Green_Linnet_Records

Green Linnet Records

Green Linnet Records is an independent record label specializing in music loosely grouped as 'Celtic'. Founded by Lisa Null and Patrick Sky in the early 1970s, it was initially based in Null's house before moving to Danbury, Connecticut after being taken over by Wendy Newton. The latter's love of Irish music had been struck during a visit to Ireland where she heard traditional music for the first time in a small pub in County Clare. Running Green Linnet she would go on to sign Altan, Capercaillie, The Tannahill Weavers and many other significant bands and musicians. In 1992 an offshoot called Xenophile Records appeared covering music from Madagascar, Nigeria, Cuba and other countries. In 1997 Green Linnet launched Celtophile Records to offer budget-priced compilations.

From its founding until its sale in 2006 Green Linnet was one of the most influential Celtic music labels, releasing hundreds of albums by a panoply of Irish, Scottish, Breton, Galician and Irish-American musicians. In 2002, the label was sued for unpaid royalties by a number of bands including Cherish the Ladies and Altan. Most artists were paid and most claims were settled in 2006. There remains, however, a number of outstanding claims that have yet to be resolved (and in one case has been actively ignored and blocked by Green Linnet) thus spoiling the legacy left behind by Green Linnet and its erstwhile owner Wendy Newton.

In May 2006 the label was sold to Digital Music Group, an aggregator of downloadable music; DMG in turn sold the rights to manufacture and distribute Green Linnet and Xenophile physical compact discs to Compass Records. The Green Linnet catalog remains available at www.greenlinnet.com.

Source of the name "Green Linnet"

A linnet is a red-breasted song bird known for its twills and twitters, however in the Irish rebel song tradition the name "Green Linnet" has a specific meaning. It was the code name for Napoleon Bonaparte whom they hoped would break the chains of British rule. Indeed in the early 19th century the Society of United Irishmen (the Irish independence organization led by Theobald Wolfe Tone and Robert Emmet), allied themselves with France against Britain, but as history would prove, to no effect. The songs, however, were passed down to latter generations.