Kennedy, Jimmy (1902-1984), was one of the most successful Irish songwriters of the mid-1900’s. He wrote more than 1,000 popular songs. Kennedy’s biggest hits included “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic,” “Red Sails in the Sunset,” “South of the Border,” “Isle of Capri,” “Harbour Lights,” “Istanbul (Not Constantinople),” and “Love Is Like a Violin.” His “Cokey-Cokey” became popular as the dance “The Hokey-Cokey.” Many of Kennedy’s best-known songs were written during a collaboration with his English partner Michael Carr from 1934 to 1939.
James Kennedy was born on July 20, 1902, in Omagh, County Tyrone, in Northern Ireland. He grew up in Portstewart, County Derry, and was educated at University College, Dublin. He worked as a teacher of English before taking up songwriting full-time. Kennedy was a friend of the American singer Bing Crosby, who recorded nine of his songs. Kennedy died on April 6, 1984.
