LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the life and legacy of John Chancellor
Olcott, distinguished Irish-American actor, singer, and songwriter

WHEREAS, New York State has long been the birthplace and home to great
historical figures, men and women who, through their great personal and
professional achievements, have contributed to the development of our
Nation's rich cultural life; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly pleased to honor the life and
legacy of John Chancellor Olcott, distinguished Irish-American actor,
singer, and songwriter, to be celebrated on the anniversary of his death
on Friday, March 18, 2016, in conjunction with the observance of St.
Patrick's Day; and
WHEREAS, John Chancellor "Chauncey" Olcott was born on July 21, 1858,
in Buffalo, New York; his mother, the former Margaret Doyle was a native
of Killeagh, County Cork, Ireland; and
WHEREAS, During the early years of his career, Chauncey Olcott
performed in minstrel shows, before leaving to study singing in London
during the 1880s; he returned to the United States in 1886, and made his
Broadway debut as Pablo in the show, "Pepita"; and
WHEREAS, After becoming a star on Broadway, Chauncey Olcott succeeded
William J. Scanlan in 1893 as the leading tenor in sentimental operettas
on Irish themes, and performed in a variety of Irish inspired roles for
the rest of his life; and
WHEREAS, Known for being an accomplished songwriter, Chauncey Olcott
captured the mood of his Irish-American audience by mixing melodic and
rhythmic phrases from traditional Irish music; and
WHEREAS, During his illustrious career, Chauncey Olcott skillfully
combined the roles of tenor, actor, lyricist and composer in numerous
major productions; he also wrote the complete scores for many Irish
musicals, including "Sweet Inniscara" in 1897, "A Romance of Athlone" in
1899, "Garret O'Magh" in 1901, and "Old Limerick Town" in 1902; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this esteemed artist collaborated with other
leading auteurs in such popular works as "The Irish Artist" in 1894,
"Barry of Ballymore" in 1910, "Macushla" in 1912, and "The Isle O'
Dreams" in 1913; and
WHEREAS, Many of Chauncey Olcott's musical numbers and collaborations
achieved tremendous success including "My Wild Irish Rose" from "A
Romance of Athlone", "Mother Machree" from "Barry of Ballymore", and
"When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" from "The Isle O' Dreams"; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tremendous entertainment career, Chauncey
Olcott never forgot his Buffalo roots, and often returned to perform in
the local opera house; and
WHEREAS, In 1925, Chauncey Olcott was forced to retire due to serious
illness, and moved to Monte Carlo where he died in 1932; and
WHEREAS, Chauncey Olcott's life story was memorialized in the 1947
film, "My Wild Irish Rose" based on the biography, SONG IN HIS HEART, by
his widow, Rita Olcott; and
WHEREAS, His name and legacy continues to live on in the numerous
musicals and songs which have become a beloved part of the history of
American music; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for John Chancellor Olcott and for all of
the individuals who have worked to bring proper attention to his legacy,

which truly merits recognition in the grand panorama of the history of
our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and legacy of John Chancellor Olcott, distinguished
Irish-American actor, singer, and songwriter; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of John Chancellor Olcott.