The Pattersons

• Dorothy Patterson
• Christine Patterson
• Billy Patterson
• Ronnie Patterson
  
  
  Publicity still from 1971

Bio:

Family vocal harmony quartet who mixed folk with pop. Their sound was similar at times to The Faraway Folk, the Seekers, or a sweeter version of The Johnstons first LP. At their best, they presented a superior sunshine pop-folk with twin female vocals, best exemplified by their third LP "I Can Fly", released in 1970, though some would rate the more Seekers-esque second LP "Again" from the year before as their best. "Again" was produced by Seekers producer Tom Springfield. Their simple style rarely rose above average and the bulk of their material is pleasant easy listening.

The Pattersons signed to CBS Records in 1968 who released their debut single "Drill Ye Tarriers Drill". Their second single "I Don't Want To Be A Memory" was a big hit in Ireland the same year, reaching #2 in the Irish charts. During 1969-70 they made numerous appearances on the Morecambe & Wise show, raising their profile considerably. They also had their own show 'Patterson's People' in 1969 (BBC?). The older sister Dorothy left the group in June 1969.

After the relative highs of "Again" (1969) and "I Can Fly" (1970), the Pattersons switched labels to MAM Records, for whom they recorded one disappointing LP in 1970. It was 18 months before the follow-up emerged, "The Pattersons At Home", released on Polydor Ireland in 1973. This was to be their last LP. The Pattersons retired sometime circa 1975, ceasing to exist as a professional recording or touring unit, but performing on occasion.

Publicity still from 1971

Still gigging in 1974 - advert for a gig at Leisureland, Galway on December 26th

side one:
Drill Ye Tarriers
Travelling People
Quare Bungle Rye
Love Is Teasin
Early Morning Rain
Old Maid
Do Lord

side two:
The Unicorn
Whisky On A Sunday
The Humble Song
The Cruel War
Four Strong Winds
Irish Soldier Laddie
Hills Of Connemara

tracklisting:
Scarborough Fair
Don't Answer Me
The Flower of Savado
Leaves That Are Green
The World Will Never Turn Again
A Man For All Colours
Come By The Hills
I Don't Want To Be A Memory
My Friend The Sea
In the Hills of Shiloh
Montego Bay
Gentle On My Mind
No More Good Times

side one:
Durham Town (The Leaving Of)
Both Sides Now
I'll Be Alright
It's Such A Lovely Painting, Mrs. Custer
The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
An Cailin Deas
World Of Love

side two:
What Would You Do
The Sound Of Silence
Sweet Memories
Fugacity
Mary From Dunloe
Sing Me Sunshine
I Can Fly

side one:
Fifi O'Toole
Tell The Little Children
Lord Shine Your Light On Me
Little Bird
Catch Another Butterfly
Carnival

side two:
The Power And The Glory
Will You Take Me With You
Dancing On The Grass
Make Me An Instrument Of Your Peace
Throw A Little Lovin' My Way
The Show Must Go On

side one:
Lagan Love
Spinning Wheel
Fear An Phoist
In The Gloaming
Sean Dun Na nGall
Mountain Dew

side two:
Eileen Og
Cuttin' the Corn Around Cresslagh
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Carolan's Concerto
The Old House
Gortnamona

Help!: We need your help to complete this entry. If you can tell us more about this band then please do! We welcome any corrections, missing details, connections to other bands, where are they now, etc. We also need photos, scans, copies of releases or live or demo recordings, and any other memorabilia gathering dust in the attic. If you can help, then please get in touch.