The Irish Musicians Association of America was founded on Sunday, August 19, 1956. The inaugural convention, organized by Frank Thornton, was held in the Walnut Room of the Midland Hotel – 172 W. Adams Street, Chicago. In attendance were musicians from Chicago, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, Cleveland, Houston and Kansas City.
The state of Illinois bestowed a charter on the Association as a “not for profit” organization on January 13, 1958. The five signatories of the IMA Charter were: Frank Thornton, Kevin Henry, Johnny McGreevy, Jimmy Neary and Jimmy Donnelly.
Aims of the Association: “To promote, teach and keep alive the traditional music of Ireland.
The Founding Members:
Tommy Caulfield
James Donnelly
John Doyle
Bob Flatley
Patrick Garvey
Martin J. Hardiman
Kevin Henry
Dan Lynch
John McGreevy
Eleanor Kane Neary
James Neary
Executive Officers:
Martin J. Hardiman – Hon. Chairman
Frank J. Thornton – Chairman
John McGreevy – Secretary
James Neary – Treasurer
James Neary, Jr.
Louis E. Quinn
Edward Reavy
Pat Roche
Frank J. Thornton
State Representatives:
James Donnelly – Illinois
Louis E. Quinn – New York
Edward Reavy & Tommy Caulfield – Pennsylvania
Tom Senier – Massachusetts
James Giblin – Cleveland
Rev. Fr. William J Kennelly – Texas
Thomas F. Shine – Missouri
Maurice O’Halloran – Michigan