Overview
Overview
“Charley O’Hegarty who sang with Starboard List also sang with Shanty Crew …”
From a letter from Chris Roche, head man of The Shanty Crew, 12 Feb, 2024.
“Ah, perfect timing, out today at last an album of my dear friend and sometime bandmate, Isle-Of-Dogs-born Charles O’Hegarty. A former Royal Marine, Charles made his way to the States as a traditional singer and remarkable songwriter, and despite a long career on both sides of the Pond, as a solo, and part of The Apostolic Family and of maritime groups The Starboard List and The Press Gang, never gained the renown he deserved during his lifetime. Now Lollipoppe Shoppe in Berlin has released an LP/CD/booklet package https://lollipoppeshoppe.bandcamp.com/album/the-more-i-travel to document and celebrate his work. He was a jewel then and the intimate urgency of his songs still abides – go listen to the first three tracks, recorded at Apostolic Studios, and you’ll see what I mean…”
“He arrived in the States in the ‘60s and after a career of performing and songwriting returned to die in England in the next century. He worked solo, and as part of The Starboard List and The Press Gang, but never had a recording of his own until long after his death in 2010. Although a captivating performer, with a unique, compressor-like guitar sound, fate and personal choices prevented deserved recognition until Lollipoppe Shoppe collected his solo‘60s efforts from radio, festivals, and publishing demos, some clear as a bell, some a little chaotic but revealing nonetheless.”
From a Facebook post by John Townley 11 October, 2022
Greetings to all. John Townley posted news of Charles O’Hegarty and a release of his songs, and how to get the recording. I hope lots of folks will buy it. Charles died some years ago in London, UK, his hometown. He was totally authentic, a mighty singer, a great raconteur, and the driving force of The Starboard List. Sadly, he had problems with the drink which eventually got the better of him. He was a wonderful fellow, and was loved by so many. He is still remembered with much love, in Gloucester, Mass. Charles and I were both born on the Isle of Dogs in the East End of London.
From a Facebook post by David Jones via the Starboard List Facebook page.
Curated History
When performing and recording with The Shanty Crew he went by Charlie Hegarty.