Jim Corr

A singer-songwriter who has lived life from rodeo cowboy to tall ship sailor, Jim brings a unique authenticity to his performances. Singing many of his own compositions he is one of the few who has actually done the work described in the shanties (and a bit more besides). Jim has previously recently issued an album on iTunes “Travelling Man”, generously donating all proceeds to the RNLI. [Checking 12 April 2025 there are no current tracks or albums by Jim Corr on either Apple Music or iTunes.]

Although born in Dungannon and currently living in Gortin Jim Corr is a member of the Navajo tribe. How this came about was just part of a fascinating life story. At the age of 24 Jim packed in school teaching and went to America where he soon found himself living and working among Native Americans. First with the Sioux and Apache he later won the respect of the Navajo people and became an adopted member of the tribe. He spoke with feeling about Native American traditions and how in many parts of the United States, tribes struggle for acceptance. From there he travelled on and worked some time as cowboy, carrying a pistol and spending 6 – 8 hours a day in the saddle. After a spell as rodeo rider he enrolled in Pittsburg University where he took a Master’s degree in Special Education. Back in the classroom he found himself working with adolescents who exhibited, what educationalists call, “challenging behaviour”. To instill a sense of self-worth and self-discipline in his pupils he arranged challenging expeditions for them – taking them to sea in tall ships as part of the crew. Recruited by a shipping company that owned three schooners he spent the next 30 years running an education programme which won several awards from the American Sail Training Association. A talented banjo player who in his youth played with Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers, he ended his session with the Probus club by performing a couple of his own songs inspired by his experiences as a travelling man. [Omagh Probus Club]

He had a brother with whom he used to perform, named Brian Corr, who is now deceased.  Jim Corr’s birthday is May 8th; for his birthday wishes he asks that his friends and supporters donate to RNLI.

Jim Corr has a playlist on SoundCloud.  He also has a second Facebook page here.

Not to be confused with Jim Corr from the band, The Corrs.