Born in Birmingham to parents from County Roscommon, John McEvoy began playing the fiddle in his early teens and was greatly influenced by Paddy Ryan, Brendan McGlinchey and Brendan Mulvihill, all of whom were influential figures in Birmingham’s thriving Irish music community during the 1970s. In 1973 he moved to Ireland where, under the guidance of Patsy Hanly, he played with many of Roscommon’s finest musicians, including Josie McDermott, Tommy Flynn and Packie Duignan.

After returning briefly to Birmingham to continue his studies, he remained active on the city’s vibrant traditional music scene before settling in Dublin in 1978. There he became immersed in its flourishing music scene, with regular sessions alongside John Kelly and Joe Ryan fostering a lifelong affinity for the West Clare fiddle tradition. Together with John Kelly Jnr. and Mick Hand, he co-founded the renowned Thursday Night Club, which frequently hosted the legendary Tommie Potts.

John has performed with Keeperhill, Kelp, Donal Lunny’s Órcheilteach and Seán Potts’ Bakerswell, toured extensively, and has taught fiddle at the Willie Clancy Summer School since 1980. His recordings include collaborations with his sister, Gradam Ceoil recipient Catherine McEvoy, John Wynne and Gatehouse. With his partner, Jacinta McEvoy, he released an album of his own compositions featuring their children, Fiadhna, Paddy and Conor, all accomplished musicians.