A St. Patrick's Day Playlist

St. Patrick’s Day is here, and while many will be celebrating with green beer and parades, we at Creative Pulse Nashville are taking a different approach—honoring the Irish influence on music. Whether you realize it or not, Irish folk traditions have shaped the sounds of Americana, country, bluegrass, and modern folk music in more ways than one.

The Irish Roots of American Music

Irish immigrants brought their storytelling traditions, fiddle tunes, and acoustic ballads to the U.S., leaving a lasting imprint on what would later evolve into bluegrass, folk, and even country music. The Celtic influence is woven into Nashville’s musical DNA, from the way songs are structured to the instruments we associate with folk and Americana today.

Artists like Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, and Van Morrison have all drawn inspiration from Irish sounds. Even contemporary folk musicians like The Civil Wars and Nickel Creek echo the spirit of traditional Irish ballads with their melancholic melodies and raw acoustic arrangements.

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve put together a Creative Pulse Nashville Playlist that blends traditional Irish folk, Celtic-inspired Americana, and Nashville artists influenced by Irish music.

Creative Pulse Nashville St. Patrick’s Day Playlist

1. The Chieftains & Alison Krauss – “Molly Bán” (A perfect blend of Celtic folk and American roots music.)

2. Flogging Molly – “If I Ever Leave This World Alive” (Punk-infused Irish folk energy.)

3. The Pogues – “Dirty Old Town” (Gritty storytelling meets folk tradition.)

4. Gillian Welch – “Orphan Girl” (A haunting folk ballad with Irish undertones.)

5. Steve Earle – “Galway Girl” (A classic Irish American

fusion.)

6. Nickel Creek – “When in Rome” (Bluegrass with clear Celtic influences.)

7. Van Morrison – “Into the Mystic” (An ethereal folk classic with Irish soul.)

8. Lúnasa – “Morning Nightcap” (Traditional Irish instrumental magic.)

9. Chris Thile & Michael Daves – “Billy in the Lowground” (Fast-picking folk with a Celtic feel.)

10. Emmylou Harris – “Green Pastures” (A nod to Irish-Appalachian roots.)

11. The Civil Wars – “My Father’s Father” (Haunting harmonies with folk roots.)

12. Neil Young – “Heart of Gold” (Timeless, melodic folk with an Irish-like charm.)

Join Us for a St. Patrick’s Week Jam!

Feeling inspired? Bring an Irish tune to this week’s Creative Pulse Open Mic! Whether it’s an old folk song, a fiddle tune, or an original piece with Celtic vibes, we’d love to hear it. St. Patrick’s Day is all about music, storytelling, and community, which is exactly what we’re all about, too.

Got a favorite Irish-influenced song? Drop it in the comments! Let’s celebrate the music that connects us all, from Ireland to Nashville.