After ” When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” which he co-wrote, “My Wild Irish Rose” is probably the most famous song Irish-American Chauncey Olcott churned out. The inspiration for this solo composition was revealed by his wife Margaret after his death. On a visit to his mother’s homeland in 1898, a young boy gave her a flower. When she asked him what it was called he replied, “A wild Irish Rose.” She put the flower in an album, and later when her husband asked her for suggestions for a song title she opened the album, pointed to it and said: “There’s the title for your new song.” My Wild Irish Rose was written in 1898.
Songs with Banjo from Harold Hagler
