Harry McCarthy (1834–1888), also known as Harry Macarthy, was a songwriter from Ireland, where he became a variety entertainer and comedian in the mid 19th century.

Career

In 1861 he wrote the song "

The Bonnie Blue Flag "The Bonnie Blue Flag", also known as "We Are a Band of Brothers", is an 1861 marching song associated with the Confederate States of America. The words were written by the entertainer Harry McCarthy, with the melody taken from the song " The ...

," about the unofficial first

Confederate flag The flags of the Confederate States of America have a history of three successive designs during the American Civil War. The flags were known as the "Stars and Bars", used from 1861 to 1863; the "Stainless Banner", used from 1863 to 1865; and ...

, using the tune from "The Irish Jaunting Car." The song was extremely popular, rivaling "

Dixie Dixie, also known as Dixieland or Dixie's Land, is a nickname for all or part of the Southern United States. While there is no official definition of this region (and the included areas have shifted over the years), or the extent of the area i ...

" as a

Confederate A confederation (also known as a confederacy or league) is a political union of sovereign states united for purposes of common action. Usually created by a treaty, confederations of states tend to be established for dealing with critical issu ...

anthem. The song lost some of its popularity when, late in the war, McCarthy left the South for

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...

In popular culture

* McCarthy is portrayed in a cameo role in the 2003 film ''God and Generals'' where he is played by actor Damon Kirsche. He stands on an impromptu outdoor stage and sings "The Bonnie Blue Flag" to a gathering of the

Army of Northern Virginia The Army of Northern Virginia was a field army of the Confederate States Army in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War. It was also the primary command structure of the Department of Northern Virginia. It was most often arrayed agains ...

high command. The musicians playing with Macarthy are David Kincaid and the 2nd South Carolina String Band.

References

Irish emigrants to the United States 1834 births 1888 deaths Irish male songwriters {{Songwriter-stub