The Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA) is committed to providing free, universal access to the rich cultural tradition of Irish music, song and dance. If you’re able, we’d love for you to consider a donation. Any level of support will help us preserve and grow this tradition for future generations.
This project is co-funded by Ireland’s Department of Culture, Communications & Sport and Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade as part of America 250.
Josh Dukes is regarded as an accomplished Irish traditional musician and All Ireland champion in accompaniment, admired for the strength of his musicianship, the depth of his tradition, and the distinction he brings to every setting in which he performs. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, he has become highly regarded on various instruments including bouzouki, bodhrán, flute, tin whistle and céilí drums, and for an accompanying style marked by taste, lift, and a rare understanding of the old music. He also served with great distinction in the United States Army’s Escort to the President, The Old Guard, where he rose through the ranks as one of the drum majors, an honour reflecting both his discipline and his command as a musician. Over the years, he has performed and recorded with many notable artists in the tradition, including Dylan Foley, Brendan Mulvihill, Billy McComiskey, Cillian Vallely, and Kevin Crawford, and has contributed to commercial recordings such as The New York Connection, To Keep the Candle Burning, Cover the Buckle, and Haymaker. His musical foundation was shaped by his first teacher, Rob Greenway, and by the lasting influence of Brendan Mulvihill, Billy McComiskey, and Brian Gaffney.