Folk music is truly a universal genre. While America had legends like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, Ireland had Mary Black, 70, who has been captivating fans with her soulful voice and penetrating lyrics for more than 45 years.
Black recently announced to her fans that her decades-long journey as a touring artist is officially coming to an end with a final tour in Ireland in 2026.
“I’ve been thinking long and hard about retiring and have finally decided that the time has come for me to step away from life on the road… this next Irish tour will be my last: The Slán Tour,” she wrote on her website. “It’s been an incredible journey over the past 45+ years, full of highs, some challenges, and many unforgettable moments. While it’s not easy to say goodbye, I know the time is right to close this chapter.”
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Mary Black’s Incredible Folk Career
Black comes from a musical family but first caught public attention as a member of the group General Humbert. In 1983, she released her first solo album, and her breakthrough came in 1989 with No Frontiers, both the album and its hit single of the same name. That project brought her international recognition, and she went on to record dozens of albums and collect accolades across Ireland and Europe.
In 1993, Black duetted with Joan Baez on a haunting cover of Bob Dylan‘s famed hit Ring Them Bells. She has also covered several other Dylan songs, including To Make You Feel My Love, Forever Young, and Lay Down Your Weary Tune.
On August 1, Black joined other Irish performers and the group Mothers Against Genocide to release A Mother’s Heart for Palestine, a song written in solidarity with mothers living through wartime.
“When I was asked to be part of this recording project for Mothers Against Genocide, I immediately agreed,” Black said. “Lending our voices to the mothers of Palestine might be a small gesture, but if it highlights the terrible injustices and gives some solace to the people of Palestine, then it’s really worthwhile.”
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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