John F Mitchell (c1853-1888) was a highly successful songwriter with a relatively short career. His first songs were published in Britain in 1877 and he wrote many highly successful songs for established performers like his wife, Marie le Blanc, Walter Munroe and Pat Feeney. He specialised in comic and romantic songs about Ireland and the Irish and was described as a popular Irish balladist. Mitchell moved to New York in c1885 and for a while continued his success in American vaudeville, forging close links with stars like Tony Pastor. He suffered a rapid decline in his fortunes and was admitted to hospital in New York in November 1888, penniless. He died of consumption aged 35.
These are some songs of his which have entered traditional singing:
- Agricultural Irish Girl(1885)
- Baby’s got a tooth (1878)
- Clara Nolan’s Ball (1885)
- The Exile’s Lament (1884)
- Gilhooley’s supper party (1888)
- Molly Flynn (1879)
- The Man that struck O’Hara (1886)
- The Scotch Brigade (1884)
- The Ship that carries me home. (1885)
Last Updated on July 21, 2025 by John Baxter | Published: July 13, 2025
